Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Dance Education in Austin Since 1970
Shirley McPhail School Of Dance has been dedicated to nurturing dancers of all ages in Austin since 1970. Our mission centers on providing quality dance education that fosters joy, creativity, and technical excellence. With a team of experienced instructors, we offer a diverse range of classes for children and adults, from foundational ballet and tap to contemporary and hip hop. Our studio cultivates a supportive environment where students develop confidence, coordination, and lifelong friendships. Over five decades, we have built a reputation for excellence through structured curricula, annual recitals, and community engagement.Our commitment to personalized instruction ensures that every dancer, from toddlers to seniors, receives tailored guidance. The Dancers Den boutique provides essential gear, enhancing convenience for families. Testimonials highlight our welcoming atmosphere, professional staff, and transformative impact on students. We prioritize safety, inclusivity, and artistic growth, making dance accessible to all skill levels. From beginner classes to competitive troupes, our programs emphasize both technical mastery and emotional expression. This legacy of excellence continues to make us a trusted choice for dance education in Central Texas.
Services
Ballet Classes
Tap Dance Instruction
Jazz Dance Programs
Contemporary Dance
Hip Hop Workshops
Adult Dance Classes
Cotillion Training
Studio Rentals
Dancewear Sales
Performance Teams
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We offer over 50 years of experience in dance education
- Our faculty includes certified professionals with diverse specialties
- We provide age-appropriate classes from toddler to senior levels
- We host annual professional recitals at Westlake High Performing Arts Center
- We maintain small class sizes for personalized instruction
What people say
Welcoming staff
Professional and friendly
Transformative experience
Phenomenal recitals
Caring teachers
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program teaches foundational techniques including barre and center work with French terminology. Students develop proper body alignment, poise, and grace through structured curricula. Classes are available for ages 9+ with progressive levels from beginner to advanced.
Tap Dance
Tap classes focus on rhythm, coordination, and percussive footwork using metal-tapped shoes. Students build strength and musicality through progressive techniques. Adult classes cater to all skill levels from beginner to advanced practitioners.
Cotillion Training
This program teaches etiquette, communication skills, and partner dance techniques to students aged 10-13. Participants learn formal social graces while developing dance skills in a fun, interactive environment with experienced instructors.
Adult Dance
We offer diverse adult dance programs including tap, ballet, contemporary, hip hop, and ballroom for ages 18-94. Classes emphasize fitness, creative expression, and technical skill development in a supportive environment for all experience levels.
Performance Teams
Our competitive dance troupe provides performance opportunities for ages 8-18. Participants receive advanced training in jazz, ballet, and tap while performing at community events and annual recitals at Westlake High Performing Arts Center.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, lyrical, and ballroom classes for ages 2 through 94 with experienced instructors.
Do you have adult dance classes?
Yes, we provide adult classes in tap, ballet, contemporary, hip hop, and ballroom for all skill levels from beginner to advanced.
When are recitals held?
Our annual recitals occur in late May at Westlake High Performing Arts Center, with mandatory dress rehearsals scheduled the prior weekend.
What are costume fees?
Costume deposits are $90 per dancer per class, with final payments determined in spring. Recital fees are $150 per family.
How do I register?
Registration remains open through November 15 for most classes. Visit our website to complete enrollment or contact us for assistance.
