The Studio

For couples and families across Indianola, Iowa, and the broader Central Iowa region, finding the ideal venue for life's most cherished moments can be a transformative experience. Look no further than The Studio, a truly unique and enchanting space that offers an unforgettable setting for weddings, graduation parties, and a variety of other special events. This article will delve into what makes The Studio in Indianola a local gem, exploring its rich history, its versatile spaces, the comprehensive services it provides, and why it's consistently praised by those who have celebrated within its walls. If you're envisioning an intimate, magical, and perfectly orchestrated event, The Studio is a premier choice right here in Iowa.

The Studio carries a profound sense of history, originally built in 1954 by Ellen Belle Foster, a renowned tap dance and ballet teacher who inspired thousands of lives through dance from 1930 through 1965. This legacy of creativity and community spirit continues today, as the space has been meticulously renovated by current owner Julia Foster. While it once served primarily as the home for Foster-Powell Dance Studio, it has evolved into a stunning and highly functional event venue. As one delighted customer shared about their wedding, it was "a dream come true and perfect for our wedding. A hidden gem!" This blend of historical charm and modern amenities, coupled with a hands-on and supportive team, ensures that every event hosted at The Studio is not just memorable, but truly magical.

The Studio is conveniently located at 104 1/2 W 1st Ave, Indianola, IA 50125, USA. This easily accessible address places the venue in the heart of downtown Indianola, a charming and welcoming city just 10 miles south of Des Moines. Its central location makes it an ideal choice for guests traveling from within Indianola, as well as those coming from various communities across the greater Des Moines metropolitan area, including West Des Moines, Norwalk, Carlisle, and beyond.

Being situated on West 1st Avenue, The Studio benefits from its position within Indianola's walkable downtown, offering a pleasant environment for guests. Ample city-owned parking is available along the property, ensuring convenience for event attendees. The ease of access to The Studio minimizes travel stress, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the celebration. This strategic location not only serves the immediate Indianola community but also provides an attractive alternative to larger, more bustling city venues, offering a unique and intimate setting that still remains highly accessible for anyone in Central Iowa seeking an exceptional event space.

The Studio in Indianola offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to make event planning and execution seamless and stress-free, particularly for weddings and significant celebrations. Their focus on client convenience and creating memorable experiences is evident in their offerings.

• Venue Rental for Diverse Events: The Studio provides its attractive and functional space for a wide array of occasions, including:
  • Weddings and Receptions: Specializing in intimate wedding ceremonies and receptions, perfect for couples seeking a personalized experience. The space can accommodate up to 65 guests for sit-down receptions or 100 for ceremony-only seating.
  • Rehearsal Dinners: A convenient and elegant option for pre-wedding gatherings.
  • Graduation Parties: Highly recommended by past clients for its ease of setup and ideal atmosphere.
  • Open Houses: Versatile for larger gatherings with a more free-flowing format.
  • Baby Showers and Bridal Showers: Charming settings for these special celebrations.
  • Birthday Parties: Suitable for all ages, from children's parties to adult milestones.
  • Retirement Parties: A sophisticated backdrop for honoring careers and achievements.
  • Banquets and Dinners: Space for seated meals, accommodating up to 60 people for sit-down dinners.
  • Seminars and Meetings: An inspiring environment for business functions, company retreats, and workshops.
  • Classes and Arts Programs: The historical roots as a dance studio mean it remains an excellent space for dance classes, yoga, and other artistic pursuits.
• Inclusive Setup and Tear Down: A significant advantage highlighted by happy customers is that the setup and tear down of tables, chairs, and tablecloths are included in the rental. This eliminates a major stressor for hosts, allowing them more time for decorating and enjoying their event.
• Post-Event Cleaning: After your event, The Studio is thoroughly cleaned and restored, relieving clients of cleanup responsibilities.
• Flexible Catering Options: Clients are welcome to use their own caterer or choose from any of the many central Iowa caterers, providing flexibility in dining arrangements.
• Equipped Kitchenette: The venue includes a kitchenette, complete with a freezer, offering convenience for food and beverage service.
• Technical Amenities: Features like an in-house music system (CD and mp3/iPod compatible), which is acoustically designed, and a large and small screen are provided for presentations, music, or visual displays.
• Outdoor Space: An inviting outdoor patio and garden area are available, perfect for ceremonies, cocktails, or simply relaxing. This space can be enhanced with decorative lighting, as noted by a past wedding client.
• Dedicated Support: Owner Julia is consistently praised for being "great to work with," "hands-on and available," providing crucial assistance throughout the planning and execution process.

