Dance Classes Teaches 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.
In this Article
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.
Grand Rapids Ballet School in Grand Rapids
“We love GRBS! The teachers really care about the students' growth beyond dance. They have helped my kids build lifelong skills that will be with them forever." – GRBS Parent
Train at Grand Rapids Ballet School, the educational branch of Michigan’s only professional ballet company.
Grand Rapids Ballet School offers dance classes for all ages and experience levels.
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. Classes include:
• Youth Ballet | Beginner to advanced students, age 8-19
• Young Dancer | Beginning dancers, age 3-7
• Boys Ballet | Beginner to advanced students, age 5-14
• Adult Ballet | Beginner to advanced, all levels welcome!
• Adaptive Dance | Specialized classes for children with disabilities & individuals with Parkinson’s Disease
Experience the Grand Rapids Ballet School Difference.
Grand Rapids Ballet School offers dance classes for all ages and experience levels.
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. Classes include:
• Youth Ballet | Beginner to advanced students, age 8-19
• Young Dancer | Beginning dancers, age 3-7
• Boys Ballet | Beginner to advanced students, age 5-14
• Adult Ballet | Beginner to advanced, all levels welcome!
• Adaptive Dance | Specialized classes for children with disabilities & individuals with Parkinson’s Disease
Experience the Grand Rapids Ballet School Difference.
Caledonia Dance & Music Center in Caledonia
"We appreciate CDMC's heart for kids, their vision and their leadership. We value their care for the group as a whole and their compassion for each individual kiddo." -Cassie
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.
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 17 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 17 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
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!
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!
Academy of Dance Arts in Comstock Park
We offer dance and acro classes in all disciplines of dance for ages 2 and up.
Performance opportunities for all! Competition Teams offered.
New this year....HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR!
Join our dance family today.
Performance opportunities for all! Competition Teams offered.
New this year....HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR!
Join our dance family today.
FAQs – 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.
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.
Favorite 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: Rockford Dance Company
TOP 10 Dance Studios / Lessons
1. Rockford Dance Company
2. HIS Dance Academy
3. Hearts in Motion Dance Project
4. Caledonia Dance & Music Center
5. Integrity School of Dance Arts
6. Academy of Dance Arts Inc
7. Dance With Me by Amber Marie
8. Body Language Dance Company
9. Studio Dance
10. Haus of Glass Dance
Winning Dance Studio - Caledonia
They specialize in beginners of all ages and training through pre-professional levels. But CDMC is More Than Just Great Dancing®, going beyond technique to develop important life skills.
CDMC will inspire your child through dance!
Winning Dance Studio - Grand Rapids
We focus on training great technique while fostering a joy for the love of dance and creating magical moments.
Be sure to check out our satellite location in downtown Ada!
Winning Dance Studio - Grand Rapids
Offering Recreation and Pre-Professional Divisions: Babes In Arms, Toddler, Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Character, Modern, Musical Theatre, & Hip-Hop
Celebrating our 20th season of Guiding Young Hearts and Big Dreams.
Recreational classes for beginning dancers and Pre-Professional classes to prepare for future post-high school opportunities.
Winning Dance Studio - Kentwood
Creating an environment for happy, strong, and confident kids is what we do best!
Come join our dance family!
Directory of Dance Classes in Grand Rapids
A full list of all the dance classes and academies in West Michigan that kids love.
Grand Rapids Ballet School in Grand Rapids
341 Ellsworth Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
• Ballet Classes
• 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
Academy of Dance Arts in Comstock Park
684 Six Mile Road NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321
• Ballet Classes, Tap, 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
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
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
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
Dorr Dance Academy in Dorr
1743 142nd Avenue, Dorr, MI 49323
• Toddler Dance Classes, Ballet Classes, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8
• Preschool, Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8
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
Integrity Dance Arts in Byron Center
2495 84th St SW, Byron Center, MI 49315
• 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
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 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
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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.