Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance Studio in Manhattan, KS
Washington Dance Studio has been a cornerstone of dance education in Manhattan, Kansas since 1970. Founded on the principles of motivation, engagement, and inspiration, we provide a constructive approach to dance training for students of all ages. Our facility features two 30x50 studios with professional-grade Marley floors, ballet barres, and climate-controlled environments to ensure optimal learning conditions. Under the leadership of co-owners Sharron Washington and Jennie Washington Stout - both recipients of the prestigious KSU Roni Mahler Award - our team of experienced instructors brings decades of expertise from university programs, regional dance conventions, and professional performance settings.We maintain strong community ties through partnerships with Kansas State University, local schools, and civic organizations while offering a comprehensive curriculum that includes ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, and contemporary styles. Our annual spring recital at McCain Auditorium provides students with professional performance experience, complemented by four competitive dance companies that serve as training platforms for advanced students. With a legacy spanning over 50 years, we continue to balance high technical standards with warmth and individualized attention to nurture dancers' growth both on and off the stage.
Services
Creative Movement
Pre-Dance
Ballet
Pointe
Jazz
Combo Classes
Hip Hop
Tap
Lyrical
Summer Programs
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of combined teaching experience from award-winning instructors
- Our three-studio facility features professional-grade dance surfaces and equipment
- We provide personalized class placement and progression tracking for every student
- Our competitive companies have performed at university venues since 1970
- We maintain university partnerships for advanced dance education opportunities
What people say
Poised, confident, graceful
Special connections with students
Excel in dance and life
Professional performance experience
Challenging yet supportive environment
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through structured training. Students learn proper body alignment, turnout, and classical terminology while building strength and flexibility. Classes range from beginner levels for ages 3+ through advanced pointe work for experienced dancers, with placement based on skill development and instructor evaluation.
Jazz
Jazz classes focus on rhythmic precision, dynamic movement, and performance energy. Students explore various jazz styles from Broadway to contemporary while developing strength, coordination, and improvisation skills. Class levels progress from basic isolations to complex combinations requiring advanced technical proficiency and stage presence.
Tap
Tap instruction emphasizes musicality and rhythmic complexity through percussive footwork. Classes build from basic steps to intricate syncopated patterns, teaching students to create clear, articulate sounds while maintaining tempo and phrasing. Advanced students explore improvisation and complex rhythmic structures.
Hip Hop
Hip hop classes teach urban dance styles emphasizing groove, isolation, and freestyle expression. Students learn current trends and foundational moves while developing personal style and performance quality. Classes progress from basic technique to advanced choreography requiring strong rhythmic awareness and stage presence.
Summer Programs
Our summer dance intensives provide concentrated training in multiple styles during June-August. Programs include technique workshops, choreography sessions, and performance preparation for students aged 5-18. Participants receive instruction from master teachers and company directors while building skills in a focused, creative environment.
People
Sharron Washington
Owner/Instructor
Founder of Washington Dance Studio with 50+ years teaching experience. Recipient of KSU Roni Mahler Award for teaching excellence. Directed summer dance camps and choreographed for K-State Singers and community theater productions.
Jennie Washington Stout
Owner/Director
Director of WDS Senior Company with 25+ years teaching experience. KSU Dance Department instructor and recipient of KSU Roni Mahler Award. Choreographed for university dance concerts and high school musicals with expertise in ballet and contemporary styles.
Kelly Law
Instructor
Teaches tap and jazz with 20+ years experience. Directs WDS Junior Company and brings expertise from American Dance and Drill Team instruction. Regional business development director for Collegiate Insurance Resources with performance background in show choirs.
Courtney Cahoj
Instructor
Director of WDS Teen Company with 15+ years teaching experience. USD 383 Elementary Teacher of the Year recipient. Combines art education expertise with dance instruction in hip hop, tap, and jazz classes for students of all ages.
Allyson Van Meter
Instructor
Director of WDS Core Company with extensive performance background in ballet, jazz, and lyrical styles. Former WDS student who progressed through company levels, bringing firsthand experience of the studio's training progression to her instruction.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, and contemporary styles for ages 3 through adult.
Are recitals mandatory?
Yes, our annual spring recital at McCain Auditorium is required for all enrolled dancers.
How are class placements determined?
Staff evaluates skill level annually to ensure proper placement in our 30-60 minute weekly classes.
Do you offer competitive programs?
Yes, we have four performing companies with auditions held after our spring recital each year.
What are your facility features?
We have three studios with Marley floors, ballet barres, and climate control across two buildings.
How long are your classes?
Classes run weekly September-May, with summer intensives available June-August for all experience levels.
Reviews (5)
Jo Glessner
Jun 17, 2020
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Simply the best! It’s not just a studio....it’s a home! They aren’t just teachers and dancers.....they are family.
Kathlyn Rinks
Jul 09, 2018
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We have two granddaughters that have taken dance at Williams Dance Studio ever since they were old enough to take classes there. Their progress has been amazing! And the yearly recital is top notch.
Joy Wade
May 06, 2018
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My daughter has been part of this studio for a few years now. She has loved all the lady's who have taught her. I have seen such a light shine from her since going there. The owners are so awesome and caring!
Sheryl Cornell
Apr 02, 2018
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The staff and instructors are absolutely wonderful and talented. The choreography is clean and respectable for young ladies.
Kate Grier
Apr 24, 2017
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Wonderful teachers and staff! Large studio floors! Great student to teacher ratio. I do miss their adult jazz/tap classes though!
