The Dance Shoppe

For over 40 years, families across Michigan, especially those in Waterford Township and the surrounding Oakland County area, have found a true home for dance at The Dance Shoppe. This long-standing and highly regarded studio has built a reputation for providing not just dance instruction, but a nurturing environment where students of all ages and abilities can discover their passion for movement, build confidence, and truly shine. The Dance Shoppe believes that "Everyone is a Star!" and this philosophy is evident in their welcoming atmosphere and dedication to each dancer's growth.

From the moment tiny feet take their first ballet steps in a preschool program to seasoned dancers perfecting intricate pointe work or competing on a performance team, The Dance Shoppe offers a comprehensive and engaging experience. Students consistently express their love for the studio, often considering it their "second home," a testament to the strong community and supportive bonds formed within its walls. With highly talented and dedicated teachers, a wide variety of dance styles, and a commitment to strong technical training, The Dance Shoppe in Waterford, MI, stands as a premier destination for anyone looking to embark on or continue their dance journey in a positive and encouraging setting.

The Dance Shoppe is conveniently located at 3549 Airport Rd #112, Waterford Township, MI 48329, USA. This address places the studio in the heart of Waterford Township, making it easily accessible for residents within Waterford and neighboring communities throughout Oakland County, including White Lake, Clarkston, Commerce Township, and Pontiac. Airport Road is a well-trafficked and familiar thoroughfare in the area, ensuring straightforward navigation for parents and guardians.

The studio's location within a commercial plaza offers practical advantages, typically including ample parking for convenient drop-off and pick-up. Its ease of access from various residential areas and main roads makes it a highly convenient option for busy Michigan families. The central positioning in Waterford Township ensures that quality dance education is readily available to a wide segment of the local population, allowing more children and adults to participate in the enriching world of dance without extensive travel.

The Dance Shoppe prides itself on offering a comprehensive and carefully crafted curriculum that caters to dancers of all ages and levels, from preschoolers to high schoolers and beyond. Their diverse range of dance styles ensures that every student can find a program that sparks their interest and helps them grow. Based on their offerings, some of the key services and classes include:

• Preschool Programs:
  • Creative Movement: For the youngest dancers, focusing on imaginative play and basic movement skills.
  • PreK Ballet/Tap/Tumbling Combo: Designed for ages 4-5, introducing fundamentals of ballet, tap, and tumbling in a fun, combined class.
  • KinderBallet: Ballet specific for kindergarten-aged children.
  • Tot Hop: An introductory hip hop class for young children.
• Recreational Dance Programs (1st Grade and Up): Offering strong technical training for all ages and levels. Dancers in 2nd grade and up are typically evaluated and placed by ability rather than strictly by age to ensure proper challenge and technique development.
  • Ballet: The foundation for all dance forms, stressing proper technique, terminology, grace, and poise. Offered in various levels (Ballet A, and higher levels based on placement).
  • Tap: Using feet as percussion instruments, teaching classical and rhythmic styles, musicality, and rhythm. Offered in various levels (Tap A, and higher levels).
  • Jazz: A popular and evolving dance form with thorough stretches, stylized movements, turns, extensions, and leaps. Offered in various levels (Jazz A, and higher levels).
  • Hip Hop: Choreographed movements set to pop and hip hop music, evolving from the 1970s into various styles like popping, locking, and breaking. Available for 3rd grade and up.
  • Tumbling (Acro): Floor gymnastics done on mats, focusing on flexibility and acrobatic skills. Offered at various levels (Tumbling 1, and higher levels).
  • Pointe: Advanced ballet technique requiring teacher permission, building on a strong ballet foundation.
  • Modern: An introduction to recognizable modern techniques (e.g., Horton, Graham, Cunningham) and basic modern movement, transitions, and quality of movement. Available for 9th grade and up.
  • Lyrical/Contemporary: Often offered as part of higher-level combination classes or specialized technique classes, blending ballet, jazz, and modern for expressive movement.
  • Turns Class: Specializing in placement of turns, working on multiple rotations and variations, requiring teacher permission.
  • All Boys Class: A specific hip hop class for boys (1st grade and up).
• Performance and Competitive Dance Teams: For students interested in a more intensive and performance-oriented experience.
• Annual June Production/Recital: A professional-level show held at Clarkston High School, where all students have the opportunity to perform in a story-driven production with acting, scenery, and special effects.

