Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Award-Winning Dance Education in Mobile, AL
Sheffield School of the Dance has been a leader in dance education for over 80 years, founded in 1943 by Mary Lou Sheffield-Noletto. Our studio has grown from a single room to three state-of-the-art locations across Mobile and Baldwin County, serving nearly 500 students annually. We offer 75 weekly classes in ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, tap, and acro for ages 3 to adult, taught by 11 highly trained instructors with professional backgrounds in prestigious dance companies and international teaching experience.Our alumni have achieved success in Broadway productions, major dance troupes, and university programs, while our competition company has earned national recognition at events like REVEL Dance Convention and New York City Dance Alliance. As a family-run business spanning three generations, we maintain our founder's commitment to excellence in technique, choreography, and character development, believing dance training is life training for every student we teach.
Services
Ballet
Jazz
Contemporary
Hip Hop
Tap
Acro
Competition Company
Master Classes
College Preparation
Performance Opportunities
Details
- Year established: 1943
Highlights and features
- 80+ years of excellence in dance education since 1943
- 11 faculty members with professional dance company experience
- Three state-of-the-art studios serving Mobile and Baldwin County
- Recognized as 2024 National Studio of the Year by REVEL Dance Convention
- Alumni performing in Broadway shows and major dance companies
What people say
Excellence in all things dance
Professional Broadway show
Top quality dance school
Teachers are so good
Don't bother looking elsewhere
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program builds foundational technique through classical training. Students develop flexibility, core strength, and proper form while learning traditional ballet repertoire. Classes prepare dancers for pointe work and advanced ballet techniques, emphasizing grace and precision in every movement.
Jazz
Jazz classes focus on sharp, energetic movements set to upbeat music. We emphasize turns, leaps, and strength training while incorporating musical theater and contemporary elements throughout the season. Classes develop versatility in rhythm and style for commercial dance applications.
Contemporary
Contemporary dance combines modern techniques with emotional storytelling. Using downtempo music, we teach control, fluidity, and expressive movement. Classes emphasize technical precision while developing artistic interpretation and narrative performance skills through evolving choreographic styles.
Tap
Tap instruction focuses on creating rhythmic patterns through footwork. We teach both musical theater tap and street/rhythm styles, developing coordination and musicality. Classes progress from basic sounds to complex syncopation and improvisational techniques for performance applications.
Hip Hop
Our hip hop program teaches grounded, sharp movements seen in music videos and award shows. Classes emphasize style and strength through age-appropriate choreography. Students learn current commercial trends while developing performance quality and stage presence in a high-energy environment.
People
Mary Lou Sheffield-Noletto
Founder
Founder of Sheffield School of the Dance in 1943, Mary Lou established Mobile's premier dance institution. Her legacy continues through three generations, with recognition including Mary Lou Sheffield-Noletto Day in Mobile and international teaching credits across four continents.
Theresa Noletto-Hutchins
Instructor
Second-generation dance educator with extensive professional experience. Holds teaching credentials from Jazz Dance World Congress and Walt Disney Entertainment. Specializes in developing competition routines and advanced technique training for pre-professional dancers.
Celi Noletto Shinn
Instructor
Certified dance educator with national recognition as Tremaine National Dance Teacher of the Year. Brings expertise from JUMP Dance Convention faculty and international master teaching experience to our ballet and pointe programs.
Colby Shinn
Instructor
Specializes in contemporary and hip hop instruction with professional performance credits. Develops innovative choreography for competition teams while maintaining technical foundations in all student classes.
Joanie Noletto
Instructor
Veteran dance educator with decades of experience teaching all levels. Focuses on creating positive learning environments while preparing students for advanced training and professional auditions through personalized instruction.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, tap, and acro for ages 3 to adult across three studio locations.
Do you have classes for adults?
Yes, we offer adult dance classes in multiple styles at all three studio locations for recreational and experienced dancers.
How do I register for classes?
Registration details and class schedules are available on our website or by contacting our main office at 251.479.3926.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes, we host annual recitals and offer competition company participation with regional and national performance events throughout the season.
What are studio hours?
Hours vary by location. Midtown studio operates Tuesday-Thursday 3:45-8:00 pm and Friday 3:45-6:45 pm.
Do you offer summer programs?
Yes, we provide summer dance intensives and master classes for continued training during school breaks at all studio locations.
Videos
Reviews (3)
Summer Cotton
Jun 03, 2020
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Sheffield School of the Dance is not only the dance studio my kids go to, its their family. I can not say enough amazing things about this studio! You get everything here...technique, a wide variety of dance classes for all ages, fantastic and highly qualified teachers and a family atmosphere! If you want the best, I highly recommend Sheffield School of the Dance!
Ashley Kuhr
Oct 04, 2015
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Sheffield School of the Dance is a professional, caring, family owned dance studio. They love and treat their dancers like family. My daughter is a 3rd generation Sheffield Dancer and I can't imagine her dancing for any other studio. The Mobile community is lucky to have the Sheffield-Noletto-Shinn Family!!!
Colby Shinn
Jul 24, 2015
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Sheffield School of the Dance has been the #1 Dance Studio in Mobile for over 70 Years! The expertise in training dancers and total professionalism is unmatched anywhere on the entire Gulf Coast. I am proud of say I grew up dancing at Sheffield Dance and now am able to share my love and passion this studio instilled in me, with the next generation of dancers. A huge thank you to my grandmother, Mary Lou Sheffield-Noletto, for being a true pioneer of dance in Mobile, AL. This is THE PLACE to send your child for dance training on BOTH SIDES of the Bay!
