Business Details
24 Years
experience
Dance & Music Classes for Children and Teens in Newcomerstown, OH
Melody & Motion School has been nurturing young talent in southern Tuscarawas County for over two decades. Founded in 2002 by Jessica Callender, a seasoned dancer with formal training from prestigious institutions like Briansky Saratoga Ballet Center and Ohio University, our studio specializes in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, tumbling, baton, voice, and piano instruction for children and teens aged 2-18. Our teaching philosophy emphasizes structured class formats, limited enrollment per session, and personalized attention to ensure each student develops technical proficiency and artistic confidence. We maintain open communication with parents through dedicated digital platforms and provide comprehensive costuming solutions to eliminate logistical hassles.With three annual performances including excerpts from The Nutcracker, our curriculum balances skill development with performance opportunities. Our facility features an online store for dance essentials and professional instructors with decades of combined experience. Jessica's daughters, who grew up dancing at the studio, now contribute as teaching staff, continuing our family-oriented approach. We prioritize measurable progress through consistent evaluation and tailored instruction methods that cater to individual learning curves. Our commitment to quality has made us a trusted institution for families seeking comprehensive performing arts education in Tuscarawas County.
Services
Ballet Classes
Tap Instruction
Jazz Dance
Lyrical Dance
Tumbling
Baton Twirling
Voice Lessons
Piano Lessons
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of specialized dance and music instruction
- Our instructors include university-trained professionals and guest performers
- We maintain limited class sizes for personalized attention
- Our curriculum includes structured progress evaluation systems
- We provide complete costume packages with no sewing required
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program includes beginner to advanced levels with weekly classes focusing on stretching, barre exercises, and performance routines. Students learn classical techniques through structured lessons that build strength and precision. All ballet students participate in annual performances including excerpts from The Nutcracker.
Tumbling
This 45-minute class teaches basic tumbling skills with emphasis on proper terminology, stretching, and strength development. Students progress through skill-based levels with performance opportunities in spring recitals. No prior experience required for ages 4-6.
Voice Lessons
Professional voice instruction available for middle school through adult students. Lessons focus on vocal technique, breath control, and style development across multiple genres. Taught by university-trained instructors with performance experience in regional productions.
Piano Lessons
Private piano instruction for grades 1-12 and adults. Curriculum emphasizes hand coordination, music reading, and performance skills. Beginning students use a Suzuki-like approach while advanced learners explore classical and contemporary repertoire.
Lyrical Dance
Combining ballet technique with emotional expression, lyrical classes teach fluid movements and storytelling through dance. Students learn choreography that emphasizes musicality and artistic interpretation in weekly 60-minute sessions.
People
Jessica Callender
Owner & Lead Teacher
Jessica founded Melody & Motion in 2002 after studying dance at Briansky Saratoga Ballet Center and Ohio University. With over 20 years of teaching experience, she has performed with the Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet and developed a curriculum that balances technical training with creative expression.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, tumbling, and baton twirling classes for ages 2-18.
Do you offer music instruction?
Yes, we provide private piano lessons for grades 1-12 and adults, plus voice lessons for middle school through adult students.
How do class sizes work?
All school-year program classes have enrollment limits to ensure personalized attention and proper skill development.
Are costumes included in tuition?
Yes, all performance costumes come complete with accessories and tights - no additional sewing required.
How do you communicate with parents?
We maintain open communication through our private Facebook group, phone, text, and in-person teacher availability.
Reviews (4)
Freda Martin
Feb 01, 2019
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My daughter will be starting her 10th year at the studio this fall. She has enjoyed all of her classes and teachers during her time taking dance here. The studio is great about getting details communicated to all parents. The recital is a great event that showcases each class. Definitely recommend this studio to anyone who is looking for dance for their child.
Rachelle Roubanes
Jan 12, 2019
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BRAVO for another top-notch recital and amazing year @ Melody and Motion! The passion AND patience of the instructors really shine through...and it's obvious the dancers love learning there. Thanks for another (this is our daughter's eighth year) wonderful experience and opportunity for our kids to grow!
Heather Blacka
Jan 08, 2019
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This was my granddaughters first year taking dance and she's shy. After the first class she was excited and couldn't wait to go back! She loves Miss Jessica her teacher and all the girls were so sweet to her She LOVED being in the dance recital and now her 2 sisters want to join!! :) Really this studio is like a big family with everyone being so nice and helpful!
Rickquall Beitzel
Oct 17, 2018
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We love Melody & Motions, cant say one bad thing about anything. My stepdaughter attends dance and tumbling classes, she loves it! The instructors are amazing and they are all very professional! The parents and her peers are very kind, caring and loving! Cant wait to see what next year brings for all three of my girls!