The Dance Shoppe has cultivated a remarkable environment that offers several key features and highlights, making it a beloved institution for dance education in Waterford Township and across Michigan. These elements contribute to the studio's enduring success and the positive experiences of its dancers:

• Over 40 Years of Excellence: With a legacy spanning more than four decades, The Dance Shoppe boasts a rich history of providing high-quality dance training and fostering a love for dance in countless students.
• Experienced and Talented Teachers: Students consistently praise the "amazing and talented" teachers who not only impart dance skills but also create a supportive and encouraging atmosphere, making learning enjoyable.
• "Where Everyone's a Star!" Philosophy: This core motto underscores the studio's commitment to making every dancer feel valued, confident, and excited to participate, regardless of their age, level, or aspirations.
• Strong Technical Training: The Dance Shoppe emphasizes a solid foundation in dance technique, crucial for progression in any style, ensuring students receive proper instruction from the fundamentals upward.
• Warm and Supportive Community: Dancers and their families often describe the studio as a "second home," highlighting the kind and supportive environment where dancers "make friends" and uplift each other.
• Diverse Age and Skill Range: The studio caters to a wide demographic, with "lots of kids all different ages," from budding ballerinas in preschool to high schoolers and those on competitive teams, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community.
• Professional Annual Productions: Their June recitals are highly acclaimed, described as "much more professional than the typical dance recital." These productions tell a story through dance, acting, scenery, and special effects, providing students with invaluable performance experience in a grand setting.
• Tailored Class Placement: For dancers in 2nd grade and up, placement is based on ability rather than strict age, recognizing individual development rates and ensuring appropriate challenges and growth.
• Commitment to Growth: Beyond steps, the teachers are dedicated to helping students "learn a lot," indicating a focus on continuous improvement and skill enhancement.

To learn more about the extensive programs offered by The Dance Shoppe, inquire about class schedules, or begin your dance journey, please use the following contact details. The friendly staff are ready to assist you.

Address: 3549 Airport Rd #112, Waterford Township, MI 48329, USA

Phone: (248) 623-1950

You can contact The Dance Shoppe via phone during their office hours. Their website also provides detailed information on class schedules, registration, and studio policies, making it easy for Michigan families to connect and get started with their dance education.

For families in Waterford Township and across the greater Michigan area, The Dance Shoppe stands as an exceptional choice for dance education, offering a blend of experience, quality, and community that is truly unique. Its convenient location on Airport Road provides easy access, making it a practical and stress-free option for regular classes. With over four decades of operation, the studio has become a trusted local institution, deeply rooted in the community it serves.

What makes The Dance Shoppe particularly suitable for Michigan locals is its unwavering commitment to a positive and supportive environment, encapsulated in their motto, "Where Everyone's a Star!" This philosophy ensures that whether a child is just starting their dance journey or pursuing advanced competitive goals, they will find a nurturing space to learn and grow. The highly skilled and "amazing" teachers are dedicated to imparting strong technical training across a wide array of styles, from ballet to hip hop and modern, ensuring a well-rounded dance education. Furthermore, the emphasis on building a kind and supportive community, where "dancers are kind and support each other," creates a truly enriching experience beyond just dance steps. For Michigan families seeking a vibrant, encouraging, and professionally run dance studio where their children can thrive, make friends, and develop a lifelong love for dance, The Dance Shoppe in Waterford Township is undoubtedly a top-tier local destination.

The Dance Shoppe

3549 Airport Rd #112, Waterford Township, MI 48329, USA