U Can Danz! Dance Company

For parents across Minnesota, especially those in the southern metro suburbs like Apple Valley, finding extracurricular activities that genuinely nurture a child's confidence and foster a love for movement can be a challenge. That's where U Can Danz! Dance Company steps in as a truly remarkable local gem. This isn't your typical highly competitive dance studio; instead, it's a vibrant, inclusive community dedicated to making dance a fun, positive, and affirming experience for every child, regardless of their background or ability.

As one grateful parent from Eden Prairie shared, "I just wanted to take a minute to tell you how important dancing with you at UCD has been for our daughter over the past 7 (!) years! She started as a Kindergartner with 1st and 2nd graders and was immediately made to feel welcome and that she had a 'place' in the group. She had a great experience and over the years, has invited many girls to come to UCD to join her... they all felt as she did – that they belonged at UCD and were encouraged to do their best." This powerful testimony, echoed by many others, highlights U Can Danz!'s unique and invaluable approach. In an era where competitive pressures can weigh heavily on young minds, this company stands out by prioritizing inclusion, self-esteem, and the sheer joy of dance. Let's delve into what makes U Can Danz! Dance Company a truly special resource for Minnesota families.

U Can Danz! Dance Company is located at 12600 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd Gymnasium, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA. This location in the vibrant suburban city of Apple Valley makes it an accessible and convenient option for families residing in Apple Valley itself, as well as neighboring communities like Eagan, Burnsville, Lakeville, and Rosemount in the southern Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Johnny Cake Ridge Road is a well-known artery in Apple Valley, ensuring straightforward navigation for those traveling by car. The fact that classes are held in a gymnasium setting often implies ample parking availability, which is a significant convenience for parents doing drop-offs and pick-ups. This ease of access by private vehicle is particularly important for suburban locations where public transportation options might be less extensive than in urban centers. However, for those who do rely on public transport, local bus routes may provide connectivity to the area, though direct routes to this specific gymnasium would need to be checked based on individual starting points.

The choice of a gymnasium setting suggests a focus on functional, safe spaces for movement, aligning with their philosophy of fun and accessible dance. This convenient suburban location ensures that high-quality, inclusive dance programs are readily available to a wide range of families in the southern metro, reinforcing U Can Danz!'s role as a vital community asset.

U Can Danz! Dance Company offers a distinct range of dance programs and services, primarily focused on providing a positive, fun, and inclusive learning environment for children. Their approach prioritizes self-esteem and a love for dance over intense competition, making it unique in the local dance scene. Here's a detailed look at what they provide:

• Non-Competitive Dance Classes: A core philosophy of U Can Danz! is its non-competitive nature. This is a significant draw for many families who seek a less stressful and more affirming environment for their children. Classes focus on teaching dance technique and routines while emphasizing fun, teamwork, and individual growth, rather than external comparisons or competitive pressures.
• Comprehensive Youth Dance Programs: U Can Danz! caters to a wide range of young ages, from kindergarteners to older students. They offer various class levels, from beginner basics to more advanced options, ensuring a progression of skills. Classes are typically 45 minutes to 1 hour, once a week, providing a manageable commitment for families.
• Diverse Dance Styles Introduced: Within their programs, dancers are introduced to multiple dance styles. This includes:
  • Basic Ballet Technique: Focusing on foundational grace, posture, and strength.
  • Jazz: Incorporating energetic movements and popular styles.
  • Tumbling for Dancers / Basic Tumbling: Integrating acrobatic elements for strength, flexibility, and body control.
  • Lyrical and Contemporary Dance Styles: Incorporated into more advanced classes to foster expressive movement and storytelling.
  • Hip Hop: Optional squads and classes are available, featuring modern, dynamic styles.
  This multi-genre approach provides a well-rounded dance education.
• Self-Esteem and Confidence Building: This is a paramount service. U Can Danz! makes it a "priority to build their self-esteem, not only as a dancer, but also as a person and performer." Reviewers consistently highlight how the program helps "build their self esteem" and has a positive impact on "body image." This focus on inner growth is a key differentiator.
• Age-Appropriate Content: They ensure all dance costumes, music, and choreography are "age-appropriate," a critical consideration for many parents seeking wholesome and family-friendly activities for their children.
• Frequent Performance Opportunities: Despite being non-competitive, U Can Danz! provides numerous opportunities for students to perform. Dancers get the chance to "perform multiple times a year, sometimes in front of thousands of people." This includes major events like Holiday & Spring Recitals, Minnesota Timberwolves Halftime shows, University of Minnesota Gophers Basketball Halftimes, and performances at Nickelodeon Universe. These experiences build confidence and provide memorable moments.
• Teamwork and Friendship: The program actively encourages positive social interaction. Classes foster an environment where kids "work together as a team," make "new friends," and participate in "multiple Studio/Class Parties to encourage friendships and team bonding." This community aspect is highly valued by families.
• Affordable Alternative: Several testimonials highlight that U Can Danz! offers a "lower cost alternative than most dance studios." This commitment to affordability makes quality dance education accessible to more families in the community, embodying their inclusive philosophy.
• Optional Competition Teams and Opportunities: For those interested in a bit more challenge, there are optional opportunities to participate in three Regional Competitions and Nationals (often held in Wisconsin Dells). Dancers can also opt for a Hip Hop Competition Squad or Solos, Duets, and Trios. These are elective, maintaining the overall non-pressured environment for the majority of students.
• Access to Guest Teachers and Training Programs: Students may have access to Guest Teachers and Master Classes, as well as UCD's new Training Program to assist/teach at the studio, offering pathways for deeper engagement and learning.

