Business Details
Ignition Dance Academy - Dance Classes in Lawrence, KS
At Ignition Dance Academy, we believe in empowering young dancers to ignite confidence, creativity, and character through dance. Located in Lawrence, Kansas, our studio provides high-quality instruction in a positive environment that encourages growth both on and off the stage. Our team includes Artistic Director Kelly Long and Executive Director Tamara Kimball, who bring extensive experience in dance and leadership. We offer classes for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, with a focus on technical excellence and artistic expression. Our mission is to inspire excellence, build lifelong skills, and create a sense of belonging for every student.We serve dancers aged 2-18, offering styles including ballet, hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, and tumbling. With flexible enrollment options and competitive company programs, we cater to recreational dancers and those pursuing pre-professional training. Our faculty includes industry professionals with backgrounds in national competitions, collegiate teams, and professional performances. We emphasize community engagement, mental well-being, and character development alongside technical training. Through recitals, masterclasses, and performance opportunities, we help dancers achieve their full potential in a supportive environment.
Services
Ballet Classes
Hip-Hop Dance
Jazz & Contemporary
Tumbling Lessons
Tap Dance
Modern Dance
Stretch & Conditioning
Contortion Training
Improvisation
Technique Classes
Highlights and features
- We offer 18+ years of combined teaching experience from award-winning instructors
- Our curriculum includes competitive company programs with professional development opportunities
- We provide age-appropriate classes for dancers aged 2-18 with individualized placement
- Our faculty includes former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and collegiate performers
- We emphasize character development alongside technical excellence in a supportive environment
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops foundational technique for dancers aged 3-18. Classes focus on proper body alignment, classical terminology, and progressive skill development. Students learn traditional ballet exercises and combinations that build strength, flexibility, and grace. The curriculum prepares dancers for both recreational enjoyment and advanced training opportunities.
Hip-Hop Dance
This energetic program teaches street-style movement with emphasis on rhythm and musicality. Dancers learn both hard-hitting and smooth grooves from beginner to advanced levels. Classes incorporate current trends while developing individual style and performance quality in a high-energy environment.
Jazz & Contemporary
Combining technical precision with artistic expression, this program alternates weekly between jazz and contemporary styles. Dancers develop versatility through varied choreography that emphasizes clean lines, dynamic contrasts, and emotional storytelling while building performance-ready skills.
Tumbling Lessons
Our tumbling program builds acrobatic skills for dancers aged 2-18. Students progress through levels mastering cartwheels, handsprings, and advanced aerial techniques. Classes focus on proper technique, safety, and strength development to enhance overall dance performance capabilities.
Stretch & Conditioning
Designed to complement dance training, this class improves flexibility, core strength, and overall stamina. Dancers learn proper warm-up techniques and stretching methods that enhance performance while reducing injury risk through targeted exercises and progressive training.
People
Tamara Kimball
Executive Director
A Lawrence native with corporate leadership experience, Tamara brings business expertise and lifelong dance passion to Ignition Dance Academy. She focuses on creating a supportive environment for dancer development while maintaining operational excellence.
Kelly Long
Artistic Director
With 18 years of dance training and professional performance experience, including Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders training camp participation, Kelly leads artistic programming. She specializes in choreography and technique development for competitive and recreational dancers.
Mariah Rollwagen
Assistant Artistic Director
A Kansas City-based instructor with extensive teaching experience, Mariah oversees curriculum development and faculty training. She brings expertise in multiple dance styles and a commitment to technical excellence and artistic growth.
Madelyn Duncan
Dance Instructor
A former University of Kansas Rock Chalk Dancer, Madelyn teaches multiple styles including jazz and contemporary. She brings competition experience and choreography expertise to her classes for students aged 6-18.
Mady Mikko
Dance Instructor
Specializing in foundational technique, Mady teaches youth classes drawing from her Starbound Dance Company competition background. She balances instruction with pursuing her legal education while maintaining dance community involvement.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, tap, modern, tumbling, contortion, and improvisation classes for ages 2-18.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! We offer annual recitals with costume packages, plus competitive company performance opportunities throughout the year.
How are class levels determined?
Levels are based on skill rather than age, with placement evaluations ensuring appropriate technical challenges for each dancer's ability.
Do you offer adult classes?
While our primary focus is youth aged 2-18, we occasionally offer adult masterclasses and community workshops.
What are your instructor qualifications?
Our faculty includes former professional dancers, collegiate performers, and competition-winning choreographers with 5-18 years of teaching experience.
Is there a sibling discount?
Yes, we offer 25% off tuition for the second sibling and 50% off for additional siblings in the same family.
Videos
Reviews (3)
NealnMichelle Rose
Jul 06, 2019
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Hands down the best dance academy! From opening the front door and being welcomed with sunshine colored walls and warm smiles we knew it was going to be an amazing experience! Austin, Quinn, Caroline, and the other talented instructors have an energy that is unmatched in Topeka. The structure of the classes provides the perfect balance of challenge and FUN! Thank you all for bringing your passion to Topeka!
Laura Miller Cox
Dec 05, 2017
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By far the best dance studio in Northeast KS. Ignition has amazing instructors, who not only teach your children dance but truly care for everyone one of them. The successful of your dancer is their success. I highly recommend this dance studio for any level dancer.
Anita Bardsley Klingbeil
Dec 02, 2016
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The instructors at IDA are extremely talented, patient, professional and are committed to give their students the very best instruction, while focusing on having fun!
