Business Details
37 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance Studio in Sterling Heights & Troy, MI
Gotta Dance has been dedicated to dance education since 1989, offering both recreational and competitive programs for all ages. Founded by sisters Suzy Gianino and Sandy Vandermeer, our studio combines over 60 years of combined teaching experience with a passion for nurturing talent. We specialize in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip hop, and acro, with adaptive classes for children and adults with special needs. Our instructors have trained nationally and internationally, including in Los Angeles, Chicago, Colorado, and Lake Placid.Competitive students receive elite training with opportunities to participate in local and national competitions. We maintain strict dress codes and professional standards to ensure optimal learning environments. Our Max Club tuition program accommodates families with multiple children. With two Michigan locations in Sterling Heights and Troy, we serve diverse communities through structured class schedules and comprehensive dance education.
Services
Ballet
Jazz
Tap
Lyrical
Hip Hop
Acro
Adaptive Dance
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of combined teaching experience from award-winning instructors
- Our competitive program includes national competition opportunities
- We provide adaptive dance classes for special needs students
- Our Max Club tuition program accommodates multiple family members
- We maintain strict technical standards with professional dress codes
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program develops coordination, flexibility, and musicality through structured barre and center work. Students build foundational technique essential for all dance styles. Classes emphasize proper alignment and muscle development.
Jazz
Jazz classes combine technical precision with performance energy. Students learn progressions, combinations, and stage presence while developing rhythm and coordination through dynamic movement patterns.
Tap
Tap instruction focuses on musicality, rhythm, and coordination. Students master progressive tap steps through warm-ups, center work, and combinations that emphasize percussive sound production.
Lyrical
Lyrical dance integrates ballet and jazz techniques to tell stories through movement. Classes emphasize fluidity, emotional expression, and technical control for experienced dancers.
Adaptive Dance
Our adaptive programs cater to children and adults with special needs. My Time To Shine and Always Shine classes focus on self-expression, social skills, and individual progress at each participant's pace.
People
Sandy Vandermeer
Co-Owner & Director
With 30+ years teaching experience, Sandy specializes in tap and jazz. She has received multiple choreography awards and trained dancers who earned college scholarships and professional careers.
Suzy Gianino
Co-Owner & Instructor
A former figure skating champion, Suzy brings 30 years of dance expertise. She specializes in jazz, tap, and ballet, having trained with Olympic professionals and taught all skill levels.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip hop, acro, and adaptive dance classes for all ages and skill levels.
Do you have competitive dance programs?
Yes, our competitive program requires audition and includes local/national competition opportunities with two required weekly classes.
Are there adaptive dance options available?
We provide My Time To Shine (ages 3+) and Always Shine (teens/young adults) adaptive dance classes for special needs students.
What are your studio locations?
We operate two Michigan locations: 44541 Schoenherr Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48313 and 5953 John R Rd, Troy, MI 48085.
What are your office hours?
Office hours are Monday-Thursday 4:30-9:00 PM and Friday 5:00-8:00 PM at both locations.
Do you offer family tuition discounts?
Yes, our Max Club program caps monthly tuition at $375 for families with multiple children enrolled in classes.
