Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Dance Education in Gahanna, Ohio
Judy Dollenmayer Studio Of Dance has been a trusted pillar in the Central Ohio community for over five decades, dedicated to providing high-quality dance education in a positive, inclusive environment. As one of the largest dance studios in the region, we offer more than 100 weekly classes across multiple disciplines, fostering confidence, technical skill, and lifelong friendships among students of all ages. Our experienced instructors, many of whom are nationally recognized choreographers and performers, prioritize both artistic growth and personal development. Since 2008, under the leadership of owner and director Brooke Hull, we have maintained our founding philosophies while embracing new traditions to better serve our growing community.Our state-of-the-art facility features four professional studios, a dedicated seamstress workroom, and a welcoming student lounge. We take pride in preparing dancers for competitive success and professional careers while emphasizing the importance of community service through initiatives like our annual Dancing for Life breast cancer benefit. With a commitment to excellence and accessibility, we ensure every student feels valued and empowered in their dance journey.
Services
Ballet
Jazz
Tap
Hip Hop
Lyrical
Musical Theater
Tumbling
Combo Classes
Competitive Dance
Costume Design
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- Over 50 years of excellence in dance education with nationally recognized instructors
- Offers 100+ weekly classes across 8 dance disciplines for all skill levels
- Award-winning choreographers with professional experience in Broadway and touring productions
- Dedicated to community service through annual Dancing for Life charity event
- State-of-the-art facility with four professional dance studios and specialized equipment
What people say
Award-winning instructors
Nurturing environment
Strong community focus
Excellent competition results
Professional facilities
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program builds foundational technique through structured classes focusing on posture, turnout, and graceful movement. Students learn traditional terminology and positions while developing strength and flexibility. Classes are available for ages 6+ with placement based on skill level. This discipline enhances overall dance ability and performance quality.
Tap
Tap classes teach rhythmic pattern creation using metal-tapped shoes as musical instruments. Students progress from basic steps to complex combinations, developing musicality and coordination. Advanced students explore improvisation and performance techniques. Our instructors include performers who have studied with renowned tap artists like Savion Glover.
Hip Hop
This energetic style combines street dance movements with current popular music. Classes focus on isolations, grooves, and freestyle expression while maintaining age-appropriate content. Students learn choreography from commercial videos and develop performance confidence. Special attention is given to safe dance practices and injury prevention.
Competitive Dance
Our competitive program offers elite training in multiple genres for dedicated dancers. Teams regularly earn national awards and choreography recognitions. Dancers receive personalized coaching, competition preparation, and performance opportunities at events like the Kids Artistic Revue National Dance Competition in Las Vegas.
Combo Classes
Designed for children aged 3-6, these 45-minute classes combine ballet and tap fundamentals with basic tumbling skills. Young dancers develop coordination, rhythm, and classroom participation through playful instruction. Students perform both dance styles in our annual spring production while building foundational skills for future dance education.
People
Brooke Hull
Owner and Director
With over 20 years of professional dance experience, Brooke leads JDSD while maintaining active roles in choreography and instruction. She founded the Dancing for Life charity event and continues to teach master classes nationally.
Tiffany Schlater
Elite Company Director
A nationally recognized tap expert with 25+ years teaching experience, Tiffany created JDSD's Elite program. She has choreographed award-winning routines featured in New York City's Tap Extravaganza and Las Vegas competitions.
Denise Leithart
Ballet Instructor
With 40+ years teaching experience, Denise brings classical ballet expertise from her time with Columbus Civic Ballet. She focuses on technical precision while mentoring students in discipline and work ethic that extend beyond dance.
Alexis Collier
Choreographer
A JDSD alumna with 10+ years on staff, Alexis specializes in jazz and musical theater. She won national choreography awards in 2021-2022 and integrates social justice themes into her inclusive, student-centered classes.
Megan Smith
Senior Elite Coach
As JDSD's youngest Senior Elite member at 13, Megan brings competitive expertise to her coaching. She has performed in major productions including 42nd Street and continues to develop championship-level dancers.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, musical theater, tumbling, and combo classes for children aged 3-6.
Are there competitive dance opportunities?
Yes, our Elite Companies compete nationally and have earned multiple championships at major competitions like Kids Artistic Revue.
What is your instructor qualifications?
Our faculty includes nationally recognized choreographers, former professional dancers, and instructors with decades of teaching experience.
Do you have community involvement programs?
We host the annual Dancing for Life charity event supporting breast cancer awareness and partner with local organizations for outreach performances.
What age groups do you teach?
We offer classes for children as young as 18 months through adult recreational classes, with competitive teams for older students.