Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance Studio in Akron Since 1960
Dianna Durkin Dance Studio has been a cornerstone of dance education in Northeast Ohio since 1960, dedicated to nurturing students' artistic growth and personal development. Our experienced instructors prioritize safety and individual attention, offering programs that enhance physical coordination, musicality, and creative expression while instilling values like discipline, teamwork, and self-confidence. With a legacy of producing confident performers and community leaders, we maintain partnerships with national dance organizations and provide age-appropriate curricula from toddler classes to advanced competitive training.Our faculty combines formal dance education with real-world performance experience, ensuring students receive technically rigorous yet emotionally enriching instruction. Through annual recitals and community engagement initiatives, we create opportunities for students to showcase their progress while fostering lifelong appreciation for the performing arts.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Hip Hop
Acrobatics
Musical Theatre
Contemporary
Pointe
Pre-Dance
Adult Classes
Details
- Year established: 1960
Highlights and features
- We offer over 60 years of experience in dance education
- Our programs cater to all skill levels from preschool to competitive
- Certified instructors with expertise in multiple dance styles
- Proven curriculum that develops both technical skill and confidence
- Active participation in national dance education organizations
What people say
Lifelong friendships
Amazing community leaders
Positive relationship with body
Quality dance education
Lifelong qualities
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops proper technique and graceful movement through structured lessons that build strength, flexibility, and artistic expression. Students learn traditional ballet vocabulary while developing stage presence and musicality. Classes prepare dancers for both recreational enjoyment and competitive performance opportunities.
Tap Instruction
Tap classes focus on developing clear sound production, rhythmic precision, and improvisational skills. Students progress through technical levels while learning to express musicality through footwork. Our certified instructors use Acrobatic Arts methodology to ensure proper technique and injury prevention.
Acrobatic Training
Acrobatics classes build strength, balance, and flexibility through safe progressions of tumbling skills and partner work. Certified instructors teach proper spotting techniques while developing performance-ready acrobatic sequences. This non-competitive class focuses on foundational skills applicable to multiple dance styles.
Hip Hop Programs
Hip hop classes teach street dance styles emphasizing rhythm, isolations, and freestyle expression. Students learn current trends while developing musicality and performance confidence. Classes incorporate elements of breaking and commercial dance styles in a positive, creative environment.
Pre-Dance Classes
Designed for toddlers and preschoolers, our pre-dance programs introduce basic movement concepts through playful activities. Classes develop motor skills, listening abilities, and social interaction while fostering a love for dance. Parent participation builds bonding in our youngest age groups.
People
Matthew Venus
Director/Owner
Matthew Venus directs the studio with expertise in ballet, contemporary, and acrobatics. He trained at Jackson School for the Arts and University of Akron, performed with Canton Ballet, and earned a scholarship to Cleveland Ballet's Trainee Program. Certified in Acrobatic Arts instruction, he brings professional performance experience to his teaching.
Dianna Durkin Wiggins
Founder
Founder Dianna Durkin established the studio in 1960, growing it from five to over 100 students within two years. She continues mentoring teachers and students, maintaining the studio's legacy of excellence. Her leadership has created generational connections with families continuing through multiple generations.
Cindy Hixson
Tap Teacher
Cindy Hixson teaches tap with expertise developed through Dance Masters of America certification. A DDDS alumna, she continues advancing her skills through conventions and seminars. She focuses on creating inspiring environments where dancers enhance technical abilities while expressing creativity.
April Templeton Brenneman
Jazz & Hip Hop Teacher
April Templeton Brenneman brings professional performance experience from New York City and national conventions. She teaches jazz funk, hip hop, and musical theatre while emphasizing continuous learning. Her teaching philosophy focuses on inspiring students through innovative concepts and collaborative creativity.
Heather Muzic
Ballet/Pointe Teacher
Heather Muzic instructs ballet and pointe classes with training from University of Akron and prestigious dance institutions. She performed with Akron's Repertory Dance Company and continues developing her expertise through master classes with renowned organizations like Joffrey Ballet and Broadway Dance Center.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, musical theatre, acrobatics, and pointe classes for students aged 18 months to 18 years.
Do you have classes for beginners?
Yes, our pre-dance programs start at 18 months with no experience required. All classes are structured to accommodate various skill levels.
How long are your dance sessions?
Our dance season begins after Labor Day and concludes with an annual recital, typically running 9-10 months with weekly classes.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes, we offer recital performances for most classes and have competitive programs for advanced dancers seeking additional performance experiences.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our teachers hold certifications from national dance organizations and have professional training from institutions like University of Akron and Cleveland Ballet.
Do you offer sibling discounts?
We provide tuition discounts for multiple classes and offer unlimited tuition options. Contact us for specific pricing details.