U Can Danz! Dance Company is distinguished by several key features and highlights that consistently receive praise from its community members, underscoring its unique value in the Minnesota dance scene:

• Unwavering Focus on Self-Esteem and Inclusivity: This is the paramount highlight. U Can Danz! makes building a child's "self-esteem" its "priority," focusing on them "not only as a dancer, but also as a person and performer." Reviewers consistently emphasize that the program is "inclusive of all kids" and welcomes "all girls of ages and sizes," ensuring everyone feels they "belonged" and has a "place." This stands in stark contrast to competitive environments and is deeply valued by parents.
• Non-Competitive and Low-Pressure Environment: In an era where children face increasing pressure, U Can Danz! provides a refreshing alternative. It is explicitly described as "very non competitive" and a "non-stressfull environment." This allows children to genuinely "have fun with dance" and develop a love for the art form without the intense pressure often found elsewhere.
• Numerous Performance Opportunities: Despite its non-competitive stance, U Can Danz! offers abundant chances for students to perform. Dancers "love performing many times a year, sometimes in front of thousands of people," including high-profile venues like Timberwolves and Gophers Halftime shows, and Nickelodeon Universe. These experiences are invaluable for building confidence and creating lasting memories.
• Positive Impact on Confidence Beyond Dance: Parents consistently report that the confidence gained through U Can Danz! extends beyond the studio. One reviewer noted, "Her confidence in dance has also been applied in school and with her friends." This demonstrates the holistic developmental benefits of the program.
• Affordable and Accessible: U Can Danz! is appreciated for being a "lower cost alternative than most dance studios" and for allowing "those that might not be able to afford some of the 'other' dance studios in town a chance to come and be part of the best dance program in our area." This commitment to affordability makes quality dance education available to a wider segment of the community.
• Age-Appropriate Content: The company ensures that "age-appropriate dance costumes, music, and choreographing" are used, which is a significant relief for parents seeking wholesome entertainment and instruction for their children.
• Strong Sense of Belonging and Community: U Can Danz! fosters a family-like atmosphere. Reviewers describe it as an organization that promotes "exercise, teamwork and positive attitudes," and highlight how it has "become part of our family." This sense of community and support is a key factor in why families stay with the program for many years.
• Fun, Engaging, and Always Learning: Students are always "learning something new" in a "fun, fast paced environment." The instructors are "amazing teachers and choreographers" who help dancers "progress as a dancer in a very short amount of time."

For more information about U Can Danz! Dance Company, their class schedules, registration, or upcoming performances, please use the following contact details:

Address: 12600 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd Gymnasium, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA

Phone: (763) 531-2121

For families in Minnesota, especially those in Apple Valley and the surrounding southern suburbs, U Can Danz! Dance Company is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended local institution. Its unique philosophy of prioritizing a child's self-esteem, confidence, and genuine love for dance over intense competition perfectly aligns with the values many Minnesotan parents seek in extracurricular activities. In a world that can often feel overly competitive, U Can Danz! provides a refreshing and affirming alternative, making it a true "treasure" for our community.

The overwhelmingly positive testimonials from local parents highlight the transformative impact of the program. Children "feel welcome" and that they "belong," fostering a crucial sense of place and acceptance. The non-competitive nature means kids can "have fun with dance" without external pressures, leading to significant personal growth that extends beyond the dance floor, enhancing "confidence in dance... in school and with their friends." This holistic development is a testament to the dedication of the instructors, who are praised for their ability to promote "confidence, exercise, teamwork and positive attitudes."

Furthermore, the abundance of performance opportunities—from local recitals to high-profile halftime shows at Timberwolves and Gophers games—provides invaluable experience and excitement for students, all within a supportive framework. The commitment to providing a "lower cost alternative" and ensuring "age-appropriate dance costumes, music, and choreographing" further demonstrates U Can Danz!'s dedication to accessibility and family-friendly values. Its convenient Apple Valley location ensures that this "positive role model" and "best dance program" in the area is within reach for a wide range of Minnesotan families, truly proving that U Can Danz! is where every child can discover the joy of movement and shine.

U Can Danz! Dance Company

12600 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd Gymnasium, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA