Dance Classes for Kids Teach Creativity, Athleticism and Social Skills
Dance is a powerful art that can begin early in a child’s life.
It’s one of the more popular extracurriculars and classes for kids.
From easy mommy+me dance classes to a more formal education, Grand Rapids has many places where kids can get involved in the style they love the most.
Kids in dance classes can experience both social growth, physical health and creative expression.
But where to start?
You stare here. We’ve found the area’s best ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, modern dance classes, and everything in between.
Table of Contents
Featured Dance Studios for Kids in Grand Rapids
*This is a sponsored section of GRKIDS.com.
Find some of the best dance options in Grand Rapids here.
Caledonia Dance & Music Center in Caledonia
Both my daughters attend CDMC, and they look forward to going to class every week. All of the CDMC staff are kind, friendly, and knowledgeable. They help build confidence in the students and technique all while having fun. ~Angela R.
From your child’s first class to their graduation performance, Caledonia Dance & Music Center has a class for everyone!
We specialize in beginners of all ages and offer training through pre-professional levels.
But CDMC is More Than Just Great Dancing®!
Our students go beyond technique to develop important life skills, learning to be respectful, confident and conscientious young people who share their gifts and talents with the community.
We specialize in beginners of all ages and offer training through pre-professional levels.
But CDMC is More Than Just Great Dancing®!
Our students go beyond technique to develop important life skills, learning to be respectful, confident and conscientious young people who share their gifts and talents with the community.
Hearts in Motion Dance in Grand Rapids
Hearts in Motion is the best! Beautiful studio, creative and caring staff, and a genuine commitment to providing a safe and fun dance experience. Can't recommend them enough!
At Hearts in Motion we believe in the power of dance.
We believe in the way dance can make you feel.
We believe in the magic of a tiny little dancer who puts on their first pair of dance shoes or poofy pink tutu just as we believe in the magic of a dancer who flies through the air leaping across the floor.
We believe that dance skills teach life skills. We believe in building strength and confidence through dance and fostering a LOVE for the art of dance.
Join us this season and experience the magic of dance!
We believe in the way dance can make you feel.
We believe in the magic of a tiny little dancer who puts on their first pair of dance shoes or poofy pink tutu just as we believe in the magic of a dancer who flies through the air leaping across the floor.
We believe that dance skills teach life skills. We believe in building strength and confidence through dance and fostering a LOVE for the art of dance.
Join us this season and experience the magic of dance!
Michigan Ballet Academy in Grand Rapids
MBA seeks to deliver the highest quality of ballet training in an atmosphere of creativity, challenge, encouragement, and integrity.
Dancers of all ages and backgrounds have a class available to them from "Toddler and Me" to "Adult Beginner's Ballet" to our Pre-Professional Division.
Join us as we develop a life-long love of movement and inspire the next generation of artists.
Dancers of all ages and backgrounds have a class available to them from "Toddler and Me" to "Adult Beginner's Ballet" to our Pre-Professional Division.
Join us as we develop a life-long love of movement and inspire the next generation of artists.
Rhythm Dance Center in Belmont
Whether you’re just getting started, have practiced for years, or love the thrill of fierce competition, there’s a place for you at Rhythm Dance Center.
Students ages 3 to adult will find opportunities for personal expression through creative movement taught by exceptional instructors with an emphasis on developing confidence and inner strength.
For 18 consecutive years, the studio continues to attract students seeking a focus on dance education while building foundations.
All of this is carefully balanced with award winning creative choreography. Owner/Artistic director, Jen Hanes, and her staff offer classes in tap, jazz, ballet, pointe, hiphop, contemporary, and lyrical.
Students ages 3 to adult will find opportunities for personal expression through creative movement taught by exceptional instructors with an emphasis on developing confidence and inner strength.
For 18 consecutive years, the studio continues to attract students seeking a focus on dance education while building foundations.
All of this is carefully balanced with award winning creative choreography. Owner/Artistic director, Jen Hanes, and her staff offer classes in tap, jazz, ballet, pointe, hiphop, contemporary, and lyrical.
Grand Rapids Ballet in Grand Rapids
GRBS offers classes with individual attention, personalized mentorship, choreographic and performance opportunities, live piano accompaniment, and a supportive community of dancers dedicated to achieving their goals.Anywhere I go, I broadcast: I support the Grand Rapids Ballet. Their Dedication, commitment, and love of what they are doing gives you chills. These dancers, they never disappoint.
Under the artistic leadership of James Sofranko since 2018, Grand Rapids Ballet has made an exciting transformation that has attracted world-class dancers and choreographers, generating local, national, and international attention.
The company consists of 20 professional dancers and an additional apprentice and trainee program. Children can train at Grand Rapids Ballet School, the educational branch of Michigan’s first professional ballet company.
Grand Rapids Ballet School offers dance classes for all ages and experience levels, including ballet training for students ages 3-19, plus adult and Adaptive Dance classes.
The company consists of 20 professional dancers and an additional apprentice and trainee program. Children can train at Grand Rapids Ballet School, the educational branch of Michigan’s first professional ballet company.
Grand Rapids Ballet School offers dance classes for all ages and experience levels, including ballet training for students ages 3-19, plus adult and Adaptive Dance classes.
Interlochen Center for the Arts in Interlochen
When you study dance at Interlochen, you’ll learn techniques and tools of the trade from our gifted faculty members, meet incredible guest artists, and build friendships with students like you who will inspire you.
-Learn from faculty and guest artists who have established careers in dance.
-Make friends from around the world who love dance.
-Programs are offered in Dance, Classical Ballet, Contemporary, and Hip Hop.
-One, two, three, four, or six-week sessions for grades 3-12 are available.
Join us for a summer you’ll never forget. Financial aid is available.
-Learn from faculty and guest artists who have established careers in dance.
-Make friends from around the world who love dance.
-Programs are offered in Dance, Classical Ballet, Contemporary, and Hip Hop.
-One, two, three, four, or six-week sessions for grades 3-12 are available.
Join us for a summer you’ll never forget. Financial aid is available.
Integrity Dance Arts in Byron Center
At Integrity Dance Arts, we strive to create an atmosphere where students are trained in proper dance technique while upholding high standards of tasteful music selection and appropriate dance moves.
IDA provides positive mentoring in an environment where students can combine their passion for dance with a desire to dance with integrity.
At IDA we combine PASSION with PURPOSE!
IDA provides positive mentoring in an environment where students can combine their passion for dance with a desire to dance with integrity.
At IDA we combine PASSION with PURPOSE!
Karin's Horse Connection & Legacy Stables in Caledonia
Equestrian Vaulting
Dance - Gymnastics - Horses
It’s a combination of dance and gymnastics on a moving horse. This exciting, unique sport helps boys and girls to develop coordination, balance, strength, confidence and flexibility while working in harmony with the horse.
It brings happiness and promotes teamwork.
No experience required!
Dance - Gymnastics - Horses
It’s a combination of dance and gymnastics on a moving horse. This exciting, unique sport helps boys and girls to develop coordination, balance, strength, confidence and flexibility while working in harmony with the horse.
It brings happiness and promotes teamwork.
No experience required!
FAQ – How Dance Classes for Kids Works
What Age Do Dance Classes Start?
Many dance studios offer classes starting at age two, but kids can enroll at any age.Â
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.Â
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.
Top-Voted Dance Studios Around Grand Rapids
Following are the area’s top rated dance studios & classes, as voted on in our annual Best of Grand Rapids Awards.
These studios have wowed parents and kids over and over with their passion for teaching kids dance.
Winner: Scoil Rince Ni Bhraonain
1. Scoil Rince Ni Bhraonain
2. Caledonia Dance & Music Center
3. Hearts in Motion Dance
4. Grand Rapids Civic Theatre And School Of Theatre Arts
5. Integrity Dance Arts
6. Rockford Dance Company
7. Ohana Dance Company
8. HIS Dance Academy
9. Grand Rapids Ballet School
10. Over the Top Academy of Dance
10. Body Language Dance Company
Full List of Grand Rapids Dance Classes
Here are all the dance classes and academies in West Michigan that kids love.
