Empower Dance Studio: A Premier Event Venue and Dance Hub in Durham, NC

Empower Dance Studio Introduce

In the thriving artistic heart of Durham, North Carolina, Empower Dance Studio has cultivated a unique space that serves multiple purposes within the community. While primarily known as a dance school, it also operates as a versatile event venue and a dance supply store, making it a multifaceted resource for local residents. As a business that identifies as both Black-owned and women-owned, Empower Dance Studio is a testament to the diverse and entrepreneurial spirit of North Carolina. The studio's mission is centered on providing a comprehensive dance education that extends beyond technical skills, focusing on personal growth and community building. They offer a wide array of classes for all ages and skill levels, from pre-schoolers taking their first steps in ballet to adults looking for a fun way to stay active with line dancing. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone in the Durham area has the opportunity to experience the joy of dance. The studio's commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment is a key part of its identity, which is often reflected in the positive experiences of its members. The dedication of the staff, including the owner and studio leads, is frequently highlighted by families who feel a strong personal connection to the studio. For many, it's more than just a place to learn dance; it's a second home where they feel seen, supported, and truly empowered.

Empower Dance Studio is conveniently located at 807 E Main St Building 7 in Durham, North Carolina. This address places it in a central and accessible part of the city, making it a practical choice for residents throughout the Triangle region. The location is easily reachable, which is a significant benefit for parents and students with busy schedules. The studio's commitment to accessibility is evident in its physical design; it features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot. This ensures that everyone, regardless of mobility, can easily access the facilities and participate in classes, events, or rentals. This inclusivity is a vital feature that makes the studio a welcoming space for the entire North Carolina community. In addition to onsite services, the studio also offers online classes, providing an extra layer of convenience and flexibility for those who prefer to train from home or have scheduling conflicts. The ability to pay for services using credit and debit cards also streamlines the process for customers, making transactions easy and secure. The combination of a central location, strong accessibility features, and convenient service options makes Empower Dance Studio a well-considered and accessible local business that caters to the diverse needs of its clientele.

Services Offered

A comprehensive Dance Academy Program with a full schedule of classes for all ages and skill levels.
Diverse dance classes for children, including ballet, jazz, tap, and hip hop.
Adult classes such as line dancing, jazz, and other specialized series.
Dance education and training programs with a focus on technical skills and theatrical productions.
Non-competitive recreational dance classes for students who want to learn without the pressure of competitions.
Specialized programs like summer intensives and an annual recital and dance production.
Private lessons for a more personalized training experience.
Event venue rental for various occasions.
Dance store offering attire and accessories.
Online classes and onsite services for flexible learning options.
Onsite child care amenities.

Features / Highlights

Identifies as a Black-owned and women-owned business, representing a key aspect of North Carolina's diverse local economy.
Offers a wide range of dance classes for all ages, from pre-schoolers to adults.
Provides both recreational and performance-oriented classes, including annual recitals.
Operates as a multi-functional space, including a dance school, dance store, and event venue.
Features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot, ensuring inclusivity.
Accepts credit and debit cards for convenient payments.
Provides child care amenities, a significant benefit for parents.
Known for a positive and supportive environment with dedicated staff.
Offers online classes to complement in-person training.

Contact Information

Address: 807 E Main St Building 7, Durham, NC 27701, USA

Phone: (984) 377-2017

What is worth choosing

Choosing Empower Dance Studio is a decision that offers a unique combination of quality dance education and community spirit, making it a standout option for families in Durham, North Carolina. The studio's commitment to providing a supportive and encouraging environment is a key reason for its strong local following. A glowing review from a parent highlights the owner's personal connection to each and every student, noting her "unbelievable ability to zero in on their unique skills, personalities, and challenges/opportunities." This level of personalized attention is invaluable and helps to build confidence and a true love for dance. The studio's dual identity as a Black-owned and women-owned business is also a point of pride for many in the community who wish to support local, diverse enterprises. While there have been concerns raised regarding cost in a separate review, the positive testimonials focus on the quality of the experience and the special, family-like atmosphere that the studio creates. The array of classes is comprehensive, catering to everything from pre-school dance to adult line dancing, ensuring that the entire family can find a class to enjoy. The availability of online classes and childcare amenities further demonstrates the studio’s commitment to meeting the practical needs of modern families. For those seeking a dance studio that prioritizes personal growth, community, and a nurturing environment, Empower Dance Studio is a worthy choice. It provides a space where young dancers can not only develop their skills but also feel empowered and supported by a dedicated staff, making it a truly special and highly recommended local institution in the North Carolina arts scene.

