Business Details
27 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in Bandon, Oregon
MarLo Dance Studio has been serving the Bandon community since 1999, offering a family-oriented environment where students of all ages develop dance skills and life values through comprehensive education. Our qualified instructors specialize in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, and fitness, combining technical training with creative expression. With over 25 years of experience, we emphasize strong foundations, personalized growth, and community engagement through annual performances and scholarship programs.Our staff includes professionally trained dancers with extensive performance and teaching backgrounds, ensuring students receive expert guidance whether pursuing dance recreationally or professionally. We maintain partnerships with regional dance companies and provide opportunities for advanced training, guest performances, and community outreach initiatives.
Services
Ballet Classes
Hip Hop Instruction
Adult Fitness
Summer Dance Programs
Nutcracker Performances
Tap Dance Lessons
Contemporary Dance
Jazz Classes
Story Ballet Camps
Community Outreach
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of proven dance education expertise
- Our staff includes professional dancers with national performance experience
- We provide age-appropriate classes from toddler to adult levels
- We maintain small class sizes for personalized instruction
- We offer performance opportunities in annual productions
What people say
Increased flexibility
Positive behavior changes
Pure enjoyment
Professional training
Community atmosphere
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops poise, posture, and technical proficiency through structured training. Students progress through eight levels with twice-weekly classes for advanced levels. Pointe work requires instructor approval and Perfect Pointe System evaluation. Adult classes accommodate returning dancers and beginners with modified exercises.
Hip Hop Instruction
Energetic hip hop classes teach freestyle and choreographed movements for ages 9-13. Beginner through advanced levels focus on rhythm, coordination, and self-expression. Adult classes offer beginner/intermediate instruction in a fun, supportive environment without prior experience requirements.
Summer Programs
Three-week summer intensives include ballet technique, pointe work, and hip hop training. Story ballet camps combine dance instruction with crafts and dance history. Adult fitness classes feature Yoga-Lates and tap sessions with flexible drop-in options available throughout June-August.
Nutcracker Performances
Annual December productions feature student dancers and guest artists in Tchaikovsky's classic tale. Two weekends of performances at Sprague Theater include matinee and evening shows. Ticket proceeds support the studio's scholarship fund for aspiring dancers.
Adult Fitness
Specialized fitness programs combine dance techniques with conditioning. Yoga-Lates classes blend Pilates strength training with yoga flexibility. Tap and hip hop options maintain adult students' rhythmic skills and cardiovascular health in social, non-competitive environments.
People
Maria Merriam
Studio Owner/Administrator
Founder with 40+ years dance experience, former NYC ballet instructor, and business degree holder. Retired from teaching in 2023 but continues studio administration. Mother of five dancers and former outreach ballet educator.
Faith Slater
Manager/Instructor
Director since 2023 with 14 years MDS training. Former apprentice at Ballet Fantastique and State Street Ballet performer. Specializes in ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary instruction with Vaganova method expertise.
Gracie Slater
Hip Hop Instructor
20-year ballet background with specialized hip hop training. Manages hip hop program since 2021. Holds Small Business Management degree and teaches adult classes emphasizing confidence-building through dance.
Cheryl Kurihara
Tiny Tots Instructor
Music and dance educator with 30+ years teaching experience. Specializes in early childhood development through movement. Former touring musician and liturgical dance performer with expertise in Hula and theatrical choreography.
Dinari Freed
Adult Fitness Instructor
Kundalini yoga practitioner since 1994 with Pilates expertise. Develops fitness classes combining mind-body principles. Focuses on improving mobility and reducing musculoskeletal issues through movement therapy techniques.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, and adult fitness classes with specialized instruction from beginner to advanced levels.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Annual Nutcracker performances and spring productions feature student dancers alongside guest artists from professional companies.
Do you offer summer programs?
Our summer schedule includes story ballet camps, technique intensives, and fitness classes running June through August with flexible session options.
What age groups do you accept?
We teach students aged 2 through adult with specialized programs for toddlers, children, teens, and mature dancers.
Are there adult dance classes?
Yes! We offer beginning and intermediate ballet, tap, and hip hop classes specifically designed for adult learners with no experience required.
Reviews (5)
Susan Bowler
Apr 05, 2021
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Wonderful, caring staff
Always positive and supportive. I feel our area is blessed to have Marlos providing our kids with such a variety of dance choices!
Always positive and supportive. I feel our area is blessed to have Marlos providing our kids with such a variety of dance choices!
Darlene Kupersmith
Dec 28, 2019
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I love Marlo Dance Studio! Great teachers, great atmosphere and great productions. They even teach us old folks how to dance. :)
Diana Olson Peters
Dec 23, 2017
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MarLo Dance Studio is a one of a kind place that is well loved and respected in the town and surrounding areas.… Maria is truly amazing with the kids and my girls have adored her class. You feel like you are part of a family when there. In the spring a production is put on and it is very professional. Seats will sell out! I highly recommend to any and all ages who are interested!
Josh Griff
Jul 01, 2017
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My daughter Diana's has been dancing here for around eight years she seems to enjoy it and has lots of fun
Lennae Wright
May 13, 2017
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MarLo Dance Studio provides a caring, quality dance environment for students to develop a love for the art of dance, as well as achieve excellence if they have the desire for advanced learning.