Caledonia Dance & Music Center in Caledonia
131 E. Main Street SE, Suite E, Caledonia, MI 49316
• Toddler Dance Classes, Mommy & Me, Ballet Classes, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Acro Dance
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
61Syx Teknique Street Dance Academy in Grand Rapids - NW
2751 Alpine Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
• Breaking
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Ada Dance Academy in Ada
6086 Fulton St E, Ada, MI 49301
• Toddler Dance Classes, Ballet Classes, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Body Language Dance Company in Jenison
888 Chicago Drive, Jenison, MI 49428
• Toddler Dance Classes, Ballet Classes, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Dance Dimensions in Northview
5174 Plainfield Ave NE #3, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
• Toddler Dance Classes, Ballet Classes, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Breaking, Lyrical
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Grand Rapids Ballet in Grand Rapids
341 Ellsworth Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
• Ballet Classes
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Hearts in Motion Dance in Grand Rapids
4336 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
• Toddler Dance Classes, Mommy & Me, Ballet Classes, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Acro Dance, Creative Movement
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
HIS Dance Academy in Grand Rapids - SE
2715 29th St, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49512
• Toddler Dance Classes, Ballet Classes, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Imprint Dance Co. in Kentwood
3782 29th St, Kentwood, MI 49512
• Ballet Classes, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Integrity Dance Arts in Byron Center
7800 Clyde Park Ave, Byron Center, MI 49315
• Toddler Dance Classes, Mommy & Me, Ballet Classes, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical
• Infants & Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Infants & Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Interlochen Center for the Arts in Interlochen
4000 J Maddy PKWY, Interlochen, MI 49643
• Ballet Classes, Hip Hop, Contemporary
• Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Karin's Horse Connection & Legacy Stables in Caledonia
8001 Patterson Ave SE, Caledonia, MI 49316
• Toddler Dance Classes, Mommy & Me, Ballet Classes, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Acro Dance, Modern, Creative Movement
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Kathy's Dance Co. in Hudsonville
3239 Oak St, Hudsonville, MI 49426
• Toddler Dance Classes, Ballet Classes, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Lake Michigan Dance Academy in Allendale
6561 Lake Michigan Dr., Allendale, MI 49401
• Toddler Dance Classes, Mommy & Me, Ballet Classes, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Acro Dance
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Michigan Ballet Academy in Grand Rapids
1595 Galbraith Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
• Toddler Dance Classes, Ballet Classes, Jazz, Modern, Creative Movement, Contemporary
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Michigan Ballet Academy in Cascade
1595 Galbraith Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
• Toddler Dance Classes, Mommy & Me, Ballet Classes, Jazz
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Over the Top Academy of Dance in East Grand Rapids
2423 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
• Toddler Dance Classes, Ballet Classes, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Rhythm Dance Center in Belmont
2350 Belmont Center Drive Suite 500, Belmont, MI 49306
• Toddler Dance Classes, Ballet Classes, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Creative Movement, Contemporary
• Infants & Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Infants & Toddlers, Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
Rockford Dance Company in Rockford
10580 Northland Drive, Rockford, MI 49341
• Toddler Dance Classes, Ballet Classes, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12
YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids in Grand Rapids - Downtown
475 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
• Toddler Dance Classes, Ballet Classes, Tap, Jazz
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8
Is there apossibility to add a dance studio? Xpression of Praise Christian Dance and Performing Arts owned and operated by Laassha Marshall at 2010 Kalamazoo Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Miss G Ballet is new in town! We opened February 2021 & having recently obtained our LLC, we are growing by leaps & bounds in a little barn-studio in Alto. Ballet classes ages 3-Teen. Online & In-Person. We also offer a pre-performance club for kids interested in building character through stage performance. Our live, interactive dance show simultaneously trains leaders and introduces families to the Art of Ballet! Club-style ballet classes, crafts, activities & events.
Email [email protected] or see our history through our Facebook Group @missgballet. Gia Budrick 616-204-2158
*Uniqua’s Unicorns Ballet Camp July 25-28, 2022 (email or call to register)
Wow! I am shocked there is no mention of Imprint Dance Company. Imprint Dance Company has an amazing competition team as well as wonderful recreational classes. This studio just won Best Studio at a National Competition in Myrtle Beach in July 2021. The studio is well run by Crystal Delgado and Jazzae Ford and is worth your time and money.