Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Dance Training in Green Bay, WI
At The Dance, we have dedicated ourselves to inspiring and empowering dancers of all ages through exceptional instruction rooted in a legacy that began in the 1950s. Our mission is to provide high-quality training in a supportive environment where proper technique and personal growth are equally prioritized. We believe dance is not just about learning choreography but about building confidence, artistry, and life skills that extend beyond the studio. Our team of experienced instructors, including founder Shirley Van and artistic director Carrie Wielgus, brings decades of expertise in classical ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary styles. We foster a community where dancers develop technical proficiency, creativity, and a sense of belonging.Our annual productions, such as *The Nutcracker*, offer students opportunities to perform in professionally staged shows. We emphasize collaboration over competition, ensuring every dancer feels valued and challenged. With classes for ages 3 through adults, we cater to diverse skill levels while maintaining rigorous standards. Our alumni have gone on to pursue dance professionally and in collegiate programs, reflecting our commitment to excellence. We take pride in being a cornerstone of the Green Bay arts community, enriching lives through the transformative power of dance.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Instruction
Tap Dance Training
Contemporary Dance
Musical Theater Workshops
Adult Dance Fitness
Youth Performance Programs
Private Lessons
Summer Dance Camps
Choreography Services
Details
- Year established: 1950
Highlights and features
- We offer 60+ years of proven excellence in dance education
- Our instructors include nationally recognized choreographers and former professional dancers
- We provide performance opportunities in two full-length productions annually
- Our curriculum balances technical mastery with creative expression
- We maintain a supportive, non-competitive environment focused on personal growth
What people say
Amazing instructors
Supportive community
Professional productions
Lifelong friendships
Technical excellence
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through structured training. Students learn foundational techniques while exploring creative movement. Classes emphasize proper alignment, musicality, and performance quality, preparing dancers for advanced study and professional opportunities.
Jazz Instruction
Dynamic jazz classes focus on rhythm, syncopation, and stylistic versatility. Instructors emphasize proper warm-ups, across-the-floor progressions, and choreography that builds performance confidence. Classes cater to all skill levels from beginner to advanced dancers.
Tap Dance Training
Tap programs teach intricate footwork and musical interpretation. Students develop coordination and improvisation skills through various tap styles. Classes incorporate both traditional and contemporary techniques to foster rhythmic creativity and stage presence.
Contemporary Dance
Contemporary classes blend modern, jazz, and ballet techniques to explore emotional storytelling through movement. Dancers learn fluid transitions and develop individual artistry while building strength and flexibility for versatile performance capabilities.
Musical Theater Workshops
These workshops integrate dance, acting, and singing for stage production preparation. Students rehearse full-scale musical numbers while learning character development and stagecraft techniques. Participants gain experience in professional theater production standards.
People
Shirley Van
Founder & Artistic Director
Shirley established The Dance in 1950, pioneering dance education in Green Bay. She has choreographed over 40 Nutcracker productions and mentored generations of dancers. Her expertise spans classical ballet and theatrical choreography.
Carrie Wielgus
Artistic Director
Carrie has taught at The Dance for 25+ years, directing productions like Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. A former All-American gymnast, she combines technical rigor with creative expression in her instruction.
Tammy Petras
Studio Director
Tammy brings 47 years of organizational leadership from FEECO International to her role. She oversees studio operations while fostering the company's supportive community environment for dancer development.
Jami Goodman
Assistant Artistic Director
Jami has danced with The Dance for 30+ years, performing lead roles in major productions. She teaches dance while serving as Library Media Specialist at West De Pere Intermediate School.
Bryanna Gauger
Dance Instructor
Bryanna teaches tap and other styles while balancing her role as a 4th-grade teacher. A 15-year company member, she has performed in over a dozen productions including The Nutcracker and Frozen.
Questions
What age groups do you offer dance classes for?
We provide classes for dancers aged 3 through adults, with specialized programs for children, teens, and adult learners.
Do you offer performance opportunities for students?
All students participate in our annual Spring Recital, with additional performance options in our two full-length productions annually.
What dance styles are available at your studio?
We offer ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, musical theater, hip-hop, and pointe classes with experienced instructors in each discipline.
How can I register for dance classes?
Registration is available online through our portal. Visit our website to complete the registration packet and select your preferred classes.
Are there competitive dance teams available?
While we focus on performance-based training rather than competition, we offer advanced performance groups for dedicated dancers seeking additional challenges.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our instructors include former professional dancers, certified dance educators, and experienced performers with decades of combined teaching expertise across multiple dance disciplines.
