Business Details
27 Years
experience
Your Premier Dance Education Destination in Bandon
MarLo Dance Studio has been serving the greater Bandon area since 1999 as a family-oriented dance education institution. Our studio emphasizes technical excellence, artistic growth, and community building through diverse dance disciplines. With experienced instructors specializing in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop, we cater to students from age 2 through adulthood. Our curriculum combines foundational training with performance opportunities, preparing dancers for both recreational enjoyment and professional aspirations.We maintain strong connections to the local community through annual productions and scholarship programs funded by performances. Our teaching staff brings extensive professional experience from prestigious dance companies and conservatories, ensuring high-quality instruction across all skill levels.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Contemporary
Hip Hop
Yoga Fitness
Adult Dance Classes
Summer Dance Programs
Performance Training
Private Lessons
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of dance education experience in the Bandon community
- Our instructors have professional backgrounds with prestigious dance companies
- We provide age-appropriate classes from toddler to adult levels
- Our curriculum combines technical training with creative expression
- We maintain strong community ties through annual performances and scholarships
What people say
Increased flexibility
Positive behavior changes
Professional instructors
Community atmosphere
Performance opportunities
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program develops poise, posture, and technical precision through structured training. Students progress through eight levels with increasing complexity and performance requirements. The curriculum prepares dancers for pointe work and advanced ballet techniques while emphasizing proper alignment and musicality.
Hip Hop
Energetic hip hop classes teach freestyle movement and choreography rooted in urban dance culture. Our instructors specialize in breaking, popping, and locking techniques while maintaining a family-friendly environment. Classes accommodate beginners through advanced students with age-appropriate music and movement styles.
Summer Programs
Seasonal dance intensives provide focused training during school breaks. Our summer sessions include story ballet camps, technique workshops, and fitness programs. These programs combine dance instruction with arts activities and guest artist collaborations to maintain student engagement during off-season months.
Adult Classes
Specialized classes for adult learners accommodate various experience levels from complete beginners to returning dancers. Our offerings include ballet, tap, and hip hop with modifications for different physical abilities. These classes emphasize enjoyment and fitness while maintaining technical standards.
Performance Training
Comprehensive performance preparation includes stagecraft, costume coordination, and production experience. Students participate in annual spring productions and community performances. This training develops stage presence, memorization skills, and collaborative performance techniques through structured rehearsals.
People
Maria Merriam
Studio Owner
Founder with 40+ years dance experience, trained by Alice Stadelman, former NYC performer, and business degree holder. Retired from teaching in 2023 but continues studio administration.
Faith Slater
Manager/Instructor
14-year MDS student with professional training from Ballet Fantastique and State Street Ballet. Holds Vaganova method certification and specializes in classical ballet instruction for advanced students.
Gracie Slater
Instructor
Certified in hip hop and tap with performance experience in regional productions. Holds Small Business Management degree and specializes in adult dance education while maintaining performance credentials.
Nalia Brewster
Instructor
Classically trained dancer with international competition experience. Combines technical expertise with theater background to teach tap and ballet while maintaining a full-time jewelry industry career.
Cheryl Kurihara
Instructor
Music and dance educator with 30+ years teaching experience. Specializes in early childhood development through Tiny Tots program, incorporating piano, organ, and theatrical training into dance instruction.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, and yoga/fitness classes for children and adults.
Do you accept adult beginners?
Yes! We have dedicated adult classes for ballet, tap, and hip hop with no prior experience required.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes, we produce annual spring performances and participate in community events throughout the year.
What are your class levels?
We have Tiny Tots (2-3 yrs), Creative Movement (4-6 yrs), 8 ballet levels, and progressive tap/jazz classes.
Do you offer summer programs?
Yes, we have story ballet camps and technique workshops during summer months with flexible enrollment options.
How do I choose the right class?
Contact us for personalized placement assistance based on age, experience, and dance goals.