Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Dance Education Since 1940
Founded in 1940 by Noretta Dunworth, our school has established itself as a premier institution for dance education, offering comprehensive training in Ballet (Cecchetti, Vaganova, and non-syllabus), Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Acrobatics, and Gymnastics. With a faculty of certified professionals and a legacy of producing nationally recognized dancers, we cater to students from beginner to professional levels. Our alumni have achieved success on Broadway, in professional ballet companies, and through their own dance studios across North America.As a member of Dance Masters of America and the Cecchetti Council of America, we maintain rigorous standards of excellence. Our competition teams consistently earn top honors at national events, reflecting our commitment to technical precision and artistic expression. We emphasize discipline, respect, and perseverance, values instilled by our founder, while fostering a supportive environment where students develop both as dancers and individuals.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Contemporary
Hip-Hop
Acrobatics
Ballroom
Details
- Year established: 1940
Highlights and features
- 85 years of proven excellence in dance education since 1940
- Certified instructors with professional experience in major dance companies
- Nationally ranked competition teams with multiple award-winning performances
- Comprehensive curriculum covering 8 dance disciplines and techniques
- Alumni network of successful professional dancers and studio owners
Associations and certifications
- Dance Masters of America
- Cecchetti Council of America
What people say
National champions
Professional dancers
Experienced instructors
Competition awards
Legacy program
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program offers Cecchetti, Vaganova, and non-syllabus training for ages 3 to adults. Students develop proper technique through barre work, center exercises, and progressive levels. Advanced students receive pointe instruction and performance opportunities. The curriculum builds strength, posture, and artistry while preparing dancers for professional careers or recreational enjoyment.
Tap
Tap classes teach rhythm, coordination, and musicality through various styles including rhythm, classical, and jazz tap. Students learn basic steps progressing to complex combinations with turns and improvisation. The program emphasizes clear sound production and syncopation while developing performance skills applicable to stage and competition settings.
Jazz
Our jazz program covers modern, classical, lyrical, and musical theater styles. Classes begin with warm-ups and progress to across-the-floor combinations focusing on turns, leaps, and isolations. Students learn choreography that emphasizes style and performance quality while building versatility for competition and stage productions.
Hip-Hop
Hip-hop classes teach current street dance styles with age-appropriate music and choreography. Students develop rhythm, coordination, and freestyle skills while learning popular moves seen in music videos. The program emphasizes creativity and self-expression in a high-energy environment suitable for beginners and experienced dancers alike.
Acrobatics
Acro-gymnastics combines dance and tumbling skills for all ages. Classes focus on flexibility, strength, and safe progression of skills including rolls, walkovers, and flips. Students learn to integrate acrobatic elements into dance routines while developing body awareness and performance quality applicable to multiple dance genres.
People
Loni Lane
Artistic Director/Owner
40+ years teaching experience, former Bolshoi Ballet and Detroit City Ballet dancer, BA in dance education, Cecchetti Council member, and director of Dearborn Ballet Theater since 1978.
Casey Quinn
Instructor
Professional dancer with Wicked Broadway, national tour performer, TV/film credits including Winter's Tale and Isn't It Romantic, and former assistant to renowned choreographers.
Jordan Mercer Lantz
Ballet Instructor
Professional ballet dancer with Chicago Repertory Ballet, former Pittsburgh Ballet Theater and Alabama Ballet member, experienced educator with summer program director roles at Samford and Point Park Universities.
Nancy Giles
Cecchetti Ballet Instructor
Certified Cecchetti method instructor with decades of experience teaching classical ballet technique, former professional dancer, and competition award-winning coach.
Tracy Kielb
All Styles Instructor
Versatile dance educator with expertise in multiple genres, competition choreography award winner, and faculty member with extensive performance and teaching experience.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach Ballet (Cecchetti, Vaganova), Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Acrobatics, and Ballroom. Our curriculum covers all major dance disciplines for ages 3 to adults.
Is the competition team open to all students?
Our nationally ranked competition teams are by invitation only. Dancers must demonstrate skill level and commitment through auditions held annually in fall.
What are your registration requirements?
Registration requires completing our form, paying fees, and costume deposits. Class placement considers age and ability, with evaluations during September to ensure proper level placement.
Do you have dress code requirements?
Yes, we enforce specific dress codes for each discipline to maintain professional standards. Uniforms include designated leotards, tights, and shoes for ballet, tap, and jazz classes.
What notable alumni have graduated from your program?
Our alumni include Broadway performers (Wicked, Finding Neverland), Radio City Rockettes, Norwegian Cruise Line dancers, and professional choreographers working in film and television.
