Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Award-Winning Dance Education for All Ages
Established in 1965, Short Dance Studios has grown into a premier destination for dance education across two state-of-the-art facilities in New Richmond, Wisconsin, and Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. Our family-owned studio offers a comprehensive curriculum spanning ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and more, serving students from recreational to competitive levels. With over 60 years of combined leadership experience from founders Wade Short and Jessica Skalicky, we prioritize creative, age-appropriate instruction delivered by professional, caring staff.Our facilities feature 10,000 and 9,000 square feet of space with multiple dance rooms, ensuring optimal learning environments. Recognized as an ADCC Studio of Excellence, we emphasize technical excellence, community engagement, and affordable pricing while fostering confidence, discipline, and artistic growth in students of all ages. Our annual recitals, summer intensives, and facility rentals further demonstrate our commitment to nurturing performing arts in local communities.
Services
Ballet Classes
Hip Hop Workshops
Contemporary Dance
Private Lessons
Facility Rentals
Summer Intensives
Adult Fitness
Musical Theatre
Acrobatics
Competition Teams
Details
- Year established: 1965
Highlights and features
- Creative and fun dance-based curriculum with age-appropriate instruction
- Professional and caring staff with decades of combined experience
- Non-competition, performing, and competition options available
- State-of-the-art facilities in two convenient Midwest locations
- Award-winning competition lines with national recognition
Associations and certifications
- ADCC Studio of Excellence
What people say
Creative and fun
Professional and caring staff
State-of-the-art facilities
Award-winning competition lines
Positive environment
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through structured training. Students learn proper alignment, musicality, and performance skills while building foundational strength. Classes cater to all levels from beginner to advanced, preparing dancers for both recreational and competitive pathways.
Hip Hop Workshops
Dynamic hip hop sessions focus on rhythm, isolations, and freestyle creativity. Instructors emphasize individual style development while teaching current trends and foundational techniques. Classes incorporate improvisation exercises and choreography to enhance musicality and stage presence for all skill levels.
Competition Teams
Our nationally recognized competition teams offer advanced training in multiple genres. Dancers receive specialized coaching in choreography, technique, and performance quality. Regular conventions and workshops with industry professionals ensure continuous growth, with opportunities to showcase skills at regional and national events.
Facility Rentals
Modern studios with sprung floors and professional sound systems available for rent. Spaces accommodate rehearsals, workshops, and special events with flexible scheduling. Technical support and equipment rentals available for performances, auditions, and community gatherings at both Wisconsin and Minnesota locations.
Summer Intensives
Four-week summer programs provide immersive training with master instructors. Curriculum includes technique classes, choreography workshops, and cross-training sessions. Flexible scheduling allows students to maintain skills during off-season while exploring new styles and preparing for upcoming performance seasons.
People
Wade Short
Co-Owner & Director
Co-founder with 30+ years of dance education leadership. Specializes in choreography and studio operations. Holds a BFA in Dance Performance and mentors advanced students. Recognized nationally for innovative teaching methods and competition success.
Jessica Skalicky
Co-Owner & Director
Co-founder and artistic director with expertise in curriculum development. Teaches advanced ballet and contemporary classes. Holds multiple teaching certifications and focuses on student wellness. Instrumental in expanding facilities and program offerings since 2000.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach 12+ styles including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, acrobatics, musical theatre, and modern. Adult fitness classes also available.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Annual recitals at both locations feature group numbers, solos, and trios. Competitive teams participate in regional and national events throughout the year.
Do you have summer programs?
Our four-week summer intensives include technique classes, choreography workshops, and master sessions with guest instructors. Flexible scheduling available for vacation planning.
What are your facility features?
New Richmond location has 10,000 sq ft with four dance rooms. Inver Grove Heights offers 9,000 sq ft with five studios. Both have sprung floors and professional sound systems.
Can I rent studio space?
Yes! Our facilities accommodate rehearsals, workshops, and special events. Technical support and equipment rentals available at both Wisconsin and Minnesota locations.
How do I register for classes?
Online registration through our customer portal. Office staff available Monday-Thursday 4-8pm for assistance with enrollment and scheduling questions.
