Business Details
Premier Dance School in Ada, MI | Ada Dance Academy
Ada Dance Academy has been nurturing young artists through dance education for over 25 years. Founded by Marlene Kenneway with a background in classical ballet from Boston Ballet, our academy continues under the leadership of Margie Vizurraga and Stephen Sanford, who uphold our tradition of excellence. Our professional teaching staff brings decades of performance experience, offering expertise in ballet, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, tap, and hip hop. We prioritize customer satisfaction by designing age-inclusive classes that foster life skills and personal growth. Our students consistently achieve recognition in competitions like YAGP and UBC, earning top scores, platinum ratings, and the prestigious Standout Award.The studio itself has received the Studio of Excellence Award, reflecting our commitment to quality instruction. Graduates of our program have secured positions at renowned institutions such as Pacific Northwest Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and New York City Ballet, demonstrating the effectiveness of our training. We maintain open communication channels for prospective students, offering detailed class schedules and personalized guidance. Our mission remains focused on empowering individuals through dance while maintaining the highest standards of artistic and technical development.
Services
Ballet Classes
Lyrical Dance
Contemporary Dance
Jazz Instruction
Tap Workshops
Hip Hop Sessions
Competition Team
Summer Intensives
Local Competitions
Performance Training
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of proven dance education expertise
- Our instructors include professional performers with 10+ years experience
- Students gain placement at top-tier dance institutions nationwide
- We maintain a 100% focus on customer satisfaction guarantees
- Our competition team consistently wins top awards in regional events
Associations and certifications
- Studio of Excellence Award
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through structured training. Students learn traditional techniques while building strength, flexibility, and performance skills. Classes prepare dancers for both recreational enjoyment and professional aspirations.
Lyrical Dance
Lyrical instruction focuses on emotional storytelling through fluid movements and creative expression. Classes emphasize musicality and interpretive skills while maintaining technical discipline. Students explore contemporary choreography in a supportive environment.
Competition Team
Our competitive program offers specialized training for dancers seeking performance excellence. Team members receive choreography coaching and stage preparation for regional and national competitions. The program has earned multiple platinum awards and top placements.
Summer Intensives
Annual summer intensives provide immersive training with guest instructors from major dance companies. Participants receive technique refinement, choreography workshops, and performance preparation in an accelerated learning environment.
Performance Training
Performance training develops stage presence and production skills through rehearsal and show preparation. Students learn lighting cues, ensemble coordination, and character development for full-scale productions.
People
Marlene Kenneway
Founder
Founder of Ada Dance Academy with professional ballet background from Boston Ballet. Established the school's classical foundation over 25 years ago.
Margie Vizurraga
Director
Current director maintaining classical traditions while expanding program offerings. Brings extensive performance experience and pedagogical expertise to daily operations.
Stephen Sanford
Instructor
Professional instructor with decade-plus performance history. Specializes in contemporary techniques and competition choreography for advanced students.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, tap, and hip hop instruction for all skill levels.
Do you have competition opportunities?
Yes, our competition team participates in YAGP, UBC, and local dance competitions annually.
What age groups do you teach?
Our classes accommodate students of all ages, from early childhood through adult learners.
Are instructors qualified?
All instructors have professional performance backgrounds with minimum 10 years industry experience.
How do I access schedules?
Current schedules are available on our website or by contacting our office directly.
What student successes have you had?
Our graduates have joined companies like American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet.
Reviews (4)
Eliana
Aug 24, 2020
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
I love dancing here! The environment is positive and productive and the teachers are all caring for their students while giving them great corrections.
I love dancing here! The environment is positive and productive and the teachers are all caring for their students while giving them great corrections.
Erika Morgan
Aug 05, 2020
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We love Ada Dance Academy! My daughter just started taking ballet here and she looks forward to attending classes every week! Margie is a wonderful, professional teacher and the studio is well maintained. The lobby is very welcoming, I would highly recommend to anyone considering taking classes here!
Brooke Termaat
Jun 04, 2020
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My teacher was very rude. She blasted her music, causing me to go 1/2 half deaf. She also was disrespectful and would scream at me for messing up. The routines we were doing were EXTREMELY inappropriate She was like Abby Lee Miller. If your child wants to go here, don't let them, staff and teachers are rude!!!!!!
Eleanor Martin
May 04, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism
I love the teachers here. Everyone is so nice and caring and I love dancing here. I appreciate how much Ada Dance has helped me grow as a dancer.
I love the teachers here. Everyone is so nice and caring and I love dancing here. I appreciate how much Ada Dance has helped me grow as a dancer.
