Business Details
18 Years
experience
Your Premier Dance School in Alton, NH
Alton Dance Academy has been cultivating a passion for dance in students of all ages since 2008. Our mission is to provide a non-competitive environment where students can explore dance, develop technical skills, and build confidence through diverse styles including ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary. With instructors holding collegiate degrees in performance arts and decades of combined experience, we emphasize proper technique, artistic expression, and educational excellence. Recognized as the only New Hampshire studio offering National Honor Society for Dancers membership, we have earned four consecutive Gold Medals in the Best of the Lakes Region awards. Our faculty includes nationally certified educators and performers who have studied under renowned artists, ensuring students receive top-tier instruction.We offer age-appropriate classes from Creative Movement for 3-year-olds to advanced pointe work, with a focus on safety, proper attire, and muscle development. Adult fitness programs like Zumba, Pilates, and Senior Stretch extend our community impact. The academy maintains a boutique for dancewear and partners with Revolution Dancewear to keep costs accessible. With a commitment to community engagement through performances and outreach programs, we continue to shape dancers who value discipline, creativity, and lifelong learning.
Services
Ballet
Jazz
Tap
Hip-Hop
Modern
Contemporary
Pointe
Creative Movement
Fitness Classes
Adult Dance
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of excellence in dance education with certified instructors
- Our faculty includes nationally recognized dance educators and performers
- We provide age-specific programs from Creative Movement to advanced pointe work
- We maintain a non-competitive environment focused on technical mastery
- We are the only NH studio offering National Honor Society for Dancers membership
What people say
Award-winning instructors
Non-competitive environment
Excellent technique focus
Community engagement
Diverse offerings
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program develops proper technique through barre work, adagio, allegro, and pointe preparation. Students learn classical terminology while building strength and grace. With age-specific classes starting at 3 years old, we emphasize correct placement and progression. Our pointe program requires instructor approval and focuses on safe, methodical development.
Jazz
Jazz classes combine classical and Broadway techniques with African jazz roots. Students learn Giordano and Luigi methods while developing speed and stamina. Classes emphasize clean technique while exploring current music trends. Jazz shoes required for all participants in this high-energy, sweat-inducing program.
Tap
Tap instruction focuses on musical phrasing and rhythm creation through footwork. Students learn historical context while developing percussive skills. Classes emphasize proper shoe selection and maintenance. The program builds from basic steps to complex rhythmic patterns suitable for all skill levels.
Hip-Hop
Our hip-hop program teaches proper technique while exploring current music trends. Students learn clean movements seen in music videos and social media. Classes use appropriate footwear and emphasize musicality. The curriculum balances popular culture with foundational dance principles for ages 6+.
Fitness Classes
Adult fitness programs include Zumba, Pilates, Senior Stretch, and Belly Dancing. Certified instructors lead classes focusing on cardiovascular health, flexibility, and core strength. Independent instructors offer specialized programs with drop-in pricing options. Classes cater to diverse fitness levels and goals.
People
Ashley Dowling
Artistic Director
Ashley Dowling holds AA and BA degrees in dance, with 20+ years teaching experience. She founded Alton Dance Academy in 2008 and established its National Honor Society chapter. A former performer in major roles, she teaches ballet and pointe while directing productions.
Faith Gestewitz
Dance Instructor
Faith Gestewitz holds a BA in dance from Messiah University. She teaches multiple styles including ballet and jazz. With experience in collegiate productions and local performances, she specializes in pedagogy and student development.
Amanda Boelzner
Dance Instructor
Amanda Boelzner trained at Alton Dance Academy for 16 years. Inducted into the National Honor Society for Dancers, she teaches various styles with expertise in ballet and contemporary techniques.
Deb McGranaghan
Dance Instructor
Deb McGranaghan specializes in adult and children's dance instruction. With self-taught foundations and adult training in multiple styles, she focuses on joyful expression for all skill levels.
Abigail Wenczkowski
Dance Instructor
Abigail Wenczkowski has 18 years of training and teaching experience. Pursuing a dance teaching degree at Dean College, she specializes in ballet and contemporary instruction for youth programs.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We accept students starting at age 3 for Creative Movement through adult classes. Most programs have specific age requirements listed in our class descriptions.
What are your dress code requirements?
We require specific attire for each class type to ensure proper technique development. Visit our website for detailed dress code guidelines and our boutique for approved dancewear.
Do you offer competitive dance teams?
We maintain a non-competitive environment focused on technical mastery. Our programs emphasize performance opportunities without competition requirements.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
All instructors have extensive dance training and/or collegiate degrees in performance arts. Many hold national certifications and have professional performance experience.
How do I register for classes?
Register in person during scheduled events or download registration forms from our website. Contact us directly for registration inquiries and schedule details.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! We produce annual performances featuring student roles in classic productions like The Nutcracker and original choreography showcases throughout the year.
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