Merrilee Studios Introduce
For families and individuals in Metamora and the wider Central Illinois area, Merrilee Studios is a cherished local institution for dance and tumbling. More than just a place to learn steps, this women-owned studio has become a second home for many, fostering not only a love for the arts but also crucial life skills. The studio prides itself on providing a professional, nurturing, and supportive environment where every student, regardless of skill level, can find their place and grow. With a curriculum that spans from preschool tumbling to advanced ballet, Merrilee Studios is committed to offering a comprehensive dance education that builds a strong foundation. The instructors are passionate and knowledgeable, dedicating themselves to staying current in their field through professional development. This focus on both technical excellence and personal growth is what makes Merrilee Studios an invaluable part of our community. It’s a place where young dancers can find confidence, develop discipline, and build friendships that last a lifetime.
Merrilee Studios is conveniently located at 212 E Partridge St, Metamora, IL 61548, USA. This location makes it an easy commute for families in the Metamora area, as well as those in nearby communities like Peoria, East Peoria, and Washington. The studio is committed to being accessible to all members of our community, which is why it features a wheelchair-accessible entrance. The facilities also include a gender-neutral restroom, ensuring that all students and their families feel comfortable and welcome. In addition to being physically accessible, the studio offers a variety of payment options, accepting both credit and debit cards for tuition and other fees. This commitment to convenience and inclusivity makes Merrilee Studios a great choice for local families looking for a dance or tumbling program that is both professional and welcoming.
Merrilee Studios offers a wide and diverse range of classes designed to cater to students of all ages and abilities. The studio's curriculum is structured to provide a well-rounded dance education, with a strong focus on technical precision and artistic expression.
Services Offered:
Ballet & Pointe: Foundational ballet classes, including training in the prestigious Russian Ballet method, which provides a strong base for all dance forms. Pointe classes are also offered for advanced students.
Tap: Classes focusing on rhythmic footwork and percussive sounds, a classic and fundamental dance style.
Jazz: Energetic and dynamic classes that teach the sharp, stylized movements of jazz dance, including Broadway Jazz.
Hip Hop: Fun and expressive classes that explore the street and urban dance styles of hip hop.
Contemporary: Classes that blend elements of ballet, jazz, and modern dance for a fluid and expressive style.
Tumbling & Tumbling Instruction: Classes dedicated to building acrobatic skills, strength, and flexibility, including Preschool Tumbling.
Preschool Dance Classes: Specially designed classes for the youngest dancers, introducing them to movement and rhythm in a fun and encouraging environment.
Youth & Adult Classes: A full range of classes for all ages, from children's classes to dedicated sessions for adults.
Beginner's & Advanced Classes: Structured programs to accommodate every skill level, ensuring students are placed in a class where they can thrive.
Private Lessons: One-on-one instruction for personalized feedback and accelerated skill development.
Choreography Classes: Opportunities to learn the art of creating dance routines.
Recital Program: Participation in the yearly dance recital, which provides a valuable performance opportunity for all students.
Summer Classes & Intensives: Programs offered during the summer months for continued skill development and focused training.
Merrilee Studios is known throughout the community for its many outstanding qualities, which extend beyond its class offerings. A major highlight is its use of the Russian Ballet method, a highly regarded technique known for its emphasis on precision, discipline, and artistry. This advanced level of training sets the studio apart and provides students with a superior foundation. The professional development of the teachers is another key feature, as they are committed to increasing their dance skills yearly. This dedication to excellence ensures that students receive instruction that is both current and of the highest quality. The studio's inclusive and welcoming atmosphere is also a huge draw. It is identified as an LGBTQ+ friendly space, and it offers discounts for active military members, making it a truly community-focused institution. For many students, the studio becomes a "second home," where they learn not just to dance but also valuable life skills like determination, motivation, and grit.
Features / Highlights:
Women-Owned Business: A local business with a strong presence in the community.
Russian Ballet Method: A distinctive and highly effective training method that provides a strong foundation for all dance styles.
Expert and Caring Instructors: Teachers have extensive knowledge, engage in professional development, and genuinely care about the growth of their students.
Comprehensive Curriculum: A wide variety of classes for all ages and skill levels, including dance and tumbling.
Nurturing and Inclusive Atmosphere: The studio is described as a "second home" and is a welcoming space for all, including the LGBTQ+ community.
Life Skills Education: Students learn valuable life skills such as determination, grit, and motivation in addition to dance technique.
Military Discounts: Active military members are eligible for discounts, showing support for the local community.
Accessible Facilities: Features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a gender-neutral restroom.
For more information on class schedules, enrollment, or to get in touch with the team, you can contact Merrilee Studios directly.