The Studio in Indianola boasts several remarkable features and highlights that contribute to its charm and functionality as a premier wedding and event venue in Central Iowa. These elements ensure a distinctive and memorable experience for every occasion.

• Historic Charm and Legacy: Built in 1954 by Ellen Belle Foster, a legendary dance teacher, The Studio carries a rich history. This legacy is palpable, adding a unique character and narrative to any event hosted there. Current owner Julia Foster has thoughtfully renovated the space, preserving its historical essence while infusing it with modern elegance.
• Intimate and Versatile Space: With 1100 square feet of column-free working floor space, The Studio is perfectly sized for intimate gatherings. It can comfortably accommodate up to 65 people for sit-down dinners or receptions and up to 100 for ceremony-only seating or open-house style events. Its versatility allows for various event layouts and themes.
• Beautiful Outdoor Garden and Patio: A true "hidden gem," the outdoor garden and patio area provide a magical extension to the indoor space. As one wedding review noted, "Lanterns in the trees outside added a magical feel," making it ideal for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or simply an enchanting backdrop for photos.
• Customizable Lighting and Audio: The venue allows for personalization, including the ability to "chose the color of our light for our feature focal point" indoors. The "acoustically designed" in-house music system is compatible with modern devices, and separate indoor and outdoor speakers mean you can "have 2 different playlists," creating distinct atmospheres for different areas of your event.
• All-Inclusive Setup & Cleanup: A major highlight for event hosts, The Studio includes the setup and tear down of chairs, tables, and tablecloths. Furthermore, they handle all post-event cleaning, providing immense relief and allowing clients "plenty of time for decorating" and enjoying their celebration.
• Supportive and Responsive Management: Owner Julia is consistently praised for being "fantastic to work with," "great to work with," and "right there to help us make the day special." Her hands-on availability and excellent communication are invaluable for event planning, especially for those planning from afar.
• Thoughtful Amenities: The venue comes equipped with a kitchenette (including a freezer), party lights, a serving cart, a reception desk in the foyer, additional tables, free Wi-Fi, and sandwich board signs. These small details add up to a seamless event experience.
• Maple Sprung Wood Floor: A nod to its dance heritage, the maple sprung wood floor not only adds aesthetic appeal but also provides essential shock absorption, making it comfortable for dancing and standing for extended periods.

For inquiries regarding availability, pricing, tours, or to discuss your specific event needs, please contact The Studio using the information below:

Address: 104 1/2 W 1st Ave, Indianola, IA 50125, USA

Phone: (515) 238-9972

Mobile Phone: +1 515-238-9972

For couples and event planners in Indianola and across Central Iowa, The Studio offers an unparalleled choice for creating truly special memories. Its suitability for locals is multifaceted, beginning with its ideal location in charming downtown Indianola, offering easy accessibility without the city bustle. What truly sets The Studio apart, however, is its unique combination of historic elegance and modern convenience, all wrapped in an incredibly supportive service package. The fact that the team handles all "setup and tear down of chairs, tables and table cloths," along with post-event cleaning, is a significant benefit that reduces stress and allows hosts to fully immerse themselves in their celebration, as highlighted by multiple satisfied customers.

Whether you're planning an intimate wedding ceremony in the magical outdoor garden with "lanterns in the trees," a lively graduation party, or a sophisticated corporate event, The Studio's versatile 1100-square-foot space, complete with customizable lighting, high-quality audio, and a sprung maple wood floor, can be transformed to perfectly suit your vision. The consistent praise for Julia, the owner, being "great to work with" and "hands-on and available," underscores the personalized and dedicated service that Iowa locals value. For those seeking a unique, stress-free, and beautifully appointed venue that feels like a true "hidden gem" right here in their community, The Studio in Indianola is undoubtedly the perfect choice to bring their dream event to life.

The Studio

104 1/2, W 1st Ave, Indianola, IA 50125, USA