Business Details
27 Years
experience
Premier Dance School in Clarkston, MI
Established in 1999, Spotlight Dance Center has been a cornerstone of dance education in Clarkston, Michigan. Our studio offers comprehensive training in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary styles for students aged 3 to adult. With a state-of-the-art facility featuring four specialized dance rooms, we provide an environment that fosters technical mastery and artistic expression. Our faculty comprises industry-certified instructors and former professional dancers with decades of combined experience in performance and pedagogy. Through structured curricula and competitive opportunities, we cultivate well-rounded dancers while emphasizing discipline, creativity, and personal growth.Our annual recital at Clarkston High School showcases student achievements, while our Company Team competes nationally, receiving top honors and choreography awards. We maintain rigorous safety standards with dance-specific flooring and modern sound systems across all classrooms. As a community-focused studio, we also collaborate with local schools and organizations to promote dance education. Our leadership team includes former Dance Masters of America board members and educators with advanced degrees in dance and child development. With over 25 years of service, we remain committed to nurturing the next generation of dancers through excellence in instruction and mentorship.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Hip-hop
Contemporary
Lyrical
Pointe
Competitive Dance
Pre-Ballet
Boys Hip-hop
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- Instructors include Dance Masters Certified professionals and former national competition winners
- State-of-the-art facility with four specialized dance studios featuring sprung flooring
- Company Team competes nationally with 20+ years of award-winning choreography
- Faculty includes former professional dancers and educators with advanced dance degrees
- Annual recital at Clarkston High School with professional production quality
Associations and certifications
- Dance Masters of America
- Dance Masters of Michigan
What people say
Award-winning choreography
Professional instructors
Excellent facilities
Great recital experiences
Strong competition results
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program develops technical precision and grace through Vaganova, Balanchine, and Cecchetti methods. Students progress from foundational positions to advanced pointe work in a structured environment. Certified instructors emphasize proper alignment, musicality, and artistic expression while preparing dancers for both recreational and professional paths.
Competitive Dance
Advanced students join our nationally recognized Company Team for intensive training in multiple styles. The program includes 4-5 annual competitions, masterclasses with industry professionals, and biennial national championship participation. Choreography focuses on technical excellence and emotional storytelling, with consistent top placements since 1999.
Hip-hop
Contemporary hip-hop classes teach authentic street dance techniques in a positive environment. Students learn isolations, rhythm patterns, and improvisation while developing performance confidence. The boys-only class offers modified movements at a discounted rate, emphasizing foundational hip-hop culture and musicality.
Pre-Ballet
Specialized instruction introduces children under 5 to dance fundamentals through playful activities. Classes focus on basic coordination, posture awareness, and classroom etiquette using imaginative movement games. Certified instructors develop listening skills and social interaction while building a foundation for future dance education.
Lyrical
Combining ballet and jazz techniques, our lyrical program emphasizes emotional storytelling through movement. Students learn fluid transitions and interpretive skills while developing strength and flexibility. Classes incorporate contemporary music and choreography that emphasizes narrative expression and technical control.
People
Stephanie
Owner / Director
With 28 years of dance experience, Stephanie leads Spotlight as both director and instructor. Former Dance Masters of Michigan board member, she brings industry expertise and institutional knowledge to curriculum development while maintaining active teaching responsibilities.
Raquel
Company / Competition Director
Certified Dance Masters of America instructor with extensive competition experience. Raquel directs the competitive program while teaching ballet and jazz, drawing on professional training from Edward Villella and Gus Giordano for advanced technique instruction.
Isabella
Company / Competition Instructor
Professional dancer with Ballet Edge Detroit and former Joffrey Ballet scholarship recipient. She teaches advanced ballet techniques while directing Clarkston High School musical choreography, combining performance expertise with pedagogical innovation.
Meredith
Company / Competition Instructor
University of Michigan-Flint dance graduate with professional training in Los Angeles and New York. Combines mental health expertise with dance instruction, creating therapeutic movement experiences while choreographing award-winning competition pieces.
Lindsay
Early Childhood Dance Instructor
Certified educator with Child Development degree and RYT yoga certification. Specializes in early childhood dance education, using movement-based learning techniques to develop motor skills and confidence in preschool-aged students.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, lyrical, and pointe classes for ages 3+ with specialized programs for competitive dancers.
When is the annual recital?
Our recital occurs annually in June at Clarkston High School, featuring three shows over two days with mandatory dress rehearsals the preceding week.
How do I register for classes?
Register through our Parent Portal online system, where you can enroll students, view schedules, and access recital information and apparel store options.
Are there competitive dance opportunities?
Yes! Our Company Team competes nationally with 4-5 annual competitions and biennial national championship participation, accepting new members through June auditions.
What are your facility features?
Our renovated studio includes four large classrooms with dance-specific sprung flooring, full-length mirrors, and professional sound systems for optimal learning environments.
Do you offer family discounts?
We provide multi-child discounts and sibling rate options for families registering multiple students in our regular dance class programs.
