Deborah's School of Dance

- 522 1/2, 522 Lake Ave N, Storm Lake, IA 50588

For over four decades, Deborah's School of Dance has been a cornerstone of arts education in Storm Lake, Iowa, and the surrounding regions. Established in 1976, this long-standing institution offers a comprehensive dance education centered on quality instruction, personal growth, and fostering a genuine love for the art of dance. Owned by Deborah Dunn, the school is built on a foundation of professional training and a nurturing, familiar environment. The studio is dedicated to seeing every student, whether starting at the age of three or joining as an adult, get the most out of their dance journey.

Deborah's School of Dance is recognized as a place that is "Good for kids," emphasizing a well-rounded and progressive curriculum. The instructors, including Deborah and her sister Lisa, are committed to ongoing professional development, ensuring that students in Storm Lake receive up-to-date techniques in a wide variety of styles. The academy prides itself on watching its students develop into not only accomplished dancers but also confident and well-adjusted individuals, often remaining part of the studio family from their early years through high school graduation.

Deborah's School of Dance is centrally and conveniently located in Storm Lake, making it an accessible hub for families throughout Buena Vista County and beyond. The studio's presence in a key local area makes it easy for parents to drop off and pick up their children for weekly lessons.

The official address for the Storm Lake location is:522 1/2, 522 Lake Ave N, Storm Lake, IA 50588, USA.

While specific external accessibility information beyond the address is not provided in the basic data, the central Lake Avenue North location places it in a recognizable and often well-trafficked part of town. Local Iowans will appreciate the convenience of the location for incorporating dance lessons into their busy weekly schedules. The school's long history in the community further solidifies its familiarity and trusted status among Storm Lake residents.

Deborah's School of Dance offers a structured and progressive curriculum that guides students through a sequential dance education, rather than simply offering classes "a la carte." This ensures students build a strong foundational technique before advancing to more specialized styles.

Services and class types offered at the Dance School include:

• Pre-School / Pre Ballet / Pre Ballet Class: Introductory classes, typically 30 minutes long, focusing on basic ballet positions, gross motor movements like skipping, and rhythmic activities to spark a love for dance in the youngest students (starting at age three).
• Ballet Basics / Ballet Class: The foundation of all dance, teaching classical technique, body alignment, poise, and grace, often serving as a prerequisite for other advanced styles.
• Combo Class: Combination classes that integrate multiple styles, such as Ballet/Tap or Ballet/Tap/Jazz, into a single, longer session. These classes are typically offered by grade level (e.g., Kindergarten-First Grade, Third-Fourth Grade) to ensure a well-rounded dance education.
• Tap Classes: Instruction dedicated to tap techniques, combinations, and developing rhythm, coordination, and musicality, with classes available for various levels.
• Jazz Classes: Energetic classes characterized by syncopated rhythms and expressive body movements, often including center floor work, across-the-floor exercises, turns, and jumps.
• Pointe Classes: Advanced ballet work where the dancer supports their weight on the tips of the toes. This is an invitation-only program requiring extensive prior ballet training (typically added in 9th or 10th grade).
• Adult Tap / Adult Classes: Enjoyable, low-key dance classes specifically designed for adults who want to exercise and appreciate the art of dance, regardless of previous experience.
• Dance Education / Dance Lessons / Dance Class: General terms encompassing the high-quality, professional instruction provided across all programs and age groups.
• Dance Workshops: Specialized training events and seminars offered throughout the year, often featuring outside training or new techniques.

The longevity and success of Deborah's School of Dance are attributed to several unique features that benefit its students and the local Storm Lake community.

Key Features and Highlights:

• Long-Standing Community Institution: Established in 1976, the school has over 45 years of continuous operation, offering an unrivaled level of experience and stability in the local arts scene.
• Progressive and Comprehensive Curriculum: The structured class setup ensures students receive a well-rounded dance education, with core styles like Ballet, Tap, and Jazz being mandatory before students can progress to specialized classes like Lyrical or Pointe.
• Highly Qualified Instructors: Owner Deborah Dunn is an experienced instructor of ballet, lyrical, and pointe, with a background in the Professional Dance Teachers Association and training from national dance organizations.
• Focus on Youth Development: The studio views its role as fostering personal growth alongside skill development, with many students continuing their training from pre-school through high school graduation.
• Annual Performance Opportunities: The dance season culminates in an annual recital in early May, providing students with the valuable experience of performing on stage for family and friends.
• Commitment to Continued Education: Instructors regularly attend workshops and update their dance education across the country, ensuring students learn the most current and effective techniques.
• Classes for All Ages: The inclusion of specialized Adult Tap and other adult classes shows a commitment to the entire community, providing opportunities for all ages to enjoy the benefits of dance.
• Familiar and Welcoming Environment: The studio is intentionally a familiar and welcoming place, dedicated to a trial period for the youngest dancers to ensure a positive start to their dance journey.

Interested Iowans in or around Storm Lake can easily reach out to Deborah's School of Dance to inquire about class schedules, tuition, and registration for the upcoming season.

Contact Information:

• Address: 522 1/2, 522 Lake Ave N, Storm Lake, IA 50588, USA
• Phone: (712) 225-4413
• Mobile Phone: +1 712-225-4413

For families seeking a serious, yet nurturing, dance school in the Storm Lake area, Deborah's School of Dance represents an excellent choice rooted in local history and professional standards. What is worth choosing about this academy is its proven track record—over four decades of service to the community speaks volumes about its quality and stability. The foundational philosophy of progressive learning is a key benefit, ensuring that every student masters the Ballet Basics and core techniques before advancing, which is essential for long-term development and safety, especially for those considering Pointe work later on.

The unique approach of requiring students to take all core dance styles (Ballet, Tap, and Jazz) as they get older provides a truly well-rounded dance education, producing versatile and capable dancers. Furthermore, the commitment of the owners and instructors to continuous professional training ensures that the dance education provided in Storm Lake is current and relevant. For Iowa parents seeking a trusted, long-established institution where their child can develop discipline, confidence, and a lifelong passion for dance, from Pre-School through high school, Deborah's School of Dance is an institution built on excellence and community dedication. The inclusion of offerings like Adult Tap also allows parents and community members to join the fun, reinforcing the studio's deep local connection.

Deborah's School of Dance

522 1/2, 522 Lake Ave N, Storm Lake, IA 50588, USA