Best Dance Classes For Kids In Charlotte

Dance lessons are among the best investments parents can make for their children's future. Both girls and boys benefit from the physical discipline and full-body workout that dancing provides, gaining balance, grace, better posture and an improved self-image. Beyond the physical benefits, dance can also improve social skills, helping shy children express themselves and overactive children control their impulses, in addition to creating an appreciation for music that will last a lifetime. Our list includes some of Charlotte's most established dance academies serving the community for many years. For additional suggestions, see the related article Best Dance Studios In Charlotte. Please note that the North Carolina Dance Theatre recently changed its name to the Charlotte Ballet. It continues to offer top-quality lessons in ballet, modern and jazz technique, but should not be confused with the Charlotte School of Ballet, a separate organization listed here. All of these studios offer a great chance for kids to have fun and even take to the stage.

Carolina Dance Capital
12210 Copper Way, Suite 230
Charlotte, NC 28277
(704) 542-4998
www.carolinadancecapital.com

Formerly Weir Dancin' founded in Matthews in 1998, Carolina Dance Capital now occupies new studios in the Ballantyne neighborhood, a spacious facility featuring six dance studios equipped with floating Marley floors to help prevent injuries. Parents especially appreciate the large waiting area with free WiFi and the observation windows giving a view of each studio. The family owned and operated studio is directed by Nina Schulte, a talented choreographer who has lead many competition dance teams to national titles. Carolina Dance Capital, named one of the top 10 studios in the southeast and one of the top 25 in the United States, offers classes for ages two through adult in a wide variety of dance styles, including jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, lyrical, Zumba, belly dance, floor gymnastics and cheer dance. Class size is limited to a maximum of 12 students (10 for children ages two to five) to provide the best experience possible.

Related: Best Dance Studios In Charlotte

Charlotte School of Ballet
627 S. Sharon Amity Road
Charlotte, NC 28211
(704) 366-9675
www.charlotteballet.com

Established in 1968 by Gay Porter, who also founded the ballet department at CPCC, this studio concentrates on the teaching of ballet technique, considered the foundation of all other forms of stage dance. It offers classes for both children interested in dancing for fun and for serious students hoping to pursue a career in classical ballet. Classes are based on the graded training systems developed by the Royal Academy of Dance in Britain and the Cecchetti method, and students have the option of taking examinations in both systems. They also have the opportunity to perform with the Charlotte Youth Ballet in annual productions of "The Nutcracker" and an original ballet presented in the spring. The Charlotte School of Ballet also offers tap and jazz classes for children and adults, as well as pre-ballet training for children three years and up, pointe classes and a boys-only class.

Miss Donna's School of Dancing
1707 Sardis Road N., Suite D
Charlotte, NC 28270
(704) 847-3322
www.missdonnasschoolofdancing.com

Founded by Donna Mitzel in 1956, Miss Donna's has grown into one of the largest schools offering dance instruction to children in the Charlotte region, with studios in Harrisburg, Indian Trail and Long Creek Village, in addition to the main location in Sardis Crossing Shopping Center, a facility with over 10,000 square feet of studio space. Classes in a variety of dance techniques, including tap, ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical and hip-hop, are offered for children ages two through 18. Emphasis is on learning routines, with all students participating in an annual three-day recital on the stage at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Interested students can join one of Miss Donna's dance teams to compete in four regional competitions each spring, with the possibility of moving on to the national level.

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Open Door Studios
1318 Central Ave., Suite D
Charlotte, NC 28205
(704) 817-9281
www.opendoorstudios.com

Conveniently located in the heart of the Plaza-Midwood neighborhood, Open Door offers classes for children as young as age three through adults. The youngest children enjoy classes in creative movement and pre-ballet, while older kids have fun learning jazz, tap, ballet, street dance, modern and acrobatics. Classes perform in a themed recital every spring at Queens University's Dana Auditorium. The school is staffed by highly qualified instructors, including Jacqueline White, one of the main instructors of ballet and pre-ballet. White is an American Ballet Theatre Certified Teacher, having completed Primary through Level 5 in the ABT National Curriculum, which combines elements of the Italian, French and Russian schools of ballet.

Rhythm Dance Studio
120 W. Matthews St.
Matthews, NC 28105
(704) 845-5260
www.dancerhythm.com

Founded in 1985 by Barbara Morgan-Eaves, Rhythm is one of the top dance schools in the region for students seeking to pursue a professional dance career. Alumni of Rhythm dance teams have performed on cruise ships, in theme parks, in Disney films and on the Broadway stage. The school's spacious studios are located in the heart of Matthews, and feature New England and Marley floating floors to prevent injuries, as well as two-way observation mirrors. Classes are offered beginning at age three in tap, jazz, lyrical, ballet and hip-hop, with award-winning instructors in each. Members of competition dance teams are chosen by audition, while all students perform in an annual recital.

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