Business Details
26 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education in Detroit Lakes, MN
Center Stage Dance Academy has been dedicated to dance education since 2000, offering a nurturing environment where students develop technical skill and artistic expression. Our curriculum caters to dancers of all levels, from novice to advanced, through structured classes in ballet, jazz, tap, acro, hip hop, and contemporary styles. With a focus on building confidence and teamwork, we provide performance opportunities through annual recitals and competitive teams that participate in regional and national events.Our instructors bring decades of combined experience and industry expertise, maintaining current training through professional development conferences and workshops. We foster a supportive 'dance family' atmosphere that emphasizes respect, personal growth, and the transformative power of dance as both an art form and athletic discipline.
Services
Dance Classes
Competition Teams
Recital Performances
Acro Training
Hip Hop Instruction
Ballet Technique
Lyrical Choreography
Tap Dance
Jazz Dance
Contemporary Dance
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- Experienced instructors with decades of industry expertise
- Competition teams participating in regional and national events
- Structured curriculum for all skill levels from novice to advanced
- Supportive 'dance family' environment emphasizing personal growth
- Annual recitals showcasing student progress and achievements
What people say
Amazing instructors
Supportive dance family
Excellent technique training
Great performance opportunities
Professional choreography
Services
Dance Classes
We offer comprehensive dance instruction for ages 3-18 across multiple styles including ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, and contemporary. Our curriculum accommodates all skill levels from beginner through advanced, with classes structured to challenge students while maintaining appropriate technical progression. Each session focuses on developing both technical proficiency and artistic expression through age-appropriate choreography and technique training.
Competition Teams
Our competitive dance program includes four age-specific teams participating in regional and national competitions. Dancers receive specialized training in choreography, technique, and performance skills while developing teamwork and commitment. The program emphasizes both individual growth and collective achievement through competitive performances and collaborative rehearsals that prepare students for stage presentation and adjudication.
Recital Performances
Annual performance opportunities include December holiday recitals for younger students and comprehensive spring recitals showcasing all dancers. These productions demonstrate students' progress through choreographed pieces that highlight technical development and artistic expression. Performances emphasize stage presence, costume presentation, and audience engagement while celebrating each dancer's achievements throughout the year.
Acro Training
Specialized acro classes combine dance and gymnastics elements to develop flexibility, strength, and balance. Instructors focus on proper technique for tumbling passes, handstands, and floor acrobatics while ensuring safe progression through skill levels. Classes emphasize body awareness and spatial orientation to enhance dance performance through controlled, dynamic movement.
Ballet Technique
Classical ballet instruction follows progressive training from introductory positions through advanced pointe work. Classes emphasize proper alignment, turnout development, and graceful execution of ballet vocabulary. Students learn traditional ballet combinations while developing musicality, posture, and performance quality that form the foundation for multiple dance styles.
People
Ronita Hackel
Owner/Instructor
Founder of Center Stage Dance Academy with 24 years of experience. Trained in multiple dance styles and active in professional development through annual conferences and workshops. Choreographed for musicals and dance camps while building a community-focused dance education program.
Greta Fritz
Instructor
Teaching since 2017 with competition experience since age 4. Specializes in jazz, hip hop, and lyrical styles while bringing energy and contemporary choreography expertise. Featured in music video productions and committed to student development through positive mentorship.
Michelle Hanson
Instructor
15-year teaching veteran with director experience at JFK Dance Program. Trained in multiple dance styles and former Laker Dance Team member. Focuses on acro and hip hop instruction while emphasizing technical precision and student engagement through dynamic teaching methods.
Rylee Moore
Instructor
Alumni dancer since age 3, currently pursuing psychology degree at University of St. Thomas. Combines academic understanding with practical dance experience as award-winning collegiate dance team member. Specializes in contemporary and choreography instruction.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We provide instruction in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, acro, and pointe with age-appropriate curriculum.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! We host December holiday recitals and spring performances showcasing all students, plus competition teams participate in regional and national events.
What are class sizes?
Class sizes vary by age and skill level, with student caps at $125/month for individual enrollment and $200/month for family enrollment.
Do you offer competitive teams?
Yes, we have four competition teams (Mini, Petite, Fusion, Senior) divided by age and ability with regional/national participation.
What are registration fees?
There's a $10 annual registration fee and $10 recital fee per student, with monthly tuition based on class duration.
How experienced are your instructors?
Our instructors have 15-24 years of teaching experience with professional development through conferences, workshops, and industry certifications.