Business Details
36 Years
experience
Premier Dance School in Birmingham, MI
Birmingham Dance Academy has been cultivating artistic excellence in dance for over two decades. Founded by renowned ballet instructor Eric Johnston, our academy provides comprehensive training in ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary styles for students aged 3 to adult. Our curriculum combines classical technique with performance opportunities, including seasonal productions like The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. With a focus on individualized instruction, we offer private coaching and personalized corrections to help dancers refine their skills for auditions and performances. Our faculty includes industry professionals like Earl Morales, whose expertise in tap dance has shaped countless successful students.We emphasize not only technical proficiency but also artistic development, fostering confidence and collaborative spirit among our students. The academy's commitment to community engagement is demonstrated through outreach programs that bring live ballet experiences to underserved schools. Located in Birmingham, Michigan, we serve local families while attracting students from across the region. Our alumni consistently praise the transformative impact of our programs, with many pursuing professional dance careers. Through structured classes and performance opportunities, we create a nurturing environment where dancers of all levels can thrive.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Dance
Tap Instruction
Private Coaching
Performance Training
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized corrections from industry professionals with decades of combined experience
- Our students perform in full-scale productions like The Nutcracker and Swan Lake
- We provide specialized audition preparation for aspiring professional dancers
- Our faculty includes second-generation ballet instructors and guest artists
- We emphasize both technical mastery and artistic development in every class
What people say
Personalized corrections
Professional development
Supportive environment
Seasonal performances
Expert instructors
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical proficiency and artistic expression through systematic training. Students learn classical techniques from experienced instructors with professional performance backgrounds. Classes are offered for ages 3 to adult, with progressive levels from beginner to advanced.
Private Coaching
Personalized dance instruction focuses on individual goals and technical refinement. Sessions target specific areas for improvement, including complex movements like fouette turns and performance preparation. Coaches provide detailed corrections to accelerate skill development.
Performance Training
Students prepare for professional auditions and stage performances through specialized training. The program includes rehearsal techniques, stage presence development, and collaborative ensemble work. Participants gain experience in full-scale productions like The Nutcracker.
Tap Instruction
Tap classes emphasize rhythm, precision, and musicality under the guidance of master instructors. Students develop complex footwork patterns while learning to express musical concepts through movement. Classes accommodate all skill levels from beginner to advanced.
Jazz Dance
Our jazz program combines technical training with dynamic performance elements. Classes focus on isolations, syncopation, and stylistic versatility while developing strength and flexibility. Students learn choreography from various jazz styles spanning from classic to contemporary.
People
Eric Johnston
Director
Second-generation ballet teacher with BFA from University of Cincinnati. Principal dancer with London Ballet Theatre and Detroit Ballet. Specializes in classical technique and performance preparation for professional dancers.
Earl Morales
Tap Instructor
Master tap instructor with extensive professional experience. Focuses on rhythmic precision and musical interpretation. Brings industry expertise to students through specialized training techniques.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary dance instruction for all skill levels from beginner to advanced students.
Do you accept adult students?
Yes, we welcome adult dancers of all experience levels with dedicated classes for beginning and intermediate adult ballet students.
Are private lessons available?
Private coaching is available for dancers seeking personalized instruction to improve specific techniques or prepare for performances.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in seasonal productions like The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and original works, with outreach performances for local schools.
How do I enroll in classes?
Contact us directly via phone or email to schedule an introductory class and discuss appropriate placement based on experience level.
What age groups do you teach?
We offer classes for children as young as 3 through adult learners, with age-appropriate instruction at every level.