The Summit Dance Collective

For families and aspiring dancers across Flint, Michigan, and the wider Genesee County area, The Summit Dance Collective (SDC) stands as a beacon of excellence in dance education. This dynamic studio is more than just a place to learn steps; it's a vibrant community where dedication, passion, and artistic expression converge. SDC is committed to helping each individual dancer become the strongest version of themselves, fostering not only exceptional technical skills but also invaluable life lessons in confidence, self-worth, and perseverance.

Founded in June 2016 by the mother-daughter team of Amanda Kaneshiro and Gayle Leyde, The Summit Dance Collective embarked on a mission to provide a safe, enthusiastic environment where every student and family feels welcomed and encouraged. In 2022, as Gayle retired, the studio transitioned into a sister-owned venture with Amanda's youngest sister, Sami Leyde, stepping in as co-owner. Both Amanda and Sami began dancing at two years old, developing a profound passion for dance and a drive to positively impact the dance industry through safe practices and holistic development. With over 25 years of experience in the dance business, the owners and their team believe that dance is about building self-worth, respect, and compassion, in addition to mastering movement. This philosophy permeates every aspect of SDC, making it a place where dancers are shaped to become exceptional performers and true artists, ready to climb and conquer their personal "summit" one dance step at a time.

The Summit Dance Collective is conveniently located at:

4520 Linden Creek Pkwy Suite D, Flint, MI 48507, USA

Situated in Flint, Michigan, a major city in Genesee County, The Summit Dance Collective benefits from a strategic location that is easily accessible to residents throughout the city and surrounding areas such as Grand Blanc, Swartz Creek, and Burton. Linden Creek Parkway is a well-known local thoroughfare, which aids in convenient navigation to the studio. Being located within a commercial complex or park (indicated by "Suite D") typically means there is ample parking available, a significant convenience for parents during busy class times. This accessibility allows families to integrate dance classes seamlessly into their schedules, reducing travel burdens and reinforcing SDC's role as a local hub for artistic development. The studio's presence in Flint contributes to the cultural vibrancy of the community, providing a high-quality option for dance education right in the neighborhood.

The Summit Dance Collective offers a comprehensive and diverse range of dance programs and services designed to cater to dancers of all ages, skill levels, and aspirations. Their curriculum is structured to provide a strong foundation while allowing for exploration of various styles.

• Me and My Shadow (Ages 12m-3): An introductory class for the youngest dancers, focusing on simple movement exercises and basic classroom rules in a parent-inclusive setting.

• Tiny Tots: Creative Movement (Ages 2-3): Introduces fundamental dance concepts, musical awareness, and listening skills through engaging activities, designed for independent participation.

• Combination Classes (Tap/Ballet, Tap/Ballet/Jazz): Fun-filled classes for young dancers (ages 3-8) to learn the basics of essential dance styles, developing fine motor skills and musical awareness.

• Ballet: Offered for various age groups (Petite, Mini, Jr, Teen), ballet is emphasized as the foundation for all dance. Students develop correct body alignment, balance, grace, and discipline while learning classical repertoire.

• Pointe (& Pre-Pointe): The natural progression of Classical Ballet, offered to assessed students who have developed sufficient ankle strength and stability.

• Jazz: A fun, upbeat, and structured style focusing on technique, facial performance, choreography, and musicality, blending classic and contemporary elements for dancers of various ages (Petite, Mini, Jr, Teen).

• Lyrical: An expressive dance form fusing ballet discipline and jazz technique, focusing on emotion and storytelling through movement. Recommended to be paired with Ballet and Jazz classes.

• Hip Hop: High-energy classes (Tiny Dancer, Petite, Mini, Jr, Teen) focusing on personal style, creativity, freestyle, isolations, popping/locking, and b-boying, with roots in jazz, funk, and street dance.

• Acro/Conditioning: Classes (including Acro Fundamentals, Acro+, Acro Adv) to gain strength, flexibility, and confidence, with certified teachers maintaining a "safety first" policy. Focuses on skills up to front and back walkovers, and advanced acrobatics.

• Musical Theatre Dance: Combines technique, storytelling, and show-stopping energy, teaching dancers to develop characters and captivate audiences through movement, facial expressions, and character work.

• Competitive Dance Team: Offers opportunities for experienced dancers ready to take their skills to a competitive level, likely involving rigorous training and performance opportunities.

• Performance Opportunities: Students are typically provided with end-of-season showcases and potentially other performance opportunities to share what they've learned.

• Adult Classes: The studio welcomes adults who want to rekindle their love of dance, suggesting offerings for older students as well.

The Summit Dance Collective distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that contribute to its highly positive reputation in the Michigan dance community:

• Passionate and Experienced Instructors: Reviews consistently praise the "amazing teachers" and owners who are "extremely passionate about what they do" and "always want to help each individual dancer." The co-owners, Amanda Kaneshiro and Sami Leyde, bring decades of personal dance experience and a commitment to creating a safe and inspiring space.

• Holistic Dancer Development: SDC goes beyond just technique, focusing on building "self-worth, respect, and compassion." Their mission emphasizes helping each dancer "climb and conquer the summit within themselves," promoting personal growth alongside artistic skill.

• Kid-Friendly and Developmentally-Appropriate Approach: Their core values include being "Kid Friendly" and "Developmentally-appropriate," ensuring that classes are tailored to the age and stage of each student, making learning enjoyable and effective.

• Inclusivity and Welcoming Environment: SDC champions "Inclusivity," welcoming "All genders, disabilities, races, religions, etc." and is openly 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly, creating a diverse and accepting "Summit fam."

• Strong Focus on Safety: The co-owners are driven by a commitment to "safe practices within the dance industry," particularly highlighted in their Acro programs with certified teachers and a "safety first" policy.

• Beautiful Building and Great Program: A customer review specifically mentions the "beautiful building and a great program," indicating a well-maintained facility conducive to learning and a high-quality overall experience.

• Diverse Class Offerings: With a wide array of styles from Ballet and Tap to Hip Hop, Acro, and Musical Theatre, SDC caters to varied interests and provides comprehensive training pathways.

For inquiries about class registration, schedules, or any other information, you can reach The Summit Dance Collective using the following contact details:

Address: 4520 Linden Creek Pkwy Suite D, Flint, MI 48507, USA

While a phone number was not available in the provided public data, interested individuals can typically find additional contact information or online inquiry forms on their official website for direct communication.

For Michigan locals, especially those in the Flint area, The Summit Dance Collective offers an exceptional opportunity for quality dance education. The consistent positive reviews highlighting passionate teachers and a supportive environment confirm that SDC lives up to its mission of fostering growth and confidence. Whether your child is taking their first steps in "Me and My Shadow," or an experienced dancer aspiring to competitive excellence, The Summit Dance Collective provides a welcoming and expertly guided path. The studio's commitment to inclusivity, safety, and holistic development makes it more than just a dance school; it's a community where individuals can truly thrive and develop a lifelong love for dance. By choosing SDC, locals are investing in a premier dance experience that prioritizes not only technical skill but also the overall well-being and personal growth of every student, making it an invaluable asset to the Flint community.

The Summit Dance Collective

4520 Linden Creek Pkwy Suite D, Flint, MI 48507, USA