Centre Stage

- 329 S 9th St, Mt Vernon, IL 62864

Introduction / Overview

For residents of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Centre Stage is much more than a dance studio; it is a community-driven arts center where individuals of all ages can discover their passion for performance. This women-owned business, founded by Shannon Owens in 2002, has built a reputation for providing high-quality, affordable, and age-appropriate dance education. The studio's philosophy is rooted in a commitment to fostering a genuine love for the arts while helping students develop essential life skills like "patience, dedication, and self confidence." This is a place where every child is important, and the focus is on a holistic approach to education.

Centre Stage is proud to be a "second family" for its dancers and their families. As a long-time customer shared, the studio is not a "Dance Moms" type of environment. Instead, it maintains a supportive, family-friendly atmosphere where students feel loved and encouraged. The modest and beautiful costumes, along with family-friendly music selections, highlight the studio's dedication to creating a positive and respectful space. The owner and artistic director, Shannon, is praised for her ability to "choreograph to strengths but challenges her as well," showing a personalized approach to instruction that makes every student feel valued.

Beyond dance, Centre Stage has expanded its offerings to include a variety of other artistic disciplines, such as tumbling and music lessons. This makes it a true one-stop-shop for families seeking a comprehensive arts education in the local area. The studio’s commitment to community extends beyond its classes; it is actively involved in local events and is dedicated to giving back to those in need. This deep-rooted connection to the Mt. Vernon community makes Centre Stage a cherished and trusted institution.

Location and Accessibility

Centre Stage is conveniently located at 329 S 9th St, Mt Vernon, IL 62864, USA. This central location in Mt. Vernon makes the studio easily accessible for families across the region, simplifying the logistics of after-school and weekend activities. Its position on a local street allows for easy navigation, and the availability of both a free parking lot and free street parking ensures that visitors will have no trouble finding a convenient spot.

A key highlight of the studio is its dedication to physical accessibility. Centre Stage provides a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, a wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating. These comprehensive features demonstrate a profound commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that individuals of all abilities can participate comfortably and confidently. The studio also provides gender-neutral restrooms, which further reinforces its welcoming and modern approach to serving the community.

The thoughtfulness put into the studio's design and amenities contributes significantly to the overall positive experience. The combination of a prime location, stress-free parking, and a fully accessible environment makes Centre Stage a highly practical and appealing choice for families in Illinois. It is a place where everyone is genuinely welcome, and the physical space reflects this core value.

Services Offered

• Youth and Adult Classes: A comprehensive schedule with lessons for dancers of all ages and experience levels.
• Beginner's, Intermediate, and Advanced Classes: A progressive curriculum that allows students to grow and be challenged.
• Jazz: Energetic and expressive classes focused on the popular jazz dance style.
• Acrobatic Arts and Tumbling Classes: Programs that blend dance with gymnastic skills for a well-rounded athletic and artistic foundation.
• Musical Theatre: Combines dance, acting, and music to prepare students for the stage.
• Music Classes: A variety of music lessons, including Piano Lessons and Guitar Lessons.
• Fitness Classes: Options such as Zumba and other Adult Fitness classes for those looking for a fun workout.
• Summer Camps and Tumbling Camps: Immersive programs during the summer months for focused learning and fun.
• Performance Dance Company: Opportunities for dedicated students to perform and compete.
• Choreography Classes: Lessons that focus on the art of creating dance routines.

Features / Highlights

• Women-Owned Business: The studio is proudly owned and operated by a woman, contributing to a supportive and empowered environment.
• Family-Friendly and Age-Appropriate: Known for providing a safe space with modest costumes and family-friendly music.
• Exceptional Community: Described as a "second family" where every student is loved and cared for.
• Holistic Education: Goes beyond dance to teach patience, dedication, and self-confidence.
• Diverse Programs: Offers a wide range of classes including dance, tumbling, and music, catering to multiple interests.
• Comprehensive Accessibility: Provides a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating.
• Gender-Neutral Restrooms: A commitment to inclusivity and a welcoming environment for all.
• Free Parking: Both a free parking lot and free street parking are available, adding convenience for visitors.

Contact Information

Address: 329 S 9th St, Mt Vernon, IL 62864, USA
Phone: (618) 231-7435

What is worth choosing

For families in the Mt. Vernon area, choosing Centre Stage for dance or arts education is a decision that extends far beyond a simple class. The most compelling reason to choose this studio is its profoundly positive and nurturing environment. As highlighted by a long-time student's family, this is "not your 'Dance Moms' type of studio," which is a significant relief for parents seeking a healthy and supportive atmosphere for their children. The fact that the owner, Mrs. Shannon, "loves each kid as if he/she was her own" and choreographs to their individual strengths speaks volumes about the level of personalized care and mentorship each student receives. This focus on kindness and love helps students grow not only as performers but as confident and dedicated individuals.

Another key benefit is the studio's commitment to family-friendly principles. The assurance that costumes are "modest" and choreography is age-appropriate allows parents to feel comfortable and confident in their choice. This attention to detail demonstrates a strong set of values and a respect for the families they serve. The wide range of services, including tumbling and music lessons, makes Centre Stage a convenient and comprehensive arts destination. A family can enroll multiple children in different activities and levels under one roof, simplifying logistics and fostering a love for various art forms.

From a practical standpoint, the studio’s dedication to accessibility and modern amenities is outstanding. The provision of a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restroom, and seating, along with gender-neutral restrooms, makes Centre Stage a truly inclusive and forward-thinking business. The availability of free parking also removes a common barrier to attending classes. In essence, Centre Stage is a business that prioritizes its community and its values, offering an affordable, high-quality education in a compassionate and supportive environment. This unique blend of professionalism, care, and convenience makes it an excellent choice for anyone in the Illinois region looking to embark on an artistic journey.

Centre Stage

329 S 9th St, Mt Vernon, IL 62864, USA