Tournesol Dance - A Dance School For Grownups

For adults in the New York region, particularly those in Rochester and its surrounding communities, who have always dreamed of dancing, want to rediscover a childhood passion, or are looking for a unique way to stay active and connected, Tournesol Dance – A Dance School For Grownups is a revelation. Nestled in East Rochester, this studio stands out precisely because it is designed with the adult learner in mind, addressing common concerns about age, body type, and prior experience with a welcoming and supportive approach. It's a place where the joy of dance truly blossoms, regardless of your starting point.

Tournesol Dance was founded by Erica Centola with a very specific and heartfelt mission: to create a dedicated space where adults are taken seriously as dance students. Erica's own journey, returning to dance as an adult after a long break and facing challenges in finding appropriate instruction, inspired her to build the studio she wished existed. This personal understanding of the adult dancer's needs permeates every aspect of Tournesol Dance, making it a uniquely empathetic and effective learning environment. It’s not a youth studio with tacked-on adult classes; it's a meticulously crafted program designed for the adult body and mind, acknowledging life's complexities and physical realities.

As glowing testimonials confirm, Tournesol Dance excels at providing a safe, welcoming, and truly supportive community. One dancer enthusiastically shared, "It’s a safe, welcoming space for adult dancers, with amazing instructors and a truly supportive community." Another highlighted the studio's ability to cater to "ALL adult dancers," whether they've "never danced before, or maybe only danced as a kid, or if you’ve danced your whole life." This inclusivity, combined with instructors like Erica who can tailor classes to individual abilities (even accommodating a "bad knee"), makes Tournesol Dance a highly recommended and invaluable resource for adults across the Rochester area looking to embrace or re-embrace the art of dance.

Tournesol Dance – A Dance School For Grownups is conveniently located at 349 W Commercial St Suite 2270, East Rochester, NY 14445, USA. This address places it within The Piano Works Mall, a known commercial complex in East Rochester. The location provides excellent accessibility for residents in East Rochester and neighboring communities within the greater Rochester metropolitan area.

For those driving, the studio offers parking in both the front and rear of The Piano Works building, which is a significant convenience for adult students. The studio itself is situated on the second floor in Suite 2270. Visitors can easily reach it by taking the elevator up to the second floor, turning left out of the elevator, proceeding to the end of the hall, and then turning right. Tournesol Dance will be the first door on the right, directly across from "articul8." This detailed guidance ensures that finding the studio within the complex is straightforward. While East Rochester is primarily accessed by car, local RTS (Rochester Transit Service) bus routes may serve the general Commercial Street area. Prospective students relying on public transportation are encouraged to check the most current RTS schedules for routes that pass near this location. The ease of access, combined with dedicated adult-focused programming, makes Tournesol Dance a highly practical choice for adults across the region.

• Adult Ballet Classes: Comprehensive ballet instruction designed specifically for adult bodies, catering to all levels from absolute beginners to experienced dancers.
• Adult Jazz Classes: Dynamic jazz dance classes, focusing on technical aspects, stylized movement, and choreography retention, adapted for adult learners.
• Adult Contemporary Classes: A new addition, offering creative expression and fluid movement, with attention to floor work, suitable for various levels.
• Debut Program for Beginners: A structured program specifically for brand new adult dancers, providing a foundational and comfortable entry into dance.
• Placement Lessons: Free consultation lessons to help new students determine the most appropriate class level based on their experience and goals.
• Private Lessons: One-on-one coaching sessions with instructors for personalized attention, focused skill development, or mastering specific techniques.
• Performance Opportunities: Students can join a Performance Team to participate in an annual showcase (Jazz, Ballet, or Pointe solos, duets, trios, or group pieces).
• Annual "A Nightmare Before Christmas" Performance: An opportunity for ballet students to audition for and participate in a full-scale annual show, gaining valuable stage experience.
• Competition Team (by invitation): For advanced and committed dancers who wish to experience the thrill of performing in local competitions and receiving professional feedback.
• Flexible Membership Options: Offers monthly membership options (e.g., Core Class, All-Inclusive) with flexible policies for missed classes and easy online scheduling for make-ups.
• Guidance for Adult Bodies: Instruction is specifically tailored to address the unique needs and common challenges (e.g., tight hips, old injuries) of adult dancers.
• Online Resources: Provides dance videos on YouTube focusing on technique, flexibility, strength, and mindset tailored for adult dancers.

