Searching for Dance Classes for Your Family?
One of my favorite memories of my kids as toddlers is how early they started dancing.
On those little wobbly legs where they tumble time and time again, you see a tiny bounce in their step, a wave of their arms, and a nodding of their heads to the beat.
Dance is a powerful art that can begin early in a child’s life as a favorite extracurricular activity.
For many, their interest continues as they get older and want to enroll in formal dance classes to convert those early wobbles into graceful movements.
Where Do I Start?
You start here. Fortunately for Kalamazoo, the community offers a wide variety of dance classes, ranging from 18 months to 18 years, for boys and girls.
This guide is full of options, whether your child’s interest is ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz or modern dance, or something in between.
In this Guide
• Featured Dance Studios
• Dance FAQs
• Dance Studios Directory
Featured Dance Studios
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Dance Classes in Kalamazoo
The Habitat Performing Arts Center
3731 Covington Rd, Kalamazoo MI 49001
The Habitat Performing Arts Center, a dance studio located in Kalamazoo, MI, provides recreational and competitive dance for all ages and offers an Adaptive Dance program for those who are differently abled. EVERYONE deserves the chance to experience the love of dance!
Belonging to a special community fosters a humble confidence. Dancers can train their bodies anywhere, but true growth happens in your soul. Growth happens when you feel your most self. The Habitat was created to give dancers just that. A place to BE themselves, BELONG to a supportive community, and BECOME the best dancer they can be.
The PAC, the competitive team at The Habitat, prioritizes a healthy environment first, and exquisite dance training at a close second. With a focus on innovative choreography and self expression, the competitive dancers are challenged and encouraged to become the best version of themselves, every single day.
Belonging to a special community fosters a humble confidence. Dancers can train their bodies anywhere, but true growth happens in your soul. Growth happens when you feel your most self. The Habitat was created to give dancers just that. A place to BE themselves, BELONG to a supportive community, and BECOME the best dancer they can be.
The PAC, the competitive team at The Habitat, prioritizes a healthy environment first, and exquisite dance training at a close second. With a focus on innovative choreography and self expression, the competitive dancers are challenged and encouraged to become the best version of themselves, every single day.
"The Habitat provides amazing classes and choreography, and instructors who are great role models and mentors. My daughter has consistently been challenged, inspired and loved. The Habitat’s culture is unparalleled."
Dance Classes in Portage
Academy of Dance Arts & Apparel
536 Romence Rd, Portage MI 49024
At Academy of Dance Arts, dancers experience a nurturing environment where everyone shines. With both recreational and competitive tracks that are thoughtfully cultivated to allow dancers to realize their personal dance dreams.
Our staff is full of enthusiastic, knowledgeable individuals who adore their dancers and create a classroom where dancers progress each week with a curriculum that is both challenging and exciting.
Dancers will build friendships, confidence, and learn what it means to be part of a team. The memories that dancers create at ADA will last forever.
Our staff is full of enthusiastic, knowledgeable individuals who adore their dancers and create a classroom where dancers progress each week with a curriculum that is both challenging and exciting.
Dancers will build friendships, confidence, and learn what it means to be part of a team. The memories that dancers create at ADA will last forever.
"Emily and her staff have proven to be talented delightful individuals that truly care about the happiness of their students."
Dance Classes in Kalamazoo
Ballet Kalamazoo
316 S Kalamazoo Mall Ste 108, Peregrine Plaza, Kalamazoo MI 49007
Ballet Kalamazoo is a youth ballet company in Downtown Kalamazoo!
Ballet Kalamazoo was created to be welcoming of families of all backgrounds and to teach and inspire young dancers while focusing on a high standard of classical ballet.
Through ballet we build strength, determination, commitment, goal-setting, discipline, teamwork, artistry, leadership, and responsibility. At Ballet Kalamazoo, we prepare dancers to overcome challenges through focus and dedication. Ballet provides you with the tools you need for success in anything you dream of doing.
Be the next generation of ballet dancers and make your dream more than a wish!
Learn more: https://youtu.be/ehrAIg_cRvM
Ballet Kalamazoo was created to be welcoming of families of all backgrounds and to teach and inspire young dancers while focusing on a high standard of classical ballet.
Through ballet we build strength, determination, commitment, goal-setting, discipline, teamwork, artistry, leadership, and responsibility. At Ballet Kalamazoo, we prepare dancers to overcome challenges through focus and dedication. Ballet provides you with the tools you need for success in anything you dream of doing.
Be the next generation of ballet dancers and make your dream more than a wish!
Learn more: https://youtu.be/ehrAIg_cRvM
"Above and beyond the excellent content and teaching, students are mentored to be encouragers of others, support their fellow dancers, and grow their hearts."
~ Samantha A
~ Samantha A
Dance Classes in Portage
West Michigan Dance Center
6136 S Westnedge Ave, Portage MI 49002
Our mission at West Michigan Dance Center is to instill a love and passion for dance within each and every one of our dancers, while also inspiring self-confidence, discipline, and daily life skills.
We care deeply about the well-being of our dancers, and take an individualized approach for each dancer, as every child has different needs and goals.
It is clear that the skills learned in dance create success in all aspects of life, and our goal is not to just develop a well-rounded dancer, but to develop an even more well-rounded human being in each one of our students.
