Washington Dance Studio

For over five decades, Washington Dance Studio (WDS) has been a cornerstone of dance education in the greater Manhattan, Kansas area. Since its establishment in 1970, this esteemed studio has opened its doors to thousands of local families, fostering a love for dance and contributing significantly to the cultural fabric of the community. WDS is more than just a place to learn dance steps; it strives to be a family-oriented business focused on providing developmentally appropriate dance opportunities that go beyond foundational movement, aiming to nurture well-rounded young individuals through the art of dance.

Co-owned by professional dance instructors Sharron Washington and Jennie Washington Stout, the studio brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to its students. Their approach aims to balance high standards with warmth, humor, and common sense, ensuring that dancers receive comprehensive training in a supportive environment. The enduring presence of WDS in Manhattan, marked by over 50 years of operation, speaks to its deep roots within the Kansas community and its long-standing commitment to the art of dance. While individual experiences can vary, the studio's extensive history and its stated mission to inspire young dancers to excel in both dance and life highlight its significant role in the local arts scene.

Washington Dance Studio is conveniently located at 1124 Waters St, Manhattan, KS 66503, USA. This accessible address places the studio in a well-established area of Manhattan, making it easily reachable for families residing across the city and its surrounding communities. Waters Street is a recognizable thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward navigation for parents and students traveling to and from classes.

The studio's location is a significant advantage for Kansas locals, as it minimizes travel time and provides ease of access for busy family schedules. Its proximity to various residential neighborhoods within Manhattan means that quality dance instruction is readily available to a broad range of students. The facility itself is designed to support a comprehensive dance program, providing dedicated studio spaces ideal for learning and practicing various dance styles. This thoughtful placement underscores Washington Dance Studio's commitment to serving the Manhattan community and making dance education convenient and accessible to as many local families as possible.

Washington Dance Studio offers a comprehensive range of dance classes designed to cater to various ages, skill levels, and interests. Their curriculum is structured to provide foundational training while allowing students to explore different dance styles and progress through various levels. Their class offerings, typically structured for the academic year (September through May's annual recital), include:

• Creative Movement: Specifically designed for the youngest dancers (typically 3-year-olds who are potty trained), focusing on introducing basic movement, rhythm, and body awareness through creative play and structured activities. These are often offered as two 10-week sessions.
• Pre-Dance Classes: Tailored for preschool-aged children (e.g., 4-year-olds by September 1st), these classes introduce the fundamentals of jazz, tap, and ballet in a fun and engaging format, preparing them for more structured instruction.
• Combo Classes: Often for early elementary students (e.g., Kindergarten through 2nd grade), these classes combine elements of tap, ballet, and jazz in a single session to provide a broad dance foundation.
• Ballet & Pointe: Considered the foundation of all dance forms, ballet classes emphasize grace, strength, and classical technique. WDS offers training from beginning through advanced levels, incorporating a combination of Cecchetti, French, and Russian techniques. Pointe classes are available for more advanced ballet students, typically for middle school or high school age with instructor consent.
• Jazz Dance: Popular with all age groups, jazz classes include stretching, basic jazz techniques, turns, leaps, floor work, progressions, and choreography, encompassing classical, musical theatre, and contemporary styles. Classes are available for various age and experience levels (e.g., 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th-7th grade Intermediate, Teen, Senior Company Jazz).
• Tap Dance: Classes range from beginning to very advanced techniques, focusing on rhythmic skills and coordination through intricate footwork and percussive sounds. Available for various age groups (e.g., 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th-7th, 7th-11th, 11th-12th grade).
• Hip-Hop Dance: Students learn basic steps, combinations, and dances in a high-energy style. Classes are available for various age groups, starting from younger students (e.g., 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th-6th, 6th-7th, 7th-9th, 10th-12th grade).
• Lyrical Dance: This expressive dance form combines elements of ballet and jazz, emphasizing emotional storytelling through movement. Available for middle school and high school-aged students (e.g., 5th-7th, 7th-9th, High School Advanced I and II).
• Company Programs: WDS offers structured company programs (e.g., Junior Company, Core Company, Teen Company, Senior Company) for dedicated students who demonstrate advanced skills and commitment, often involving additional rehearsal and performance opportunities.

