Elite Dance Company

- 1407 W Corsicana St Suite A, Athens, TX 75751

In the close-knit community of Athens, Texas, finding a dance studio that truly combines professional expertise with a heartfelt, family-oriented approach can be a rare gem. Elite Dance Company, led by former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Raylee Cantrell, is precisely that. This isn't just a place to learn dance steps; it's a vibrant and nurturing environment where students are not only trained in the technical skills of dance but are also encouraged to grow in character and confidence. From the moment the doors opened, this studio has been dedicated to cultivating an atmosphere of "small town love with big city results." The mission of Elite Dance Company goes beyond the stage, using dance as a powerful tool to build kindness, confidence, and discipline in every student. Whether a child is just taking their first steps in a toddler class or an advanced dancer is preparing for a competitive team, the philosophy remains the same: every dancer will be loved and fully invested in by the staff. This commitment to the personal and artistic growth of each child is what makes Elite Dance Company a cherished institution for families throughout the Athens and East Texas area. It’s a place where lifelong friendships are formed, and where every child is seen as an individual with unique potential to be unlocked.

The success of Elite Dance Company is directly linked to the passion and dedication of its owner, Raylee Cantrell, and her team. As one parent enthusiastically stated, Raylee "loves all these girls endlessly and will stop at nothing to watch them succeed." This level of personal investment is a recurring theme in the feedback from families. They consistently praise how their children have grown not only in their dance technique but also in their character. This is a studio that understands that the most valuable lessons learned in a dance class often happen off the stage. For parents, it's reassuring to know that their child is in an environment where they are "learning so much, and be loved along the way!" This dual focus on high-quality training and emotional support creates a unique and highly effective learning space. The instructors are not just teachers; they are mentors who are fully invested in the well-being of every student. They foster a sense of teamwork and mutual support, which is critical for a positive dance experience. Elite Dance Company has successfully created a community where every child, whether in a recreational or a competitive class, feels valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. This is a place where a love for dance is ignited and where children can truly shine.

At its core, Elite Dance Company is about providing "elite" training in a close-to-home setting. It takes the professionalism and expertise often found in a big city and delivers it with a personal, loving touch. The range of classes, from classical ballet to the high energy of hip-hop and acrobatics, ensures that every child's interests are met. The studio is more than just its classes; it's a place where dancers are nurtured, supported, and guided by a dedicated team. The mission to build kindness, confidence, and discipline is at the heart of everything they do. For any family in Texas seeking a dance studio that offers a professional, loving, and supportive environment for their child, Elite Dance Company is a premier choice. It’s a studio where excellence meets expression and where every beat truly counts.

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## Location and Accessibility

Elite Dance Company is conveniently located in the heart of Athens, Texas, making it an easily accessible destination for families throughout the community and the surrounding areas. The studio is situated at 1407 W Corsicana St Suite A, Athens, TX 75751, USA. Its location provides a central hub for dance education, simplifying commutes for parents and students. The studio has a clear commitment to accessibility, ensuring that its facilities are welcoming to all. It provides a wheelchair accessible entrance, which offers a smooth and safe point of entry for everyone. In addition, the studio has a dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot, further enhancing the convenience for families with mobility challenges. This focus on inclusivity demonstrates Elite Dance Company's mission to make dance and movement accessible to every member of the community, ensuring that physical barriers do not prevent anyone from participating in the joy of the arts.

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## Services Offered

Elite Dance Company provides a comprehensive range of dance and movement classes designed to cater to dancers of all ages and skill levels, from toddlers to advanced students.