Empower Dance Studio Services

Dance School
Adult Classes
Annual Recital
Ballet Technique
Core Courses
Dance Academy Program
Dance Classes For All Ages
Dance Classes For All Children
Dance Classes For Students
Dance Education
Dance Performances
Dance Production
Dance Recital
Dance Series
Dance Theater
Dance Theatre
Dance Training Programs
Line Dancing
Non-Competitive Class
Pre-School
Preschool Dance Class
Recreational Dance Classes
Special Program
Spring Recital
Summer Intensives
Teaching Dance
Technical Training
Theatrical Productions

Empower Dance Studio Details

From the business
Identifies as Black-owned
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
Online classes
Onsite services

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Amenities
Child care

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

Empower Dance Studio Photos

Empower Dance Studio Location

Empower Dance Studio

North Carolina Durham County Durham Golden Belt East Main Street

807 E Main St Building 7, Durham, NC 27701, USA

Empower Dance Studio Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 25 user reviews.

studentsballet

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

We really wanted to love this school, but so many factors made it hard.We did 2 seasons at other local studios before enrolling in Empower. We - like many of you thinking of enrolling - were dead set on finding a school focused on developing Black dancers. (This was my wife's mission, as she is a formally trained dancer and felt underrepresented as a child/adolescent navigating her way through dance).Empower seemed to be the beacon of hope, exactly what we were looking for for our daughter. We had experience at other studios (no issues, just was looking for a studio with more of "us"). Thankfully, that experience worked to our benefit.The biggest reasons why we will not be re-enrolling:.- Communication - Spotty and disorganized, at least compared to what we were used to from other studios.-Cost. We were swept away by the "Fame" vibe as you walk in - dedicated studios with live piano accompanying classes. Locker rooms, costume room, etc. But after comparing, the costs are nearly 50-80% more than other local schools.Classes - We are taking an hour long ballet/tap and a supplemental 1 hour class at another studio (with 4.9 stars on google vs Empowers 4.3 at the time of this review) for nearly the same price as one 30 minute class at Empower.The recital fees? Were over 4x as much as other studios. (Despite cost, better production and organization at the competitor vs at Empower)Attire for classes MUST be purchased through them, although the same/comparable items can be found on Amazon or at other retailers for 30-50% less.The costume fees? Again, more expensive.Want to walk in the Christmas parade? Be prepared to pay more than the norm again.Recital Tickets? 3-4x more expensive.We know this, because we started questioning these increasing costs and my wife posted about this in a popular local Facebook moms group. She received dozens of replies from dance Moms at other Durham/Raleigh studios comparing their costs. Empower was more expensive than them all, in all categories, by ALOT. Same location being used for recitals in some instances, but paying less than half in recital fees and costuming. The consensus was that Empower families are being taken advantage of.We CAN pay these fees, but we were left asking "WHY is this school so much more expensive?" too often and never saw a real reason, besides what we started calling Empower's "Black Tax" - the fee for people like us, who want their daughter surrounded by dancers who look like her and won't bat an eye at the costs.Teachers were great, but my daughter had great teachers at other studios too.The marketed focus on "our community" was cool, but her classes were diverse, just like they are at other schools. (Aka - the student population leans POC, but as the local population grows and more people outside of the "community" learn about this school, its becoming more diverse. She is in diverse classes elsewhere, with quality teachers at half the cost.)She's in company at another studio. Has travel and performance opportunities (within the US and international). Has community engagement. Has a group of friends, who may not ALL look like her, but the love and support they have for each other makes that point moot.Essentially, we get more at other studios and are paying less. We WOULD have paid the "Black Tax" if there was an explanation, but anytime a parent asked why the costs were so much, we got vague answers. Im praying more Black parents look elsewhere and aren't reeled in by the optics like we were. There are other local schools who NEED our presence, they want and welcome the diversity. We don't need to pay out of our behinds to insulate ourselves to find community.
August 10 · Ryan M
Our family LOVES Empower! It is such a special place for kids to learn about dance and about life. The owner/director Nicole knows each and every one of the studio dancers personally, and has an unbelievable ability to zero in on their unique skills, personalities, and challenges/opportunities -- and build on each in the most supportive way. Studio/office leads Jamie and Kyra are also extraordinary and have shown our family so much kindness. As long as our gal is dancing, we'll be a part of Empower. 10/10 would recommend!
February 23 · Kristin Miller Clauson
If you are interested in a true life experience, Empower is the place to be. Never have I EVER been apart of an organization that empowers the entire family. My experience as a dance mom has been by far the best. My daughter continues to grow as a dancer, feel motivated, and has learned a lot about her culture, life lesson, networking and her value to the community. My youngest daughter who is not an empower member is also empowered by the experiences, community engagement and the LOVE that is shown to her daily! The teachers are prompt, well knowledgeable of their skills and communicates needs well. Administration provides excellent service and care for all the children. The environment is inviting and CLEAN! My coins are well spent!
March 23 · Britt D
I was so excited to enroll my daughter. But the treatment I got from the Stuff/ owner was very unprofessional & disappointed. Just to get a simple information was like pulling teeth. I found out about this studio add on TV which was a complete lie.I would NEVER send my daughter to unprofessional / disorganized environment .Smh
June 29 · BAM Cosmetics
A wonderful place for the dancer's mind, body, and soul! This studio makes me cry every time I watch a class. Ms. Ox (Owner/Director), the teachers, the music, and the energy - it's all so inspiring and full of greatness. Your dancer will learn the art of dance, love her/himself, come as they are, and to dance from their soul and heart. Love this place!
September 17 · Kristin Thomas