Business Details
Premier Dance Classes for All Ages in Franklin, TN
Grassland Dance Academy has been dedicated to nurturing confidence and self-discipline in students through dance education since its founding. Located in Franklin, Tennessee, our academy combines modern teaching methodologies with creative movement to foster personal growth and technical skill development. Our experienced instructors specialize in diverse dance styles, offering structured programs for recreational and competitive dancers aged kindergarten through 12th grade. We maintain a supportive environment where students develop coordination, artistic expression, and lifelong appreciation for dance.With over two decades of combined teaching experience among our leadership team, we emphasize proper technique, safety, and age-appropriate progression. Our facility features specialized dance spaces equipped for ballet, tap, jazz, acro, and hip hop instruction. Through seasonal performances, competitions, and community events, we provide opportunities for students to showcase their growth while maintaining focus on individual development over competition. Our commitment to quality dance education has made us a trusted resource for families in the Grassland community.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Hip Hop
Acro
Lyrical
Musical Theater
Pointe
Tumble
Fitness Classes
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of combined teaching experience from Broadway-trained professionals
- Our curriculum includes 6 dance styles with age-appropriate technical progression
- We maintain a 4.9/5 parent satisfaction rating for our structured class environment
- Our facility features sprung floors and specialized dance spaces for multiple styles
- We provide performance opportunities through 4 annual showcases and competitions
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops proper technique through structured classes focusing on grace, poise, and foundational dance skills. Students learn classical warm-ups, barre work, and center combinations while building strength and flexibility. This training establishes essential fundamentals that benefit all dance styles while promoting posture and discipline.
Tap Classes
Tap instruction emphasizes musicality and precision through rhythmic patterns and complex footwork combinations. Our classes develop timing, coordination, and improvisation skills while maintaining proper tap technique. Students progress through levels that challenge their rhythmic abilities while learning various tap styles from Broadway to contemporary.
Jazz Classes
Jazz curriculum combines technical training with performance quality through styles ranging from Broadway to commercial dance. Classes include warm-ups, progressions, and choreography that develop strength, flexibility, and stylistic versatility. Students learn Bob Fosse techniques and contemporary jazz styles while building performance confidence.
Acro Classes
Our acro program integrates balletic techniques with safe acrobatic progressions for dancers. Classes focus on flexibility, strength, and controlled tricks including cartwheels, aerials, and walkovers. Instructors emphasize proper alignment and gradual skill development to enhance dance performance while maintaining safety standards for young athletes.
Hip Hop Classes
Hip hop instruction teaches urban dance styles through age-appropriate choreography and freestyle opportunities. Classes develop rhythm, coordination, and personal expression while covering various hip hop genres. Students learn foundational moves and current trends in a high-energy environment that encourages creativity and confidence.
People
Maureen Sharp
Studio Director/Owner
Maureen brings 15+ years of professional dance experience from Celebrity Cruises and Cirque on Ice to Grassland Dance Academy. She holds aerial performance certifications and has trained with Broadway professionals, establishing our comprehensive dance curriculum.
Katie Trent
Assistant Director
Katie holds a Commercial Entertainment degree and has trained with Broadway performers from Billy Elliot. She directs our internship program and choreographs for local productions while maintaining active teaching certifications in multiple dance styles.
Aimee C. Patrick
Pointe Director
Aimee brings 25+ years of professional experience including Walt Disney Productions and international performances. Certified in Progressing Ballet Technique, she specializes in pointe training and has coached award-winning dancers accepted into prestigious academies.
Sarah Starc
Dance Instructor
Sarah combines her education degree with 13 years of competitive dance experience to teach foundational techniques. A former Memphis Pom member, she choreographs for local teams and focuses on making dance accessible to all skill levels.
Sandy Bennett
Acrobatic Instructor
A former rhythmic gymnastics national competitor, Sandy specializes in safe acro progressions. She holds multiple fitness certifications and has choreographed for TV and music videos while teaching tumbling techniques for 10+ years.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer for children?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, acro, lyrical, musical theater, and pointe classes for ages 3 through 12th grade with age-appropriate curricula.
Do you have competitive dance teams?
Yes, we have three competitive levels (Juniors, Teens, Elite) participating in regional competitions with required technique classes and performance commitments.
What are your class size policies?
We maintain minimum enrollment requirements with 4 students per class to ensure quality instruction while providing individual attention in all our dance classes.
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, we provide free trial classes for all dance styles with registration through our online portal before attending your first session.
What birthday party packages are available?
We offer themed parties for 1-20 children with dance classes, games, decorations, and refreshments priced from $275-$350 including setup and cleanup services.
Are adult fitness classes available?
Yes, our women's fitness program includes strength training classes twice weekly with flexible packages and drop-in options for local adults seeking dance-based workouts.
Reviews (4)
Jean Ferguson
Dec 27, 2019
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GDA is a place you would want your child to be! Ms. Maureen and her staff instill in the dancers a spirit of grace and fearlessness. Every instructor believes in the mission of the studio and it shows in the students' joy, camaraderie and dedication.
Shannon Corney
Dec 10, 2019
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Our daughter has been at GDA since it opened. She would rather be there than anywhere else in the world. Our family and indeed the entire community is blessed to have a studio that provides not only first class dance instruction but a supportive loving dance family.
Aimee Patrick
Oct 13, 2019
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This is such a healthy and loving dance environment, with great positive energy and superior dance instruction. My daughter is in her 7th year at GDA and her 4th year on the Prodance team. She has grown in confidence, teamanship, strength and technical ability. She considers her GDA friends her 2nd family.
Lea Chiappetta
Jul 25, 2019
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Can't say enough good things about GDA! It is a supportive, nurturing, and fun environment for kids to learn all variations of dance. Ms. Maureen does a wonderful job getting to know all the students and helps support their development. Definitely recommend GDA, the staff, and the experience!
