Business Details
42 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education & Competition Training in Lakeville, MN
Established in 1984, Danceworks Performing Art has cultivated a reputation as a premier destination for dance education in Lakeville, Minnesota. With over four decades of experience, our studio has earned prestigious accolades including three ADCC Studio of Excellence awards, Masquerade's 2024 'Top Studio of the Year,' and recognition as City's South Magazine's 2024 Best Dance Studio. We offer comprehensive dance training for students aged 2 through adult, with specialized programs in competition dance, recreational classes, classical ballet, and adult education. Our team of award-winning instructors combines professional expertise with personalized mentorship, emphasizing technical mastery, self-confidence, and artistic expression. The studio's commitment to excellence is reflected in its structured curriculum, which includes required ballet training for competition dancers and innovative programs like the Post Dance Team Technique class and DanceWorks Lab.With flexible scheduling options and a focus on community engagement, we provide a supportive environment where dancers of all skill levels can thrive. Our leadership team brings extensive industry experience, including university-level dance education, professional performance backgrounds, and specialized certifications in dance therapy and acrobatics. Through annual recitals, competition opportunities, and community outreach initiatives, we foster a holistic approach to dance education that extends beyond technical proficiency. Our facility in Lakeville serves as a hub for artistic development, offering state-certified instruction and modern amenities that meet the needs of both recreational and competitive dancers.
Services
Competition Dance
Recreational Classes
Ballet Training
Adult Dance
Jazz
Tap
Lyrical
Hip Hop
Pointe
Tumbling
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of proven excellence in dance education
- Our team includes award-winning instructors with professional performance backgrounds
- We provide personalized dance education for ages 2 through adult
- We maintain a structured curriculum with required ballet training for competition dancers
- We offer specialized programs including Post Dance Team Technique and DanceWorks Lab
Services
Competition Dance Programs
Structured competition dance programs for ages 4 through adult include jazz, tap, lyrical, and production categories. Our award-winning instructors provide specialized training with required ballet classes to build technical foundation. Dancers gain performance experience through regional and national competitions while developing discipline and teamwork skills.
Recreational Dance Classes
Recreational dance classes cater to children starting at age 2 and adults. Offerings include ballet/tap combos, hip hop, contemporary, and adaptive dance programs. These classes focus on creative expression and fundamental skill development in a non-competitive environment with annual recital performance opportunities.
Ballet Training
Comprehensive ballet training follows progressive levels from beginner to advanced. Certified instructors emphasize proper technique, pointe work, and performance skills. Classes incorporate Zena Rommet Floor-Barre methodology and prepare students for both recreational enjoyment and professional dance opportunities.
Adult Dance Classes
Adult dance classes accommodate all skill levels with offerings in tap, contemporary ballet, and hip hop. These sessions provide physical fitness benefits while fostering artistic expression. Participants can join the competitive adult hip hop team or enjoy non-competitive dance experiences.
Post-Team Training
Post-dance team programs offer continued training from March through May. Options include technique classes focusing on jazz and kick fundamentals or competitive DanceWorks Lab teams. These programs maintain technical proficiency and performance readiness during off-season periods.
People
Ann Proudfoot
Owner/Visionary
Founder of Danceworks Performing Art with 40+ years of experience. Holds BS in Dance and Physical Education from University of Utah. Former dance director at Arlington High School and Larson Jr. High School. Recognized for establishing dance programs in school curricula.
Melanie
Studio Director
Competition instructor with MN dance team championships. Holds degrees in Human Development and Marriage & Family Therapy. Coordinates studio operations and communication. Founded South Suburban Elite middle school dance team. Specializes in jazz and musical theatre instruction.
Kelly
Recreation Program Coordinator
20-year dance instructor with University of Minnesota-Duluth communications degree. Former Eastview High School dance team captain. Specializes in young children's ballet, tap, and creative movement. Focuses on creating educational and caring dance environments for early learners.
Caitlin
Assistant Director
Competition instructor with University of St. Thomas business degree. Professional dancer with Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders. Choreographer and instructor with expertise in multiple dance styles. Manages tuition and financial operations for the studio.
Katy
Tap Instructor
15+ years teaching experience with national competition awards. Specializes in tap instruction and choreography. Leads competition tap groups and Dad's and Daughter's production group. Holds extensive competitive dance background with top choreography recognition.
Questions
How do I register for dance classes?
Registration is available online through our website. Office hours for assistance are Monday-Thursday 4:15-7:30 PM at our Lakeville location.
What age groups do you serve?
We offer classes for children as young as 2 years old through adult programs. Our curriculum includes specific tracks for pre-teen, teen, and senior company levels.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! We host annual recitals in May and provide competition opportunities for qualified dancers. The 2026 recital is scheduled for May 8-9 in Lakeville.
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer comprehensive training in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, musical theatre, and pointe. Specialized programs include acro/tumbling and ballroom dance.
Do you offer post-high school dance options?
Yes, our Post Dance Team program includes technique classes and competitive DanceWorks Lab teams. These programs run from February through May each year.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our instructors hold degrees in dance and related fields, with many having professional performance backgrounds. They include former competition champions, university dance team members, and certified acrobatics specialists.
