Business Details
Premier Dance Education in Cuyahoga Falls
At Ihde Rather Be Dancing, we are dedicated to providing dance education of the highest quality in a nurturing, caring, and family-friendly environment. We believe every student has inherent value and deserves equal instruction regardless of age or ability. Our mission is to instill a passion for the performing arts while fostering creativity, confidence, and character development. With over two decades of experience, our team of nationally recognized instructors brings expertise in diverse dance styles and a proven track record of cultivating technical excellence.We emphasize personalized attention and a supportive atmosphere where students build skills that extend beyond the studio into everyday life. Our competitive team offers regional and national performance opportunities, earning accolades for choreography and artistry. Through structured programs and master classes, we aim to inspire a lifelong appreciation for dance while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethical instruction.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz & Technique
Tap Instruction
Hip Hop Workshops
Contemporary/Lyrical Dance
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined teaching experience from nationally recognized instructors
- Our competitive team earns top awards at regional and national dance competitions
- We provide personalized instruction across six dance styles for all skill levels
- Our studio fosters a nurturing environment that prioritizes character development
- We maintain strong community connections through local performance opportunities
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through structured training. Students learn foundational techniques while building strength, flexibility, and performance skills. Classes emphasize proper alignment, musicality, and classical repertoire appreciation.
Jazz & Technique
Jazz classes focus on dynamic movement, rhythm, and stage presence. Students master various styles from Broadway to contemporary jazz while improving coordination and performance confidence through regular recital participation.
Tap Instruction
Tap programs teach rhythmic patterns and improvisation through percussive footwork. Classes incorporate musical theory and syncopation while developing auditory skills and creative expression in multiple tap styles.
Hip Hop Workshops
Hip hop classes emphasize street dance styles, freestyle techniques, and choreography. Students learn current trends while developing body control, spatial awareness, and performance energy in a high-energy environment.
Contemporary/Lyrical Dance
This program blends modern, jazz, and ballet techniques to create emotionally expressive performances. Classes focus on fluid movement, floor work, and interpretive skills while developing individual artistry and technical versatility.
People
Elisabeth Ihde Cavallaro
Owner and Director
With over 20 years of teaching experience, Elisabeth is a nationally recognized choreographer who trained at Akron Dance Institute and performed professionally with Ohio Dance Theater. She brings expertise in classical technique and competition preparation to our studio.
Rachel DelBene
Dance Instructor
Rachel holds a Bachelor's degree in Dance with Business cognate from University of Akron. She teaches multiple styles including tap, ballet, and hip hop while maintaining an active performance career in regional theater productions.
Isabella Deikun
Dance Instructor
A 10-year member of our award-winning competition team, Isabella brings firsthand experience in competitive dance. She currently studies Criminal Justice at University of Akron while teaching and mentoring young dancers.
Brianna Habel
Ballet Instructor
Brianna earned her BFA in Ballet from University of Cincinnati's College Conservatory of Music. With professional experience at Cincinnati Ballet and Nevada Ballet Theatre, she specializes in classical ballet technique and training.
Abigail Garlock
Tap Instructor
Abby holds a Master's in Special Education and has studied tap with renowned artists including Savion Glover. She brings both technical expertise and educational experience to her engaging, rhythm-focused classes.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, and contemporary/lyrical dance classes for students aged 5-18.
Are there competitive opportunities available?
Yes, our Competitive Team participates in regional and national competitions with award-winning choreography.
What are the audition requirements for competitive classes?
Invitation-only jazz classes require demonstrated advanced technical ability and strong work ethic.
What local dance resources do you recommend?
We partner with Stage Center in Akron and Dancers Pointe in Stow for dancewear and supplies.
