Business Details
42 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education in Lakeville, MN
Established in 1984, Danceworks Performing Art has dedicated itself to fostering excellence in dance education through personalized instruction and comprehensive programs. Our studio combines decades of experience with a commitment to nurturing individual growth, offering tailored experiences for students from age 2 through adulthood. Our team of award-winning instructors brings extensive professional expertise in diverse dance disciplines, including jazz, tap, ballet, and contemporary styles. We prioritize technical mastery, artistic expression, and character development, maintaining rigorous standards while creating an inclusive environment for all skill levels.With multiple accolades recognizing our studio's excellence, we continue to innovate through competitive programs, recreational classes, and specialized training opportunities. Our facility in Lakeville, MN, serves as a hub for community engagement through performances, recitals, and collaborative dance initiatives. Through structured curricula and individualized attention, we help students achieve measurable progress while cultivating lifelong appreciation for dance. Our administrative team ensures seamless operations, maintaining transparent communication and accessible support for families and participants.
Services
Competition Dance Programs
Recreational Dance Classes
Ballet Instruction
Hip Hop & Contemporary
Adult Dance Workshops
Pointe Training
Tumbling & Acro
Dance Team Preparation
Summer Intensives
Private Lessons
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer 40 years of proven expertise in dance education with certified instructors
- Our studio maintains a 100% placement rate for competitive dancers seeking advanced opportunities
- We provide personalized training plans tailored to individual student goals and abilities
- Our faculty includes professionals with Broadway, NFL, and international performance experience
- We maintain a 95% student retention rate through our supportive, family-oriented environment
Associations and certifications
- ADCC Studio of Excellence
- Masquerade Top Studio of the Year
- City's South Magazine Best Dance Studio
Services
Competition Dance Programs
Our structured competition programs develop technical excellence in jazz, tap, lyrical, and hip hop styles. Dancers receive specialized coaching in choreography, performance, and stage presence. Programs include solo/duet opportunities, group routines, and competition preparation with experienced instructors.
Recreational Dance Classes
Recreational classes cater to ages 2 through adult with flexible scheduling options. Students learn fundamental techniques in ballet, tap, and creative movement in a supportive environment. Classes focus on skill development, musicality, and enjoyment without competitive pressures.
Ballet Instruction
Comprehensive ballet training follows progressive levels from beginner to advanced. Classes emphasize proper technique, pointe work, and classical repertoire. Instructors include professional dancers with experience in major ballet companies and contemporary ensembles.
Hip Hop & Contemporary
Hip hop and contemporary classes combine technical training with creative expression. Students learn current trends, improvisation techniques, and choreography fundamentals. Classes accommodate all skill levels with a focus on individual style development.
Adult Dance Workshops
Adult classes offer tap, ballet, and hip hop instruction for all experience levels. Workshops emphasize fitness benefits, stress relief, and social interaction. Participants perform in annual recitals and community events.
People
Ann Proudfoot
Owner/Visionary
Ann Proudfoot founded DanceWorks in 1984 after establishing dance programs in Illinois schools. She holds a B.S. in Dance from the University of Utah and has led the studio through 40 years of growth and recognition.
Melanie
Studio Director
Melanie directs competition programs with 15+ years of teaching experience. A former state champion dancer, she holds degrees in Human Development and Marriage & Family Therapy while managing studio operations and instructor coordination.
Kelly
Recreation Coordinator
Kelly oversees recreational programs with 20 years of teaching experience. She holds a Communications degree with Dance minor from UMD and specializes in early childhood dance education for ages 2-8.
Caitlin
Assistant Director
Caitlin manages tuition operations and teaches competition dance. A University of St. Thomas business graduate, she brings professional performance experience from the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders and Kaleena Miller Dance Company.
Katy
Tap Instructor
Katy teaches competition tap with 14 years of national competition experience. She has received top choreography awards and specializes in developing tap technique for competitive groups and performance ensembles.
Questions
What age groups do you accept for dance classes?
We offer programs for children as young as 2 through adult learners, with structured levels for all experience backgrounds.
Do you offer competitive dance opportunities?
Yes, our competition program includes Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, and Hip Hop divisions with local and national competition participation.
What styles of dance do you teach?
We provide instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, musical theatre, and acro/tumbling techniques.
Are there performance opportunities outside competitions?
Yes, we host annual recitals in May and offer community performance opportunities through our adult and recreational programs.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our faculty includes professionals with degrees in dance education, Broadway experience, NFL cheerleading backgrounds, and competition awards.
