Business Details
19 Years
experience
Premier Dance Studio in Canton, MI
Founded in 2007 by Derek and Courtney Arcenal, Dance Athletics Competitive Edge has become a cornerstone of dance education in the Plymouth-Canton community. Our studio combines technical excellence with a family-oriented philosophy, fostering lifelong traditions through competitive and recreational programs. With 17 years of experience, we've earned multiple national championships and a reputation for producing award-winning choreography. Our instructors bring decades of industry expertise, including certifications in Cecchetti ballet and acrobatic arts, alongside professional performance backgrounds.We prioritize personalized mentorship, blending dance instruction with life coaching to develop well-rounded artists. Our commitment to quality is reflected in hundreds of top placements and a unique curriculum that emphasizes storytelling through movement. As a family-owned business, we maintain a supportive environment where students thrive artistically and personally. Our success stems from a balanced approach combining technical rigor with creative expression, ensuring each dancer reaches their full potential.
Services
Hip Hop
Jazz
Contemporary
Lyrical
Musical Theatre
Tap
Ballet
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- 17 years of proven success in competitive dance education
- Multiple national championship titles and choreography awards
- Instructors with professional performance backgrounds and industry certifications
- Comprehensive training in 7+ dance genres including acrobatics
- Family-oriented environment emphasizing personal growth alongside technical skill
Services
Competitive Dance Training
Our competitive dance program develops champions through personalized coaching in multiple genres. Dancers receive technical training, choreography instruction, and performance preparation. With 17 years of experience, we've produced multiple national championship teams and award-winning routines.
Recreational Dance Classes
Recreational classes introduce foundational techniques to students aged 2+. Programs include hip hop, jazz, and ballet with flexible scheduling options. Our instructors focus on building confidence and basic skills in a supportive environment.
Summer Dance Program
Seasonal training from June-August prepares dancers for the competitive year. Includes technique workshops, style-specific training, and performance preparation. The program culminates in our annual Wildcat Show performance at Belleville High School.
Private Dance Instruction
One-on-one training available for competitive program participants. Sessions focus on individual skill development, solo choreography, and performance refinement. Taught by award-winning instructors with professional dance backgrounds.
Ballet Technique Classes
Cecchetti-certified ballet instruction for all levels. Classes emphasize proper technique, pointe work, and classical repertoire. Students receive exam preparation and performance opportunities in traditional and contemporary ballet styles.
People
Derek Alain Arcenal
Director, Choreographer, Owner
Founder with 25+ years professional dance experience. Former national champion soloist and Disney performer. Specializes in choreography and life coaching for competitive dancers.
Courtney Rae Arcenal
Director, Choreographer, Owner
Co-founder and certified nurse practitioner. 12-year competitive dance veteran with national titles. Combines medical expertise with dance instruction to prevent injuries and enhance performance.
Camyle Cryderman
Tap Choreographer
Certified Cecchetti instructor with Acrobatic Arts specialization. Former competitive dancer and award-winning teacher. Focuses on tap technique and beginner dancer development.
Molly Denzer
Assistant Coach
Former National Champion Wildcat dancer. Trained at American Ballet Theatre intensives. Teaches beginner programs and assists competitive team training while pursuing accounting certification.
Julianna DeBiasi
Hip Hop Choreographer
Professional hip hop instructor with performance experience alongside major artists. Certified physical therapist assistant specializing in dancer injury prevention and muscle conditioning techniques.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer hip hop, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre, tap, and ballet with specialized acrobatic training.
How can my child join the competitive team?
Competitive team auditions occur annually in September. Private training is available June-August to prepare for team placement.
Are recreational classes available for beginners?
Yes! Our Wonderkatz program accepts children as young as 2 with no prior experience required.
What makes your studio unique?
Our family-owned studio combines 17 years of championship experience with personalized mentorship and medical expertise for holistic dancer development.
Do you offer summer programs?
Our summer session includes technique classes, choreography workshops, and culminates in our annual Wildcat Show performance.
How are instructors qualified?
Our staff includes certified Cecchetti instructors, former national champions, and professionals with Disney and Broadway experience.
Videos
Reviews (3)
Edgardo Arcenal
Jul 29, 2021
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WELCOME NEXSTAR ORLANDO 2021 NATIONAL CHAMPS. .GREAT YEAR OUTSTANDING RESULTS. REAL COMPETITION IS COMPETING AMONG THE VERY BEST AND REACHING THE PINNACLE DANCE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD-VICTORY CUP. ON BECOMING A DIAMOND STUDIO once again TAKES HARD WORK AND DEDICATIONS. It isn't AUTOMATIC. Only a few studios receive this great ACCOLADE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO OWNERS, CHOREOGRAPHERS, COACHES, DANCERS , ALUMNI DANCERS AND ALL SUPPORTIVE FAMILIES/FRIENDS. GOD BLESS AND STAY SAFE. LOVE IS ALWAYS THE ANSWER.
Skin Sinns
Nov 11, 2018
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This place is amazing , Derek one of the instructors and the owners Took my daughter under his wing Ive never seen somebody put so much time in the one child !!! So if your childs in Recreation or competition dance this is a must check out !!!!!
Julia Frayer
Jul 19, 2018
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We love DACE! Technique and choreography are amazing, and second only to how very much the owners and staff treat the kids like family!
