Business Details
50 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance & Gymnastics School in Indianapolis Since 1976
The Dance Refinery has been nurturing artistic passions for over 50 years, offering comprehensive training in dance, gymnastics, and voice. Our Indianapolis-based facility spans 25,000 square feet with six dance rooms, a full gym, and a dedicated vocal studio. Led by Executive Director Lynn Herrick, our team of certified instructors provides personalized instruction for students aged 15 months to adults. We combine technical excellence with character development, fostering confidence and creativity in a supportive environment. Our competitive programs have earned national recognition, while our recreational classes emphasize fun and foundational skills.The Dance Depot, our onsite retail store, ensures students have access to quality dancewear and equipment. We prioritize community engagement through scholarship programs and adaptive dance initiatives for individuals with disabilities. With flexible scheduling and free skill-level evaluations, we accommodate diverse needs and aspirations. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in decades of alumni success stories and industry partnerships. This legacy of growth and innovation continues to position us as Indiana's premier destination for performing arts education.
Services
Dance Classes
Gymnastics Training
Competitive Programs
Adaptive Dance
Boys-Only Programs
Voice Lessons
Tumbling Classes
Private Coaching
Costume Sales
Summer Intensives
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of dance and gymnastics instruction experience
- Our state-certified instructors maintain industry-leading credentials
- 25,000 sq ft facility includes six specialized dance studios and full gym
- Competitive programs with national award-winning track record
- Adaptive dance program led by board-certified movement therapist
Services
Dance Classes
We offer comprehensive dance training in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and contemporary styles. Our programs cater to ages 3-18 with progressive skill development from foundational techniques to advanced choreography. Classes emphasize posture, rhythm, coordination, and artistic expression while preparing students for competitive or recreational pathways.
Gymnastics Training
Our gymnastics instruction develops strength, flexibility, and body awareness for children aged 4+. Students learn fundamental skills like cartwheels and handstands progressing to advanced tumbling and apparatus work. The program combines Olympic-style training with dance integration for competitive and recreational pathways.
Competitive Programs
We provide elite training for competitive dance and gymnastics teams. Our award-winning programs include regional and national competition participation, technical skill refinement, and performance preparation. Students receive specialized coaching in choreography, acrobatics, and artistic presentation to maximize competitive success.
Adaptive Dance
This specialized program offers dance therapy for individuals with disabilities aged middle school and up. Led by a board-certified dance/movement therapist, sessions focus on motor skill development, social interaction, and creative expression in a supportive environment that accommodates diverse physical and cognitive needs.
Boys-Only Programs
Our boys-only classes combine dance, tumbling, and strength training for ages 4-18. The curriculum includes parkour-style obstacle courses, hip-hop, and acrobatics in a social environment that builds athleticism, coordination, and confidence through structured physical challenges and team activities.
People
Lynn Herrick
Executive Director
With 45+ years in dance education, Lynn Herrick founded The Dance Refinery in 1976. A former professional performer and choreographer, she brings extensive industry experience to our programs. Her leadership focuses on technical excellence and student development.
Brianna Amspaugh
Dance Instructor
A TDR alumna since 1997, Brianna teaches dance and tumbling while balancing elementary education. Her 15+ years teaching experience combines classroom expertise with practical dance instruction for diverse age groups.
Stephanie Anderson
Ballet Instructor
Stephanie brings 20+ years of ballet training and social work expertise to her instruction. A graduate of Indiana University's ballet program, she combines technical precision with therapeutic approaches to student development.
Kevin Carmichael
Dance Instructor
Kevin holds a degree in Kinesiology and Contemporary Dance from Indiana University. His professional experience includes performances at Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and choreography awards at national competitions.
Breanna Davis
Adaptive Dance Director
A registered Dance/Movement Therapist, Breanna specializes in inclusive programming. Her master's degree in dance therapy informs our adaptive program that combines physical development with emotional expression for diverse learners.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, contemporary, and musical theater styles for ages 3-18 with progressive skill development.
Do you have competitive programs?
Yes, we provide competitive dance, gymnastics, and tumbling teams with regional/national competition opportunities and specialized coaching.
What are class attire requirements?
Dance students wear leotards/athletic wear; gymnastics students need shorts and fitted tees. No street clothes or jewelry allowed.
Do you offer boys-only classes?
Yes, our boys-only programs include dance, tumbling, and parkour-style training for ages 4-18 with gender-specific instruction.
Is there an adaptive dance program?
We offer adaptive dance classes for students with disabilities led by a board-certified dance/movement therapist since 2015.
How do I schedule a free evaluation?
Free skill-level evaluations are available Monday-Thursday 7:30-9:00 PM with no appointment required for ages 5+.
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