Washington Dance Studio highlights its dedication to dance education through several distinct features:

• Extensive Experience and Legacy: Established in 1970, Washington Dance Studio boasts over 50 years of experience in dance education within the Manhattan area. This long-standing presence reflects deep roots in the community and a history of nurturing thousands of local families, building a trusted reputation over decades.
• Highly Qualified and Dedicated Staff: The studio is co-owned by professional dance instructors Sharron Washington and Jennie Washington Stout, both with extensive experience in the field. The staff is consistently described as "highly qualified and dedicated," with the expertise and education to guide dancers of all levels. A long-term parent, also a 20+ year dance educator, highly recommends the staff's dedication.
• Family-Oriented Business Philosophy: WDS emphasizes its identity as a "family oriented business." This approach fosters a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where students and their families feel a genuine sense of belonging, often encapsulated by the sentiment, "It’s more than just dance, it’s family."
• Developmentally Appropriate Opportunities: The curriculum is specifically designed to provide "developmentally appropriate dance opportunities for all children" aged 3-18. This ensures that instruction aligns with the cognitive and physical stages of each student, promoting effective and safe learning.
• Holistic Student Development: Beyond technical dance skills, WDS aims to cultivate "social emotional growth" and contribute to "creating well rounded young adults" by the end of a student’s dance journey. This focus extends to developing qualities like poise, confidence, and grace, as noted by a long-time patron.
• Diverse Class Offerings: A comprehensive range of dance styles, including Creative Movement, Pre-Dance, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, and structured Company programs, ensures that students can explore various forms and find a style that best suits their interests and goals.
• Annual Recital at McCain Auditorium: The studio proudly presents its annual recital at the prestigious McCain Auditorium, offering students a significant performance opportunity to showcase their hard work and artistry on a professional stage.

While one review mentioned a difficult experience regarding inclusivity and specific behavioral needs, the studio's overall stated mission and long-term patron feedback highlight a general aim to provide a nurturing environment. It is advisable for prospective families to communicate openly with the studio regarding any specific needs or concerns to ensure the best fit for their child.

For more information on class schedules, tuition rates, or to inquire about enrollment, please contact Washington Dance Studio directly. Their team is ready to assist you and provide details about their programs, including the upcoming 2025-2026 dance year which begins in September.

Address: 1124 Waters St, Manhattan, KS 66503, USA

Phone: (785) 537-2549

Mobile Phone: +1 785-537-2549

Reaching out is the best way to understand how Washington Dance Studio can meet your dance instruction needs in the Manhattan area.

Washington Dance Studio is a strong choice for locals in the greater Manhattan, Kansas, area for several compelling reasons. Its long-standing presence since 1970 signifies a deep-rooted commitment to the community and a proven track record in dance education. For families seeking a studio with established expertise and a legacy of teaching, WDS offers a reassuring option right in their backyard. The dedication of its co-owners, Sharron Washington and Jennie Washington Stout, as professional dance instructors, ensures a high standard of training and a curriculum designed to take dancers "as far as he or she wants to go."

Furthermore, for many long-term patrons, the studio embodies a "family oriented business" that goes "far beyond the scope of teaching foundational movement" to foster "social emotional growth" and contribute to "creating well rounded young adults." This holistic approach resonates with parents who seek more than just dance steps for their children but also character development and life skills such as poise, confidence, and grace. The breadth of dance styles offered, coupled with its long history and stated focus on developmentally appropriate opportunities for ages 3-18, makes Washington Dance Studio a comprehensive and accessible local resource for dance education in Manhattan, Kansas.

Washington Dance Studio

1124 Waters St, Manhattan, KS 66503, USA