Business Details
46 Years
experience
Premier Dance Classes in Garden City, MI
The Dancer's Studio has been a cornerstone of dance education in the Garden City, MI area since 1980. Founded by Mary Ann Focht, our studio combines decades of expertise with a passion for nurturing talent across all age groups and skill levels. We specialize in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and acrobatics, offering structured programs that emphasize technical precision, artistic expression, and personal growth. Our faculty includes award-winning instructors with extensive performance and teaching experience, many of whom have trained at prestigious institutions and competed nationally. We provide age-appropriate classes for children as young as 2.5 years old through advanced adult students, with a focus on building confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love of dance. Our students regularly achieve recognition in regional and national competitions, reflecting our commitment to excellence in both training and performance.We maintain strong ties to the local community through partnerships with schools and participation in cultural events like the City of Dearborn's Nutcracker Ballet. Our facility supports both recreational and competitive dancers, with monthly specialized workshops in acrobatics and dance technique. We adhere to rigorous teaching standards, including certification through Dance Masters of America's training program, ensuring our methods remain current and effective. With over four decades of operation, we continue to evolve while staying true to our mission of making dance accessible and transformative for every student.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Hip-Hop
Acrobatics
Contemporary
Creative Dance
Pointe
Competition Training
Adult Classes
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience training dancers of all ages and skill levels
- Our faculty includes certified instructors with national competition award-winning expertise
- We offer specialized programs for competitive dancers and recreational learners
- Our curriculum combines Russian Vagonova ballet training with modern dance techniques
- We maintain strong community ties through local performance opportunities
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program follows the Russian Vagonova method, building strong technical foundations for students aged 7+. Classes focus on proper alignment, turnout, and graceful movement while developing mental discipline and artistic expression. We offer progressive levels from beginner to advanced, with pointe work introduced at appropriate stages. This classical training serves as the basis for all other dance forms we teach.
Tap
Tap classes teach controlled footwork and rhythmic patterns for ages 6+. Students develop coordination, musicality, and performance skills through progressive exercises and choreography. Our curriculum accommodates all levels from beginner to advanced, emphasizing both technical precision and creative expression through sound.
Jazz
Jazz instruction combines technical training with dynamic movement for ages 6+. Classes explore various styles from Broadway to contemporary, focusing on isolations, syncopation, and performance quality. Students learn choreography while developing strength, flexibility, and collaborative skills essential for ensemble work.
Hip-Hop
Hip-hop classes introduce urban dance styles for ages 7+. Students learn popular moves from music videos and pop culture while building coordination, rhythm, and creative expression. No prior experience is needed, making this an accessible entry point for recreational dancers.
Acrobatics
Acrobatics combines dance with tumbling skills for all ages. Monthly workshops teach controlled movements, flexibility, and strength training. Students progress through safe, structured routines that enhance their dance performance while developing physical coordination and stage presence.
People
Mary Ann Focht
Owner/Director
Founder of TDS since 1980 with 40+ years teaching experience. Certified in ballet, tap, and jazz through Dance Masters of America. Recipient of multiple competition awards for choreography and instruction.
Shara Marbry
Instructor
Teaching at TDS since 2010 with professional performance experience at Kennedy Center. Holds teaching certification in physical and dance education. Specializes in connecting with young dancers.
Nicole Succurro
Instructor
Ten-year TDS teaching veteran with BA in Literature. Trained students aged 2-75, many of whom have won competition awards. Combines literary creativity with dance instruction.
Christina Dzingle
Instructor
Former TDS student turned instructor with biology degree and teaching certification. Brings scientific precision to dance training while maintaining creative expression. Experienced in choreography and performance.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, acrobatics, contemporary, and creative dance classes for ages 2.5 through adult.
Do you accept beginners with no experience?
Yes! Our hip-hop classes specifically welcome beginners, and we offer age-appropriate introductory classes for children as young as 2.5 years old.
Are there competitive dance opportunities?
Yes, we provide competition training with award-winning instructors. Our students regularly win awards at national competitions like Dance Masters of America and American Dance Awards.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our instructors hold teaching certifications, have degrees in dance education, and possess extensive performance experience at venues like the Kennedy Center and Detroit Music Hall.
How are class levels determined?
Levels consider age, experience, and ability. Students typically stay at each level 2-3 years, progressing through our structured curriculum from creative dance to advanced training.
Do you offer adult dance classes?
Yes, we have adult tap and jazz classes available on Wednesday evenings for beginning to intermediate dancers.
