Business Details
33 Years
experience
Dance & Tumbling Classes for All Ages in Washington, IA
Stairway to the Stars has been dedicated to dance and tumbling instruction in Washington, Iowa since 1993. Our program is designed to motivate and inspire young people to excel in all aspects of their lives through an age-appropriate curriculum that emphasizes fun, health, and lifelong fitness. We prioritize a stress-free experience for parents with clear communication, consistent scheduling, and comprehensive support, including shoe fitting and ordering.Our facility features four studios in downtown Washington, allowing us to maintain weekday classes and preserve weekends for family time. With a focus on safety and child-centered learning, our qualified staff fosters a positive environment where students develop confidence, discipline, and essential life skills.
Services
Ballet
Jazz
Tap
Hip Hop
Clogging
Lyrical
Tumbling
Creative Dance
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in dance education since 1993
- Our qualified staff provides child-centered, safety-focused instruction
- We offer stress-free parent support with clear communication and scheduling
- Convenient downtown location with four dedicated studios
- Comprehensive programs develop confidence, discipline, and physical fitness
What people say
Best staff and atmosphere
Loved by multiple generations
Builds confidence and discipline
Positive self-image development
Professional and caring environment
Services
Ballet
Ballet classes provide foundational training in strength, flexibility, and rhythm. Our program emphasizes proper technique and alignment while developing artistic expression. Students learn traditional ballet terminology and movement combinations that form the basis for all dance styles. This discipline enhances physical coordination and mental focus through structured progression.
Tumbling
Tumbling classes develop strength, flexibility, and coordination through progressive skill development. Our instructors teach proper form and execution while setting achievable goals for each student. This program builds physical confidence through coached repetition of basic to advanced tumbling techniques. Safety-focused instruction ensures proper progression and injury prevention.
Hip Hop
Hip hop classes combine street dance styles with musical expression. Our program integrates elements from funk, breakdancing, and lyrical influences while requiring concurrent ballet and jazz enrollment. Students learn dynamic movement patterns and rhythmic interpretation of contemporary music. This style emphasizes individual creativity within structured choreography frameworks.
Creative Dance
Creative Dance classes introduce 2-3 year olds to movement fundamentals through playful exploration. Our curriculum develops basic motor skills and spatial awareness using age-appropriate activities. Children engage in structured yet imaginative exercises that build dance foundations while maintaining fun-focused learning. This program serves as a gateway to formal dance education.
Clogging
Clogging classes teach this traditional Appalachian dance form emphasizing rhythmic footwork. Our instruction focuses on timing, heel-based percussive techniques, and musical synchronization. Students learn to create complex rhythms while maintaining proper form and posture. This style preserves cultural heritage while developing musicality and coordination.
People
Melissa Westphal
Owner/Director
With decades of experience, Melissa established Stairway to the Stars in 1993. She oversees curriculum development and studio operations while maintaining direct involvement in instruction. Her leadership emphasizes quality education and student development.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Clogging, Lyrical, and Creative Dance classes for children aged 2 through teens.
Do you require prior dance experience?
No prior experience needed. Our Creative Dance classes welcome beginners aged 2-3, with progressive levels available for all styles.
What are your class schedules?
Classes run September-May with weekly sessions during weekdays. We maintain consistent scheduling and avoid weekend commitments to preserve family time.
How do you handle costume requirements?
We measure for costumes in September, distribute them by December, and provide detailed instructions. Average costume cost ranges $70-$90 with jewelry and tights ordered separately.
Is parent participation required?
Parents receive regular updates through newsletters and our Parent Portal. We encourage attendance at recitals but maintain drop-off convenience for regular classes.
What is your recital policy?
Annual recitals are held at Riverside Casino in May. Participation is mandatory for enrolled students. Dress rehearsal occurs the prior evening with specific arrival times provided.
