Mary Lorraine's Dance Center

- 5330 S 136th St, Omaha, NE 68137

Mary Lorraine's Dance Center (MLDC) has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of fine arts education in the greater Omaha, Nebraska area for over 35 years. This women-owned studio is more than just a place to learn steps; it is a community hub dedicated to instilling strong technique, confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong love of dance in students of all ages and skill levels. Serving families in West Omaha, Millard, Papillion, Elkhorn, Gretna, and Ralston, MLDC offers a truly comprehensive dance experience in a supportive, family-friendly environment.

The guiding mission of MLDC is built on values that resonate deeply with Nebraska families. The studio places a strong emphasis on maintaining high standards of decency and respect, which is reflected in their commitment to age-appropriate costuming, music, and choreography. This core value is highlighted by long-time patrons, who appreciate that their children are able to "perform and be awarded while still remaining decent." This focus ensures that the children and young adults dancing there are treated appropriately for their age, a reassuring factor for many parents navigating the world of competitive performance.

MLDC's dual-path approach to training sets it apart. The studio offers both a robust Recreational Course and a highly regarded Competitive Program. Crucially, the studio is praised for fostering an environment where there is no separation or elevation between these two paths. Teachers make a concerted effort to "get to know, praise and encourage each and every dancer, no matter their skill level." This nurturing and inclusive philosophy ensures that whether a student is taking a weekly Ballet Basics class for fun or training with the Competition Dance Team, they are equally valued and encouraged by the dedicated staff, who are described as being "very knowledgable in their positions" and loving the students "like their own."

Mary Lorraine's Dance Center is centrally located to serve the Omaha metropolitan area, making it a convenient destination for families throughout the region. The studio is situated in Millard, an area well-known for being family-focused and easily accessible via major routes.

The studio’s current location is: 5330 S 136th St, Omaha, NE 68137, USA.

The facility has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate the needs of the community, offering multiple beautiful studios in its current location, which was custom-built in 2007. Accessibility is a priority at MLDC, as demonstrated by the Wheelchair accessible entrance and designated Wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring ease of access for all students and visitors. Furthermore, the studio provides a Free parking lot for the convenience of parents during drop-off and pick-up times, adding to the stress-free experience. The business is fully operational with Onsite services and accepts both Credit cards and Debit cards, streamlining the registration and payment processes for busy Nebraska families. The environment is explicitly categorized as Good for kids, reflecting its focus on youth development.

MLDC provides a wide array of dance and fitness classes, catering to students from preschool age through adulthood, ensuring a comprehensive selection of artistic and physical activities for the entire family.

• Foundational Youth Classes:
  • Preschool Dance Class and Preschool Ballet for the youngest dancers.
  • Beginner's classes, Intermediate classes, and Advanced classes across all genres for youth.
• Core Dance Disciplines:
  • Ballet (including Beginning Ballet, Advanced Ballet, Pre- Pointe Class, and Pointe Dance Classes).
  • Tap Dance Classes and Jazz Dance (including Musical Theatre Jazz).
  • Lyrical Class and Contemporary Dance.
  • Hip Hop Classes.
• Technique and Conditioning:
  • Specialized classes such as Leaps and Turns.
  • Conditioning For Dance to build strength and flexibility.
  • Barre Class and Adult Barre Class.
• Performance and Specialty Programs:
  • Competitive Program for dedicated dancers, fostering strong team skills and discipline.
  • Master Classes for intensive study.
  • Musical Theater Dance and Musical Theater Camp.
  • Annual Dance Recital held in prestigious venues.
• Adult and Private Offerings:
  • Adult lessons including Adult Tap Dance Class and Fitness Class (Dance and Tone).
  • Private Dance Lessons for personalized instruction.
  • Specialty programs like Choreographed 1st Dance and Couple Dances (often used for weddings).
• Seasonal and Flexible Enrollment:
  • Weekly Classes structured for consistent progress.
  • Summer Dance Classes and Summer Camps for continued training during school breaks.

Mary Lorraine's Dance Center has cultivated a reputation in the Nebraska dance community based on several core strengths that provide tremendous value to its families.

• Strong Moral and Age-Appropriate Standards: A definitive feature of MLDC is its unwavering commitment to appropriate costumes, choreography, and music lyrics across all classes and performances, a quality highly praised by parents.
• Inclusive Dual-Track Training: The studio successfully runs both recreational and competitive programs without creating a divide, ensuring all dancers, regardless of their path, receive attention, praise, and encouragement from the staff.
• Exceptional Financial Transparency and Value: The studio is highly commended for keeping costs reasonable, offering tuition quarterly, and providing family discounts for multiple children. Every expense is clearly laid out on the website annually, enabling parents to budget effectively.
• Focus on Life Skills: Beyond technical dance, MLDC’s environment instills valuable life skills such as time management, confidence, kindness, caring, manners, and teamwork from a young age. Many former students describe the studio as a "safe haven" and a place where they met lifelong friends.
• Experienced, Caring Faculty: The teachers and staff are described as professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely loving, with a desire to see every student reach their full potential, treating students "like their own."
• Convenient Media Access: The studio offers a one-time, per-family media fee for an annual downloadable version of all recital videos, eliminating the hassle of managing DVDs.

To join a class, inquire about the competitive team, or learn more about the adult programs available at this Omaha studio, please use the following contact information:

Address: 5330 S 136th St, Omaha, NE 68137, USA

Phone Number: (402) 593-9051

Mobile Phone: +1 402-593-9051

For families in Nebraska seeking a dance education that goes beyond the steps, Mary Lorraine's Dance Center is an excellent choice. It is worth choosing MLDC because it offers a rare combination of technical excellence and moral integrity. The commitment to age-appropriate content means parents never have to worry about their children being exposed to inappropriate choreography or costumes. This studio teaches high-level dance, from Advanced Ballet to Hip Hop Classes, while simultaneously developing essential character traits like respect and self-confidence.

The financial considerations are another huge draw. The transparency in pricing, the quarterly tuition option, and the valuable family discounts demonstrate a genuine understanding of and support for family budgets. This allows more children to access high-quality dance training without placing undue financial strain on their parents, which is "especially empowering and reassuring" to the community. Finally, the true heart of MLDC lies in its dedicated, family-like staff. The studio serves as a positive, supportive "safe haven" for students, where they can escape stress, build relationships that last years after graduation, and nurture their passion for the art form under the guidance of knowledgeable and caring professionals.

Mary Lorraine's Dance Center

5330 S 136th St, Omaha, NE 68137, USA