• Acro Dance / Acrobatic Classes / Tumbling: These classes focus on acrobatic and tumbling skills, teaching students to seamlessly integrate flips, rolls, and other athletic movements into their dance routines.
• Ballet / Classical Ballet: A foundational program for all dancers, teaching core techniques, posture, and grace essential for any dance style.
• Jazz: High-energy classes that combine elements of ballet and modern movement, focusing on strong technique, syncopated rhythms, and expressive gestures.
• Hip-Hop: Dynamic classes rooted in urban culture, emphasizing rhythm, coordination, and improvisation.
• Tap: Classes that focus on percussive footwork, teaching intricate patterns and musicality through the use of tap shoes.
• Preschool Program / Toddler Dance: Specifically designed for the youngest dancers, these programs introduce music, movement, and rhythm in a fun and supportive environment.
• Beginner's, Intermediate, and Advanced Classes: The studio offers a clear progression of classes to ensure every dancer is placed in the right level to challenge and grow their skills.
• Private Lessons: For students seeking one-on-one instruction, private lessons are available to provide individualized training and accelerated progress.
• Free Trial Class / Free Trial Dance Class: A great opportunity for new students to experience the studio's environment and teaching style before committing to a program.
• Musical Theatre Dance: These classes combine dance with acting and performance skills, preparing students for the stage.
• Dance Theater: Classes that merge dance and dramatic storytelling, allowing students to explore their creativity and theatricality through movement.

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## Features / Highlights

Elite Dance Company is distinguished by several key features that contribute to its reputation as a leading dance studio in Athens, Texas.

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance & Parking: The studio is committed to being an inclusive space, providing both a wheelchair accessible entrance and a dedicated parking lot for the convenience of all visitors.
• Accepts Credit & Debit Cards: For the ease of parents and students, the studio accepts major credit cards and debit cards for tuition and other payments.
• Excellent for Kids: The studio is consistently praised as an amazing place for children, known for its fun, safe, and supportive environment where kids can thrive.
• Led by a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader: The studio is owned and directed by Raylee Cantrell, a former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, bringing a high level of professional experience and expertise to the local community.
• Focus on Character Development: Beyond technical skills, the studio emphasizes building confidence, kindness, and discipline, helping to shape well-rounded individuals.
• "Small Town Love with Big City Results": This is a core philosophy of the studio, blending the personal touch of a small community with the professional results of a high-caliber institution.
• Free Trial Class: The offer of a free trial class allows families to experience the quality of instruction and the studio's atmosphere firsthand before making a commitment.

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## Contact Information

For more information, to schedule a free trial class, or to inquire about enrollment, you can contact Elite Dance Company using the following details.

Address: 1407 W Corsicana St Suite A, Athens, TX 75751, USA

Phone: (214) 578-3850

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## What is worth choosing

Choosing a dance studio is a significant decision for any family, and Elite Dance Company in Athens offers a compelling set of reasons to make it the right choice. The studio’s most valuable asset is its owner and director, Raylee Cantrell. Her professional experience as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader provides a level of expertise and insight that is rare in a local setting. This background ensures that the dance education provided is of a high standard, but it's her personal investment in each student that truly sets the studio apart. Parents consistently praise her dedication, with one saying she "will stop at nothing to watch them succeed." This deep-seated commitment to the success and well-being of every child is a powerful reason to trust this studio with your dancer’s education. The sense of being part of a caring family, rather than just being a number in a class, is a major differentiator that fosters not only great dancers but also great people.

Furthermore, the studio's focus on character development alongside technical skill is what makes it a truly special place. The instructors at Elite Dance Company use dance as a vehicle to instill important life lessons such as confidence, discipline, and a strong work ethic. As one parent noted, their girls have "grown so much in technique and in character over the last year." This holistic approach ensures that the time and money invested in dance classes yield benefits that extend far beyond the stage. The wide array of classes, from classical ballet to acrobatic tumbling, means that children have the opportunity to explore various forms of movement and find their true passion. The availability of a free trial class is also an excellent feature that allows families to experience the positive, loving environment firsthand before making a commitment. This transparency and confidence in their program speak volumes about the quality of their services. In a world where families have many options, Elite Dance Company stands out by providing a unique blend of "big city results" with "small town love," making it a premier choice for any Texan family looking for a nurturing and professional dance home.

Elite Dance Company

1407 W Corsicana St Suite A, Athens, TX 75751, USA