Contact Information:
Address: 212 E Partridge St, Metamora, IL 61548, USA
Phone: (309) 367-2137
What truly makes Merrilee Studios an exceptional choice for anyone in the Metamora and Central Illinois region is its unwavering commitment to both dance excellence and personal growth. The use of the Russian Ballet method provides a level of technical training that is highly sought after, and this dedication is evident in the quality of their recitals and student performance. As one long-time parent noted, the studio has been their daughter's "second home" for 14 years, which speaks volumes about the positive and stable environment it provides. The studio’s commitment to providing a supportive and encouraging atmosphere where students can learn not only to dance but also to be determined and motivated individuals is what truly sets it apart. The fact that it is a women-owned business and offers discounts for active military personnel further solidifies its role as a key community player. For any family looking for a dance studio that offers professional, high-quality instruction in a nurturing and welcoming setting, Merrilee Studios is a fantastic option worth choosing.
Merrilee Studios Services
Dance School
- Advanced classes
- Beginner's classes
- Choreography classes
- Jazz
Broadway Jazz Classes - Beginner & Advanced
- Private lessons
- Youth classes
- 30 Minute Classes
- 45 Minute Classes
- Adult Classes
- Ballet & Pointe
Ballet Classes - Kindergarden through Adult
- Broadway Jazz
Broadway Jazz Classes - Beginner & Advanced
- Child's Class
- Contemporary
Contemporary Classes - Level 3 through Level 5
- Core Classes
- Dance Education
- Dance Education To
- Dance Recital
- Hip Hop
Hip Hop Classes - Level 2 through Adult
- Jazz
Jazz Classes - Kindergarden through Adult
- Preschool Dance Classes
- Preschool Tumbling
- Private Lessons
- Recital Program
- School Age Program
- Summer Classes
- Summer Dance
- Summer Intensives
- Tap
Tap Classes - Preschool through Adult
- Tumbling
Tumbling Classes - Preschool through Advanced
- Tumbling Classes
- Tumbling Instruction
Merrilee Studios Details
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Onsite services
- Online classes
Highlights
- Active military discounts
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Merrilee Studios Photos
Merrilee Studios Location
Merrilee Studios
212 E Partridge St, Metamora, IL 61548, USA
Merrilee Studios Reviews
Merrilee has been my daughters second home for 14 years. They teach to every skill level and only want what is best for the students. The Russian Ballet method is fantastic and shows during their yearly recitals and competitions. This type of ballet is the foundation of other dance and the dancers really enjoy learning it as well. The teachers have extensive knowledge of dance and do professional development yearly to increase their dance skills. The tumbling program is also well done and professionally taught. I can’t say enough good about this locally owned and operated studio.
August 01 · Deanna ClarkI grew up dancing here. From preschool to adults, every dancer can find their place. The teachers are amazing and the atmosphere is one where students learn not just to dance, but learn life skills like determination, motivation, and grit. I appreciate every moment I spent there and am amazed to see how the studio has grown in the past few years!
August 01 · Margaret GreenhalghMy great nieces have thoroughly enjoyed classes here which is why I gave three stars. However, trying to get information about the upcoming recital has been nearly impossible for an "outsider" and then trying to respectfully (emphasis on the respectful part) get questions answered when the information is not on the company's website or or their Facebook page was no easy task. I would think that since the stated claim is that "we pride ourselves on giving information out" that posting it on these sites would not only be priority but also help those wanting to attend as well as save some phone calls. There are extended family wanting to attend that are not on your email and text lists.
June 03 · Lynda M - AAABoth of my kinds take dance here currently. My daughter has been with Merrilee for three years and my son for one year. You can tell that the studio really cares about every kid and all skill levels. They are always professional, positive, treat others with respect, and give accurate and helpful feedback.If you have a son (or daughter) that struggles with focus, hyperactivity, and/or emotional regulation, please consider an individually focused sport/art such as dance. There are other boys in almost every class, especially tumbling and jazz. We tried baseball, soccer, and considered wrestling, but none of it worked for our son. He liked the social aspect, but did not ever want to practice or give any effort. It was such a struggle. We took a year off of trying sports due to the pandemic and then reevaluated what was the best activity for both our kids. My daughter very vocally dislikes participation in all other sports. She wants to be a dance teacher. My son had asked regularly for two years to do dance (since he was dragged to watch sister's practices every week), and I always said no. He had other activities and I was honestly concerned he would be bullied for being a boy. Last year, he went to his sister's dance classes during a "bring a friend week" and the rest is history. I only regret not putting him in it sooner. He has done SO MUCH BETTER with regulating his emotions, showing empathy for others, he never ever hits his sister, and he can now focus enough to read books for an hour or more on his own. He takes no medication. He actually asked me to see if his teacher would video his routine so he could practice at home. Voluntary practice? Who is this child? He may want to stop dance a year from now or take lessons for years. Either way, he is learning skills now (e.g. practice, patience, grit, focus, empathy) that will help him for a lifetime. Do not let concerns about what other people think keep you from something that truly helps your kids. I can't say enough about how helpful Merrilee has been for my family.
April 07 · Courtney StiversGreat place for dance classes. Warm welcoming atmosphere. Teachers all hav an obvious love of dance that they want to share with others
July 24 · Angela Mcmurtrey
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