Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Welcome to Nan's School Of Dance
Nan's School Of Dance has been dedicated to fostering a love for dance since 1975, offering comprehensive instruction across multiple locations in North Carolina. Founded by Nan Holt Smith and now operated by her daughters, the studio emphasizes technical proficiency while nurturing self-discipline, poise, and confidence in students of all ages. With professionally-trained instructors and state-of-the-art facilities, we provide a welcoming environment where families can engage in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, acrobatics, and more. Our competitive dance team excels in local competitions, and our community-focused approach ensures personalized attention for every student.From toddler classes to adult instruction, we prioritize kid-friendly music and age-appropriate techniques to make dance accessible and enjoyable. Our annual recitals showcase student achievements in professionally-produced performances, while birthday parties offer fun, structured dance experiences for children aged 3-10. With nearly 50 years of experience, we remain committed to delivering high-quality dance education that builds lifelong skills and fosters artistic growth.
Services
Ballet Classes
Hip Hop Instruction
Competitive Dance Team
Birthday Parties
Mommy & Me Classes
Acrobatics Training
Contemporary Dance
Tap Dance Lessons
Jazz Dance Classes
Pre-Dance Programs
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- Family-owned dance instruction since 1975 with three North Carolina locations
- Professionally-trained instructors specializing in multiple dance disciplines
- Competitive dance team with proven success in local competitions
- Age-appropriate classes from toddler Mommy & Me to adult instruction
- Free trial classes available September through January annually
What people say
Instructors are AMAZING
Love what they do
Helped our little one grow
Impressed with teaching ability
Great beginning place for dance
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops foundational technique through structured instruction for ages 3 to adults. Students learn proper form, posture, and classical movements while building discipline and grace. Classes emphasize progressive skill development through age-appropriate choreography and exercises.
Hip Hop Instruction
Contemporary hip hop classes teach street-style dance techniques to popular music. Instructors focus on rhythm, coordination, and self-expression while maintaining technical precision. Students learn current trends and choreography in a high-energy environment.
Competitive Dance Team
This elite program prepares dancers for local competitions through advanced training in multiple styles. Team members receive specialized coaching in choreography, stage presence, and technical execution while building camaraderie through shared goals.
Birthday Parties
Themed dance parties for ages 3-10 include instruction, games, and costume elements. Our staff organizes 90-minute celebrations with structured activities, dance lessons, and dedicated time for cake and presents in a fully-equipped studio space.
Mommy & Me Classes
Interactive dance sessions for toddlers aged 18 months to 2.5 years with caregiver participation. These classes introduce basic movement concepts through playful activities that develop motor skills and foster parent-child bonding.
People
Hillary White
Director
Hillary White, daughter of founder Nan Holt Smith, has owned and operated the Raleigh location since 2012. With lifelong dance experience, she focuses on creating a nurturing environment for student development.
Jennifer Grinwis
Director
Jennifer Grinwis, Nan Holt Smith's oldest daughter, has directed Greensboro and Yadkinville studios since 2002. She maintains the family tradition of quality dance instruction across multiple North Carolina locations.
Victoria Barnes
Dance Instructor
Victoria Barnes teaches various dance styles with enthusiasm and patience. She creates engaging lesson plans that challenge students while maintaining an enjoyable learning atmosphere for all skill levels.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, acrobatics, and combo classes for children aged 3-10.
Do you have competitive dance opportunities?
Yes, our Competitive Company Team participates in local competitions and provides advanced training for dedicated dancers.
Are trial classes available?
We offer free trial classes September through January for new students to experience our dance programs.
Do you host birthday parties?
Yes, we host 90-minute dance-themed birthday parties for ages 3-10 with instruction, games, and celebration space.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, check, and credit card payments for classes, recitals, and special events.
How are dance recitals organized?
Annual recitals at Meredith College feature professionally-produced performances with costumes, lighting, and scenery for all participants.
Reviews (6)
Rebecca Armstrong
Dec 01, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
My daughter has been at Nan's Dance since she was 2 years old. She is now 5 and loves her ballet and tap class at Nan's. I have seen so much progress but most importantly, her confidence shines! Mrs. Hillary, a teacher and the owner is FANTASTIC! She makes sure students are having fun while learning the art of dance.
My daughter has been at Nan's Dance since she was 2 years old. She is now 5 and loves her ballet and tap class at Nan's. I have seen so much progress but most importantly, her confidence shines! Mrs. Hillary, a teacher and the owner is FANTASTIC! She makes sure students are having fun while learning the art of dance.
Margot Tenenbaum
Oct 31, 2021
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Critical:Professionalism,Quality,Value
If youre looking for mediocre dance lessons in a run down building then this is the place for you!! Want to relax while your child runs around aimlessly for an hour? Forget it, you will be segregated and forced to sit outside if you dont wear a mask. We dropped out of this school after about a month. Not impressed.
If youre looking for mediocre dance lessons in a run down building then this is the place for you!! Want to relax while your child runs around aimlessly for an hour? Forget it, you will be segregated and forced to sit outside if you dont wear a mask. We dropped out of this school after about a month. Not impressed.
Amy Vancura
Oct 28, 2021
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My daughter has danced at Nan's School of Dance since she was 4 years old, she is now 12. We love everything about Nan's! The teachers are amazing...not only are they all talented dancers but they all love teaching dance. Ms. Hillary puts together the best recitals. She is extremely organized and prepares the students so well to perform. My daughter has grown so much as a dancer during her years at Nan's. I can't recommend Ms. Hillary and her team enough!!!
Rachel Crocker
Jul 26, 2021
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Absolutely love Nans School of Dance! Fun, friendly environment, excellent teachers, incredible owner and close to home! Communication is excellent as well. My daughter is going into her 2nd year at Nans as a company dancer and has loved her experience. I had the pleasure of working there last season and Hillary was an amazing boss! Highly recommend as a place to work and for your children to dance.
H. Davidson
Jul 23, 2021
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My two girls have danced with this studio since my oldest was 4 years old and my youngest was turning 3. They are now 11 and turning 9. The both absolutely loves the classes offered and the teachers. The studio isnt very stuffy if you know what I mean. Everyone is relaxed and just wants their kids to enjoy themselves. My oldest made the inaugural Company team last year and it made her year! The company classes are so well run. They won 1st place in their very first competition. My youngest is happy to be a recreational dancer and is ecstatic to be in the Acro Dance class this coming season
Philip Rothstein
Mar 26, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Great atmosphere, awesome teachers. Family-friendly and very welcoming. So glad we choose Nans!
Great atmosphere, awesome teachers. Family-friendly and very welcoming. So glad we choose Nans!
