The Foundation House

Hello, Michigan dance families and aspiring artists! If you're on the hunt for a dance studio that truly emphasizes strong technique, fosters a love for movement, and builds confident, well-rounded dancers, then you simply must explore The Foundation House in Livonia. This isn't just another dance school; it's a vibrant and welcoming space built on the passion and expertise of its owners, Bianca Bousamra Janas and Jason Janas. Their vision is to provide a solid "foundation" in dance, ensuring that every student, from beginner to advanced, develops the skills and artistry needed to excel. The Foundation House is renowned for its exceptional instructors, diverse class offerings, and a supportive environment that makes everyone feel like part of the family, even those just walking in for their first class. Whether you're looking for recreational enjoyment, a challenging workout, or serious pre-professional training, this Livonia gem offers a truly enriching experience right here in our beloved Great Lakes State. Let's dive deeper into what makes The Foundation House a standout choice for dance education in Michigan.

The Foundation House is conveniently located at 11936 Farmington Rd, Livonia, MI 48150, USA. This prime location in Livonia offers excellent accessibility for families throughout Livonia and the wider Metro Detroit area. Farmington Road is a major thoroughfare, making the studio easy to find and reach from neighboring communities such as Farmington Hills, Westland, Redford, and Dearborn. Its central placement within Livonia ensures a smooth and efficient commute for busy parents and students, reducing travel time and supporting consistent class attendance. Ample parking is typically available at the facility, further adding to the convenience for drop-offs and pick-ups. Being situated in a well-established area of Livonia, The Foundation House benefits from a community-oriented environment while remaining highly accessible to a broad population seeking quality dance instruction in Southeast Michigan. This strategic location contributes significantly to the studio's ability to serve a diverse student body.

The Foundation House offers a comprehensive and dynamic array of dance classes and programs designed to cater to dancers of all ages and skill levels, from recreational enthusiasts to aspiring professionals. Their curriculum emphasizes building a strong technical foundation across various dance forms. Here are some of the key services and classes you can expect:

• Core Dance Styles: The studio provides in-depth instruction in a variety of fundamental dance disciplines, including:
  • Ballet: Essential for developing grace, strength, and core technique, often taught by instructors like Jessica.
  • Pointe: Advanced ballet technique for eligible students with sufficient training.
  • Jazz: Energetic and dynamic, incorporating various jazz styles and techniques, with instructors like Mira.
  • Contemporary: Emphasizing fluidity, emotional expression, and unique movement, often choreographed by studio owner Bianca.
  • Hip Hop: Modern street styles with a focus on rhythm, sharp movements, and personal expression.
  • Tap: Rhythmic and percussive, focusing on intricate footwork and musicality, with instruction from world-class teacher Jason.
• Specialized Technical Training:
  • Jumps/Turns/Leaps: Dedicated classes to refine these essential dance elements, enhancing overall performance and skill.
  • Stretch/Conditioning: Programs focused on improving flexibility, strength, and injury prevention, crucial for all dancers.
• Recreational Classes: For students who want to enjoy dance, learn new skills, and stay active without the commitment of competitive dance.
• Competitive Dance Team: For dedicated dancers seeking a more intensive experience, The Foundation House offers a competitive company. Students have opportunities to travel and perform, building strong team bonds and challenging themselves artistically. Auditions are held for various age groups (e.g., 4-7, 8-12, 13-18).
• Classes for All Ages: The studio welcomes a wide range of ages, from young children taking their first dance steps to older teenagers with extensive competitive experience, ensuring suitable placement for everyone.
• Walk-in Classes: The studio offers flexibility with walk-in class options, allowing dancers to try out classes without an initial commitment.
• Two-Day Intensives: Specialized short-term programs that provide focused, in-depth training in specific areas of dance.

The Foundation House stands out in the Michigan dance scene due to several distinct features and highlights that consistently receive rave reviews and contribute to its strong reputation. These attributes make it a truly exceptional place for dance education:

• World-Class Instructors and Owners: The studio boasts an "amazing team" of instructors, including owners Bianca Bousamra Janas (a noted contemporary choreographer) and Jason Janas (a "world-class tap dance teacher" who still performs). Mira for jazz and Jessica for ballet further round out a faculty praised for their talent, expertise, and dedication to strong technique.
• Emphasis on Strong Technical Foundation: The core philosophy of The Foundation House is to build a "strong FOUNDATION in technique." This commitment ensures that students are not just learning routines but developing the fundamental skills that will make them well-rounded and versatile dancers. Reviews highlight the quality of "instruction, technique that was taught and the talent of these teachers."
• Welcoming and Supportive Environment: Despite catering to competitive dancers, the studio is highly praised for being incredibly "welcoming" and making new students "feel at ease and comfortable." Reviewers note that everyone is "very outgoing, helpful and welcomed her," fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere.
• Holistic Dancer Development: Beyond technical skill, the instructors are committed to making children "well-rounded dancers." This suggests an emphasis on artistry, performance quality, and personal growth alongside physical prowess.
• Exciting Competitive Opportunities: For students seeking a more challenging path, the competitive team offers "lots of fun memories traveling" and pushes dancers to excel, appealing to those with aspirations beyond recreational dance.
• Owner Involvement and Passion: Bianca and Jason are not just owners; they are active teachers who clearly "love the art of dance" and are eager to "share our knowledge and love for the art of dance with our current and future students and parents." This passion permeates the studio.
• Diverse Styles Taught by Specialists: The studio's strength lies in offering a variety of core styles, each taught by instructors who are highly skilled in that specific genre, ensuring specialized and high-quality instruction across the board.
• Flexibility for New Students: The option for "walk-in classes" is a significant highlight for those unsure about committing to a full session, allowing prospective students to experience the studio's environment and teaching quality firsthand.

For those interested in joining The Foundation House or learning more about their dance programs, here is their contact information:

• Address: 11936 Farmington Rd, Livonia, MI 48150, USA
• Phone: (313) 320-8777

We highly recommend reaching out directly to The Foundation House for the most current information on class schedules, registration details, competitive team auditions, and any specific inquiries regarding their wide range of dance styles and programs. Bianca, Jason, and their team will be delighted to provide guidance and welcome you to their studio.

For locals across Michigan, particularly those in Livonia and the surrounding Metro Detroit area, The Foundation House is an outstanding and highly suitable choice for dance education. Its suitability is firmly rooted in its commitment to building a "strong FOUNDATION in technique," ensuring that every student receives comprehensive, high-quality instruction across diverse dance styles like ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary. The studio is led by experienced and passionate owners, Bianca and Jason, who are not only exceptional dancers and choreographers themselves but also genuinely care about the development of their students. This dedication is echoed by the entire "amazing team" of instructors. The highly welcoming and supportive environment, even for new walk-in students, creates a comfortable space where dancers can truly thrive and build confidence. Whether a child is just starting their dance journey or a seasoned competitive dancer is looking for a new challenge, The Foundation House provides a nurturing yet rigorous setting. For Michigan families seeking a dance studio that emphasizes strong technical training, fosters artistic expression, and cultivates a positive, family-like community right here in Livonia, The Foundation House is an unparalleled destination for building well-rounded dancers.

Here is a video that shows some foundational house dance steps, relevant to a studio that focuses on building a strong foundation in dance: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09chxz-lRzI)

The Foundation House

11936 Farmington Rd, Livonia, MI 48150, USA