This Welcoming Dance School Loves Watching Children Grow
Hearts in Motion – 4336 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
HMD Boutique – 523 Ada Dr, Ada, MI, 49301
Hearts In Motion Dance Project in Grand Rapids is devoted to changing kids’ lives through the power of dance.
“I started the studio to make a difference in the lives of children,” says Hearts in Motion owner Ali Brown.
“We strongly believe that dance skills create life skills, and we foster a love for the art of dance while creating strong, independent, and confident children who will thrive.”
To create these confident kids, Hearts in Motion makes their classes fun, happy, and magical.
The family-friendly dance school allows kids to be kids by providing age-appropriate music, choreography, and costumes.
All curriculum is developmentally appropriate, with the goal of inspiring an appreciation for dance.
Hearts in Motion is Highly Rated and Trained
In business for 13 years, Hearts in Motion is a longtime Grand Rapids favorite. It is regularly voted a Top Dance Studio by local parents.
“I love creating a place that feels like home for dancers,” says Ali.
“Our studio helps to create friendships for both dancers and parents, in a place where they can feel free to be themselves and connect over something they love.”
Ali was trained at the Grand Rapids Ballet Company and Ada Dance Academy, and holds an elementary teaching certificate.
She is hands-on at the studio and teaches many of the classes herself.
Most classes are held at the main location in Plainfield. There’s also a satellite boutique in downtown Ada with a smaller studio for ages 8 and younger.
The instructors at Hearts in Motion are passionate and caring and they are also certified as Youth Protection Advocates in Dance.
All staff has completed training to ensure the social, emotional, and physical well-being of the student dancers. They have also passed background checks and are certified in CPR and First Aid.
Throughout the season, the staff furthers their development through professional training programs to keep up-to-date with teaching practices.
Hearts in Motion has Many Performance Opportunities
Ali works hard to give students many opportunities to perform live. This helps grow dancer’s confidence and teamwork skills.
Their core performance opportunity is the annual Spring Recital. They’re also dancing at GR Griffins hockey and Gold basketball games this year.
Dancers also have the chance to perform at Disney World!
They’ve also added an annual ballet to their set list, after a successful first year in 2021. This gives dancers the chance to see what it’s like to put on a professional production.
This spring, catch “HMD in Neverland” on May 19, 2023.
Pick Your Kid’s Dance Style: Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Acro & More
Hearts in Motion offers a varied array of dance styles. There’s everything from ballet and hip hop to jazz and tap – not to mention musical theater and acro, too!
Each dance style is offered for different age brackets and skill levels. Detailed class descriptions for current class offerings are included on the class schedule.
The Young Dancer program for preschoolers uses exciting themes and props to incorporate creativity and imagination into the classes. It follows a concept-based dance curriculum called Discover Dance.
“Pre-school years are formative years and I believe it’s so important to create a good base,” says Ali.
“Whether children continue with dance into their school-age years or not, these classes offer important developmental benchmarks for all.”
How Group and Private Lessons Work
Group Lessons
“I love watching kids master a new skill,” says Ali. “The moment where something clicks and they master that step they’ve been working on feels so magical.”
There are two options for group classes:
School Year Classes: September through May, culminating with the Spring Recital. Great for kids looking to grow in their dance abilities.
Mini Sessions: Five-week classes that are great for kids to try out different dance styles.
Payment options include one-time payments or monthly installments. Discounts are available for students who enroll in more than one class.
Private Lessons Give Kids One-on-One Time
Hearts in Motion also offers private lessons for dancers who would like more personalized time with a teacher.
Semi-private lessons are also available for small groups of 2-3 students.
You can book private and semi-private classes as a one-time session or as recurring lessons that span the year.
Serious Dancers Can Join a Competitive Dance Team
In addition to lighthearted classes, Hearts in Motion also has a strong program that supports advanced dancers in strengthening technique and growing artistry.
Serious dancers ages 8-18 have an opportunity to join the school’s competition dance team. The team performs throughout the greater Grand Rapids community and competes locally.
And this is where you get a chance to perform at Disney World!
Guest instructors also guide students in exploring new styles of dance. For grades 1-2, there is an introductory dance team option called Sparkle Squad.
They’re also putting on a ballet this year!
“I really love watching dancers on stage,” says Ali.
“Whether it’s the first time or the 50th time, the sense of accomplishment and the thrill of performing is so clear on their faces after they step off the stage.”
HMD Extends the Fun With Summer Camps & Birthday Parties
Summer Camps
Hearts in Motion offers creative outlet camps with kid-friendly themes.
These include princess parties, afternoon tea, fairytale garden fun, and much more.
In addition to dance, camp activities include arts and craft projects that help young kids to develop.
Birthday Parties
Your favorite tiny dancers can party with their buds at Hearts in Motion, too!
They are $175 for a 75-minute birthday party that includes dancing, games, and present time.
HMD Boutique in Ada Gives 8 & Under an Individualized Experience
Those looking for a higher focus on the young dancer will love the HMD Boutique in Ada Village.
Here kids age 8 and under can get a more individualized experience.
The boutique also offers a bespoke shopping experience with dance attire, gifts, and fun items for all ages.
Hearts in Motion Dance Projet
Featured Partner
4336 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
523 Ada Dr, Ada, MI, 49301
616-226-6412
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