Business Details
Your Premier Dance School in Manhattan, KS
Bates Dance Studios has been dedicated to fostering dance education and performance excellence since its founding. Our studio provides a structured environment where students of all skill levels can develop technical proficiency and artistic expression through diverse dance disciplines. With a focus on proper dance knowledge and technique, we offer comprehensive programs that prepare students for both recreational and competitive performance opportunities. Our faculty consists of experienced instructors who specialize in various dance styles, ensuring personalized guidance for every student. We maintain two locations across Kansas, with our flagship studio in Manhattan serving as a central hub for community engagement and artistic collaboration.Through annual recitals at venues like McCain Auditorium, we showcase student achievements while contributing to the cultural vibrancy of the region. Our commitment to quality instruction is reflected in our structured curriculum, which includes fall/spring and summer session options to accommodate different schedules. As active members of the Manhattan Arts Center community program, we strive to make dance accessible to all members of our local community.
Services
Adult Tap
Line Dancing
Lyrical Dance
Ballet
Hip Hop
Jazz
Pointe
Tumbling
Musical Theatre
Contemporary
Highlights and features
- We offer a challenging dance program for all skill levels
- Our faculty promotes proper dance knowledge and technique
- We provide national performance opportunities through Pride team
- We maintain structured fall/spring and summer class schedules
- We contribute to local arts through Manhattan Arts Center partnership
Services
Adult Tap
Our Adult Tap program offers structured instruction in rhythmic footwork and musicality. Designed for mature students, these classes develop coordination and performance skills through progressive techniques. Participants benefit from professional instruction in a supportive environment that emphasizes both technical development and creative expression.
Ballet
Ballet instruction focuses on foundational techniques including proper posture, turnout, and graceful movement patterns. Classes cater to various skill levels from beginner to advanced, with specialized pointe work for experienced dancers. Our curriculum emphasizes discipline, precision, and artistic interpretation through classical training methods.
Hip Hop
Hip Hop classes teach contemporary street dance styles with emphasis on rhythm, isolation movements, and personal expression. Students learn choreography from current music trends while developing strength, flexibility, and performance confidence. Classes incorporate elements from various urban dance genres in a dynamic, high-energy environment.
Lyrical Dance
Lyrical dance combines technical ballet with emotional storytelling through movement. Classes focus on fluid transitions, expressive gestures, and musical interpretation. Students develop performance quality and emotional connection to music while maintaining strong technical foundations in a creative, interpretive format.
Performance Teams
Our performance teams provide advanced training and competitive opportunities for dedicated dancers. These groups focus on ensemble work, complex choreography, and stage production elements. Members participate in regional and national showcases while representing the studio's commitment to excellence in dance education and performance.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer tap, ballet, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, pointe, tumbling, and musical theatre classes for various age groups and skill levels.
When are your class schedules?
Fall/Spring sessions start August 25th with enrollment closing October 31st. Summer sessions run throughout June with flexible weekly options available.
Do you have performance opportunities?
Yes! We host annual recitals at McCain Auditorium and maintain performance teams that showcase our studio's talent across the country.
What are your office hours?
Our Manhattan office is open Mondays-Thursdays from 4:15-6:30 pm. We are closed Fridays-Sundays for in-person visits.
How do I enroll in classes?
All enrollment is processed online through our website. You can register for classes during our open enrollment period through October 31st.
Where are you located?
Our flagship studio is at 731 McCall Road, Manhattan, KS 66502 with additional locations serving the state of Kansas.
Reviews (6)
Edward Broom
Jan 05, 2022
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Seems like a pretty decent place. I don't know much about ballet. The restroom seemed clean. Is $50 per month too much to meet once each week for almost an hour?
Erin Grins
Feb 03, 2018
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Absolutely fantastic studio! The director and teachers are top notch and are always trying exciting new things. I've always found the environment to be positive, supportive and inclusive - which you don't often find at other dance studios . . . Highly recommended!
Austria Hutcherson
Jan 09, 2018
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This is a wonderful studio that provides excellent dance training. The faculty and staff make you feel welcome and are highly trained. I would recommend this studio if your looking for a new dance home!
Lisa Wuggazer
Sep 24, 2017
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Our daughters love taking classes from Bates Dance Studio! They offer a wide variety of classes at many different levels. The staff are caring, knowledgeable and professional. My daughters have learned dance technique as well as many life skills and lessons. My shy girl who started dancing at Bates when she was four has grown into a beautiful young lady and has gained much confidence and grace which is reflected not only on stage while she dances but has also carried over into other areas of her life. We highly recommend Bates Dance Studio for a well rounded dance experience!
Karisa Kirkendall
Sep 08, 2017
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Bates Dance Studios is the place you want your child to be! The staff work so hard to make each class both progressive for your dancer's growth and a ton of fun! Highly recommend BDS for your child's dance experience!
Laura Hough
Aug 01, 2017
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We love everything about Bates Dance Studios! Our daughter has taken dance here for going on 4 years and not only LOVES it, her growth in her dance skills and abilities has been amazing to watch! The teachers couldn't be better and truly care about the kids. The staff is both professional and personable and the studio is run with integrity and intentionality.
