GR’s Best Dance Classes for Kids: Jazz, Ballet, Hip-Hop + More

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 start here. We’ve found the area’s best ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, modern dance classes, and everything in between. 

*This is a sponsored section of GRKIDS.com.

Find some of the best dance options in Grand Rapids here.

Michigan Ballet Academy in Grand Rapids

Dance Classes

1595 Galbraith Ave SE, Grand Rapids MI 49546


EXCELLENT ballet school! Ericka Goss is very knowledgeable, compassionate and is highly respected and loved by both her students and the parents.
~MBA Parent


MBA seeks to deliver the highest quality of classical 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" and to our Pre-Professional Division.

Join us as we develop a life-long love of movement and empower the next generation of artists.

Caledonia Dance & Music Center in Caledonia

Dance Classes

131 E. Main Street SE, Suite E, Caledonia MI 49316


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.

Hearts in Motion Dance in Grand Rapids

Dance Classes

4336 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525


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!

Reverence Dance Academy in Grand Rapids

Dance Classes

1040 4 Mile Rd NW, Grand Rapids MI 49544


Reverence Dance Academy is a Christian, recreational-based dance studio that welcomes dancers of all experiences, ages & abilities.

We offer affordable classes in a variety of styles that are catered to each dancer's needs. Our aim is to provide a safe space where students can find a love for dance!

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. 

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.

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 icon 70x70 Winner: Caledonia Dance & Music Center

1. Caledonia Dance & Music Center
2. Integrity Dance Arts
3. Hearts in Motion Dance
4. Verity Ballet
5. Rockford Dance Company
6. Lo Mi Studios
7. HIS Dance Academy
8. Grand Rapids Ballet School
9. Grand Rapids Civic Theatre & School of Theatre Arts
10. Over the Top Academy of Dance

Full List of Grand Rapids Dance Classes

Here are all the dance classes and academies in West Michigan that kids love.

Michigan Ballet Academy in Grand Rapids

1595 Galbraith Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
• Toddler Dance Classes, Mommy & Me, Ballet Classes, Tap, Jazz, Creative Movement, Contemporary
• Infants & Toddlers, 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

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

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

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

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, Contemporary
• 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

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

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

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

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

Reverence Dance Academy in Grand Rapids

1040 4 Mile Rd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
• Ballet Classes, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary
• 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

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

Dance classes for kids include ballet in Grand Rapids.

3 thoughts on “GR’s Best Dance Classes for Kids: Jazz, Ballet, Hip-Hop + More”

  1. 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

  2. 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)

  3. 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.

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