Business Details
49 Years
experience
Over The Top Academy of Dance - Grand Rapids' Premier Dance School
Over The Top Academy of Dance has been dedicated to the art and beauty of dance for all ages since 1977. Our mission is to create a safe, inspired, and committed community where students of all skill levels can reconnect with dance, themselves, and others. We offer programs ranging from recreational dance classes to competitive training, theater camps, and community enrichment initiatives. Our focus extends beyond technical skill to include character development, teamwork, and lifelong wellness. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we've become a staple in the Alger Heights community while continuously evolving to meet the needs of future generations. 
Services
Dance Classes
Theater Camps
Tap Week Workshops
Mindful Movers Program
Adult Dance Classes
Hotties In Heels
Primary Shapes Workshops
CRU Performance Team
HERO Academy
Summer Dance Camp
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- We've served Grand Rapids with quality dance instruction since 1977
- Our programs combine technical excellence with character development
- We offer specialized theater camps and Tap Week workshops
- Our owners maintain active involvement in community enrichment
- We've successfully adapted to challenges while maintaining core values
What people say
Safe, diverse, fun space
Community members
Twenty years
Creative visions
Positive environment
Services
Dance Instruction
We offer comprehensive dance instruction for ages 2-18 and adults, covering multiple styles including tap, jazz, ballet, and contemporary. Our curriculum develops technical skill while emphasizing creativity, teamwork, and personal growth. Classes are available for all skill levels from recreational dancers to competitive students.
Theater Camps
Our 5-week summer theater camp provides immersive training in acting, singing, and dancing for ages 7-18. Participants learn stage production fundamentals while preparing for a full musical performance. The program builds confidence, artistic expression, and collaborative skills in a professional theater environment.
Tap Week Workshops
Annual Tap Week events celebrate tap dance's cultural heritage through masterclasses, history lessons, and jam sessions. Led by renowned artists, these workshops explore rhythm, authentic technique, and freestyle expression while connecting participants with the global tap community.
Mindful Movers Program
This wellness-focused program integrates movement principles to improve physical and mental well-being. Through foundational exercises, participants release tension, enhance flexibility, and reconnect body-mind awareness. The program emphasizes sustainable movement patterns for long-term health benefits.
Adult Dance Classes
We provide inclusive dance classes for adults seeking creative expression and physical fitness. Offerings include SkewTheLine choreography sessions and Hotties In Heels workouts that build strength, coordination, and confidence in a supportive social environment for ages 16+.
People
Jennifer Smith
Owner
Jennifer Smith has dedicated her career to dance education since founding Over The Top Academy in 1977. Her passion for creating inclusive spaces has shaped the studio's community-focused approach while maintaining technical excellence in dance instruction.
Ajamu
Owner
Ajamu brings expertise in movement therapy and community engagement to the academy. As co-owner, he leads the Mindful Movers program and contributes to curriculum development, emphasizing holistic wellness and accessibility in dance education.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We offer programs for children as young as 2 through adult classes, with specialized tracks for preschoolers, juniors, teens, and adults.
Do you offer summer programs?
Yes! We have summer theater camps, dance camps, and our annual Tap Week workshops featuring guest artists from across the country.
What makes your dance academy unique?
We combine technical dance training with character development in a welcoming environment that emphasizes community, diversity, and holistic wellness.
Are adult classes available?
Yes! We offer adult beginner tap, SkewTheLine choreography sessions, and Hotties In Heels workouts for women seeking dance fitness.
How do you incorporate cultural education?
Our Tap Week events specifically highlight tap dance's African American heritage through history classes, master instructors, and cultural preservation efforts.
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