• Exclusively for Adults: The most defining feature is its singular focus on adult dancers, creating a comfortable environment free from the typical competition studio atmosphere for children.
• Welcoming and Supportive Community: Consistently praised in reviews for fostering a safe, encouraging, and kind environment where dancers of all backgrounds feel supported and valued.
• Expert and Empathetic Instruction: Led by Erica Centola, whose personal experience as an adult dancer informs a teaching style that balances technical rigor with understanding and patience for adult bodies.
• Tailored to Adult Bodies and Minds: Classes are designed to accommodate the unique physical considerations of adults (e.g., joint issues, flexibility changes) while also engaging the adult learning style.
• Diverse Skill Levels Accommodated: Programs are structured to welcome absolute beginners ("never danced before") to seasoned dancers ("danced your whole life"), ensuring everyone finds their fit.
• Opportunities for Performance and Progression: Offers clear pathways for growth, from regular class progression to optional performance showcases and competitive team involvement, satisfying various aspirations.
• Flexible Scheduling and Policies: Understands the complexities of adult life, offering flexible membership options and easy online scheduling for make-ups to fit busy schedules.
• Focus on Joy and Confidence: Beyond technique, the studio emphasizes rediscovering the joy of dance, building self-confidence, and camaraderie among participants.
• Dedicated Studio Space: Features custom-built sprung wood floors, mirrors, and ballet barres in two studios, providing a professional and safe environment for dance.
• Clear Progression System: Instructors work with students to set realistic goals and provide checklists of required skills for moving to the next level, ensuring structured and steady progress.

For more information about class schedules, membership options, or to begin your dance journey, you can contact Tournesol Dance – A Dance School For Grownups using the following details:

Address: 349 W Commercial St Suite 2270, East Rochester, NY 14445, USA

Phone: (585) 348-9156

Mobile Phone: +1 585-348-9156

Email: info@tournesoldance.com (This email address was found on their website and is a general contact method).

For adults residing in East Rochester and the wider New York region, Tournesol Dance – A Dance School For Grownups stands as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for dance education. Its unique focus exclusively on adult learners immediately addresses a significant gap in the local dance scene, providing a welcoming space where individuals of all experience levels and body types can pursue their passion without feeling out of place among younger students. This specialization is a key draw for many locals who may have felt intimidated or underserved by traditional dance studios.

The studio’s convenient location at 349 W Commercial St, within The Piano Works Mall, offers practical accessibility, with ample parking and clear directions to Suite 2270. This ease of access minimizes logistical hurdles, making it simpler for busy professionals, parents, and retirees to integrate dance classes into their daily lives. The flexible membership options and online scheduling further cater to the demands of an adult schedule, demonstrating a deep understanding of local residents' needs.

Beyond logistics, the core suitability of Tournesol Dance lies in its profoundly supportive and encouraging community, championed by founder Erica Centola. Her personal journey and commitment to creating an environment where adults are taken seriously and treated with kindness resonate deeply. Reviews consistently praise the studio for fostering confidence, camaraderie, and a genuine love for dance, making it more than just a place to learn steps; it’s a space for self-discovery, social connection, and joyful movement. Whether a local is an absolute beginner, returning after decades, or a lifelong dancer seeking a challenging adult program, Tournesol Dance provides a tailored, respectful, and fulfilling experience right here in our community. It truly embodies the idea that it's never too late for grownups to dance.

Tournesol Dance - A Dance School For Grownups

349 W Commercial St Suite 2270, East Rochester, NY 14445, USA