We care deeply about the well-being of our dancers, and take an individualized approach for each dancer, as every child has different needs and goals.
It is clear that the skills learned in dance create success in all aspects of life, and our goal is not to just develop a well-rounded dancer, but to develop an even more well-rounded human being in each one of our students.
"My daughters have danced at WMDC for 5 years. With love and instruction from their teachers, they have blossomed into beautiful, confident dancers. We love WMDC and highly recommend them!"
- Stephanie
- Stephanie
Dance Classes in Kalamazoo
Wellspring Dance Academy
359 S Kalamazoo Mall, Ste 204, Kalamazoo MI 49007
Wellspring's dance programs offer unique and engaging dance experiences for all levels. We value community, artistic expression, individual differences, and making dance accessible to all.
All programs are held in the stunning Wellspring Theatre and are taught by Wellspring company members and Kalamazoo dance educators.
Class offerings for ages 3+.
All programs are held in the stunning Wellspring Theatre and are taught by Wellspring company members and Kalamazoo dance educators.
Class offerings for ages 3+.
"We appreciate the Wellspring space so much! I feel grateful to have found a place that focuses on the fun of dancing and shares the values my family has."
Dance Classes in Portage
BSD Dance Studio
6772 S Westnedge Ave Ste B, Portage MI 49024
A non-competitive dance studio that encourages students to express creativity, develop confidence, and build strength.
Classes available for Toddlers to Adults in a variety of styles.
Together, We Are BSD.
Classes available for Toddlers to Adults in a variety of styles.
Together, We Are BSD.
Dance Classes for Kids FAQs
Enrolling in dance classes can feel overwhelming at first. We’ve rounded up the most frequently asked questions to help get your future dancer started:
At What Age Do Dance Classes Start?
Many dance studios offer classes starting at age two, but kids can enroll at any age.
When Do you Register for Dance Classes?
Most studios open registration in the Spring (May) for the following Fall season. Many stagger enrollment, offering sign-ups to existing students first before expanding to all local families.
Where Can My Child Dance Without A lot of Experience?
Most studios offer both recreational and competitive dance options. Recreational would be open to all interested dancers, irrespective of experience level.
Will We Have to Travel for Competitions?
Yes. If your child is enrolled in competitive dance, travel will be required. We recommend confirming travel expectations (locations- national/regional and frequency) before registering your child.
How Much Does it Cost to Participate in Dance?
For the youngest dancers, expect about $40 per month for lessons plus dance attire and recital costs.
As dancers age, they frequently enroll in multiple disciplines (ballet, tap, acro, jazz, etc) so costs will increase. Competitive dance costs more and would also include travel expenses.
Recital costs are additional: parents usually have to pay separately for performance tickets and costumes.
What Clothing or Equipment is Needed for Dance?
Dancers would be required to wear a leotard and tights with the proper shoes for most disciplines and comfy clothes for hip hop. The dance studio should provide apparel requirements at registration.
Dancers (whether recreational or competitive) will also need special costumes for recitals.
Directory: Kalamazoo Dance Studios + Dance Classes
We’ve rounded up over a dozen locations in Southwest Michigan for your child to twirl, tap, twist and flip into dance.
| Academy of Dance Arts 536 Romence Rd, Ste 109, Portage, MI 49024 LEARN MORE |
| Ballet Arts School of Dance 2018 Rambling Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 |
| Ballet Kalamazoo 316 S KALAMAZOO MALL, STE 108 (PEREGRINE PLAZA), KALAMAZOO MI 49007 LEARN MORE |
| Branch Gymnastics 393 HELMER RD N, BATTLE CREEK, MI 49037 6712 FINANCIAL PKWY, KALAMAZOO, MI 49009 |
| BSD Dance Studio 6722 S WESTNEDGE AVE, STE B, PORTAGE, MI 49002 |
| Excel Dance Centre 6775 W Q Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 |
| Momentum Dance Studios 6712 Financial Pkwy, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 |
| Mosaic Dance Center 10097 Oakland Dr, Portage, MI 49024 |
| Move with Joy Dance Studio 1103 Portage St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 |
| Patti Herm School of Dance 719 E Allegan Ave, Otsego, MI 49078 |
| Rootead 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Ste 3, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 |
| SMLC Ballet Ministry St. Michael Lutheran Church & School 7211 Oakland Dr, Portage, MI 49024 |
| The Dance Zone- Paw Paw 28895 Red Arrow Hwy, Paw Paw, MI 49079 |
| The Habitat Performing Arts Center 3731 Covington Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 LEARN MORE |
| Traci Phelps Studios LLC 9975 E M-89, Ste 1, Richland, MI 49083 |
| Trinity Prep Center 6018 E Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49048 |
| Wellspring Dance Academy 359 S Kalamazoo Mall, Ste 204, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 |
| West Michigan Dance Center 136 S WESTNEDGE AVE, PORTAGE MI 49002 |
| YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo 1001 W Maple St, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 |
More to Explore
Move with Joy – Dance, Yoga, and Pilates Studio in Downtown Kalamazoo! She has lots of different dance classes for kids. She makes them incredibly fun and amazingly informational. Joy is an incredible teacher.