Business Details
40 Years
experience
Your Premier Dance Studio in Little Rock
Shuffles Dance Studio has been a cornerstone of the central Arkansas dance community for nearly four decades. Founded in 1986, we provide premier instruction in classical ballet, tap, jazz, modern, musical theatre, lyrical, and hip hop, fostering technical excellence and artistic growth in students of all ages. Our award-winning faculty combines professional experience with a nurturing environment, creating a space where dancers develop discipline, creativity, and self-expression. With state-of-the-art facilities including five spacious studios equipped with sprung floors and surround sound, we offer a professional atmosphere for learning and growth.Our pre-professional program prepares students for dance careers, while community-focused classes ensure accessibility for all skill levels. Over 40 years, we have cultivated a legacy of excellence, producing performers who grace stages locally and nationally. Our commitment to personalized guidance ensures every student achieves their unique potential. Located in West Little Rock, we serve as a hub for dance education, combining technical rigor with emotional support. Join a family where passion for dance transforms lives through artistry and dedication.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Hip Hop
Pre-Professional Program
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We offer 40 years of proven excellence in dance education
- Our faculty includes professional performers and certified experts
- State-of-the-art 8,000 sq ft facility with five specialized studios
- Pre-professional program with industry connections and performance opportunities
- Community-focused approach combining technical rigor with emotional support
What people say
Highest caliber training
Loving learning environment
Professional approach
Lifelong love of dance
Personalized guidance
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through Vaganova and Cecchetti methods. Students progress from foundational positions to advanced pointe work in a structured curriculum. With annual performances and masterclasses from industry professionals, we prepare dancers for both recreational enjoyment and professional careers.
Tap
Tap classes focus on musicality and syncopation through rhythmic footwork. Our curriculum builds from basic steps to complex improvisation, emphasizing clear tone production and creative expression. Students perform in annual recitals and local competitions showcasing their percussive artistry.
Jazz
Jazz instruction combines technical training with stylistic versatility across Broadway, commercial, and contemporary styles. Classes emphasize isolations, turns, and dynamic performance quality. Students learn choreography from professional works while developing their unique artistic voice.
Hip Hop
Hip hop classes teach foundational elements like popping, locking, and breaking in a high-energy environment. Our instructors emphasize musicality, improvisation, and personal style while maintaining technical discipline. Students showcase their skills in annual performances and community events.
Pre-Professional Program
This intensive program prepares serious dancers for professional careers through advanced technique classes, private coaching, and performance opportunities. Students receive career guidance and audition preparation from faculty with Broadway and professional company experience, creating pathways to industry success.
People
Jana
Owner and Director
With 45 years of teaching experience and 37 years leading Shuffles, Jana combines artistic excellence with community leadership. A former Arkansas Rep performer, she received the 2015 Arkansas Arts Council Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to dance education.
Allison
Assistant Director
A Shuffles alumna, Allison brings 15 years of professional performance experience from Radio City Music Hall and international tours. She holds a BFA from Butler University and directs our pre-professional training programs with industry expertise.
Hope Wenneker
Dance Instructor
Hope teaches multiple styles while drawing on her University of Oklahoma BFA and professional performance background. A Little Rock native, she mentors students in technical development and artistic growth through personalized instruction.
Leslie Dodge
Faculty Member
Leslie directs our Pre-Professional Ballet Program with 15+ years of teaching and performance experience. A Butler University graduate, she brings expertise from Ballet Arkansas and national festival performances to her comprehensive ballet instruction.
Donna
Costume Manager
With 34 years at Shuffles, Donna oversees costume design and production. Her 40+ years in dance education include teaching and directing roles, ensuring students receive both technical training and professional stage production experience.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach ballet, tap, jazz, modern, lyrical, hip hop, and musical theatre with specialized programs for ages 3 to adult.
Do you have performance opportunities?
Yes! Annual recitals at Wildwood Park plus community performances, competitions, and Arkansas Repertory Theatre collaborations.
Are there adult classes available?
We offer adult tap/ballet classes weekly for recreational dancers and former professionals seeking to maintain technique.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our faculty includes Broadway veterans, university-trained educators, and professional performers with decades of combined teaching experience.
How do I register for classes?
Visit our website to register online during open enrollment periods or contact us for personalized registration assistance.
What facilities do you have?
Our 8,000 sq ft studio features five dance rooms with sprung floors, surround sound, and observation areas for parents.
