The Backstage Studio

- 131 E Jackson St, Ripon, WI 54971

For decades, the vibrant cultural and historic downtown of Ripon, Wisconsin, has been home to a treasured institution dedicated to the art of movement: The Backstage Studio. This premier dance school carries forward a respected legacy of over 45 years in the community, providing high-quality dance education for students starting from a very young age all the way through their high school years, with occasional classes tailored for adults. Serving the Ripon area and surrounding Wisconsin communities, The Backstage Studio is a place where aspiring dancers take their first foundational steps and experienced students perfect intricate choreography.

The studio’s philosophy, often summarized as “Progress, not Perfection,” underscores a commitment to creating fun, engaging, and supportive classes. It recognizes that dance should be a joyful and confidence-building experience, even during rigorous technical training. Instructors are deeply dedicated to helping students grow not only as dancers but also as individuals, emphasizing strong technique, rhythm, coordination, and most importantly, a lifelong love for the performing arts. Whether your child is just starting in a Pre-Ballet class or is ready for the commitment of a competitive dance team, The Backstage Studio offers a well-rounded and professionally-led curriculum.

• Address: 131 E Jackson St, Ripon, WI 54971, USA. The studio is nestled in a beautiful, historic setting, adding a touch of charm to the educational experience.
• Parking: Convenience is key for busy Wisconsin families, and The Backstage Studio offers a free parking lot, simplifying drop-off and pick-up, especially during those busy evening class hours.
• Physical Accessibility: The facility is committed to inclusivity and features both a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring that everyone in the community can participate or attend events comfortably.

• Early Childhood and Foundational Classes:
  • 30 Minute Class / Pre-Ballet: Introductory classes, often for 3–4 year-olds, meant to enlighten their passion for dance through basic ballet floor skills.
  • Combination Classes (Ballet/Tap/Jazz): Longer, structured classes for young students (e.g., 4K - 3rd Grade) that develop the basics of multiple styles, building a strong foundation in rhythm and coordination.
  • Early Childhood Education Focus: Teachers specialize in creative movement and dance for young children, ensuring that classes are fun, engaging, and aid in developing spatial awareness, motor coordination, and self-confidence.
• Core Dance Education & Technique:
  • Basic Ballet: Structured classes focusing on posture, alignment, strength, flexibility, and the foundational positions required for all dance forms.
  • Tap: Rhythmic and percussive style of dance where dancers create sounds and patterns with their feet, blending movement and music.
  • Jazz: An energetic and expressive style that includes various movements, leaps, and turns, often set to current, upbeat music.
  • Hip Hop: High-energy, rhythm-driven movement that emphasizes musicality, individualism, and personality.
  • Specialized Classes: Offering advanced instruction in styles like Lyrical (fusion of ballet and modern, focusing on emotion and storytelling), Musical Theatre, and Acrobatics, which focuses on tumbling and floor work coupled with proper technique and spotting for safety.
  • Pointe: Advanced placement class requiring evaluation, focused on strength, balance, and control for dancing in pointe shoes.
• Performance and Training Opportunities:
  • Dance Recital: An annual end-of-season show where all students have the opportunity to perform on stage.
  • Private Lessons (Solos/Duets/Trios): Exciting opportunities for advanced dancers to learn personalized, challenging choreography outside of regular class structure.
  • Competition Opportunities: The studio proudly offers competition teams (including solos, duets, trios, and full teams), providing experienced dancers a chance to showcase their skills at local and regional events.

• Proven Legacy: The studio boasts an over 45-year reputation for turning out skilled dancers, demonstrating a long-term commitment to quality dance education in Ripon.
• Focus on Fun and Engagement: Customer reviews frequently praise the teachers, such as Emilee, for being "AMAZING" and "engaging with the kids," ensuring dancers leave with a smile and a continued love for the music and movement.
• Professional and Dedicated Instructors: The teaching team, led by Ms. Emilee, is dedicated to their ongoing dance education, regularly taking classes with other professionals while traveling to bring fresh ideas and up-to-date, high-quality technique back to the Ripon studio.
• Safe and Supportive Environment: The combination of a lead instructor and an assistant teacher in classes ensures a low student-to-teacher ratio, maximizing class time and providing a safe, supportive learning environment where every dancer is seen and encouraged.
• Convenient Payment Options: The studio accepts credit cards, offering ease and flexibility for monthly tuition payments.

• Address: 131 E Jackson St, Ripon, WI 54971, USA.
• Phone: (920) 260-8184.
• Mobile Phone: +1 920-260-8184.

The studio's dedication to having a supportive team, including assistant instructors, guarantees that children are not lost in the shuffle and receive individual attention, which is critical for proper technique and safety, particularly in classes like Acrobatics and Pointe. The emphasis on "Progress, not Perfection" aligns perfectly with parental goals for a positive extra-curricular experience—it fosters growth without imposing undue pressure. Furthermore, the commitment of the owner/teachers to continued professional training ensures that students in Ripon receive instruction that is both classic in technique and current in style. For a quality dance education that blends professional instruction with a genuine, family-friendly Wisconsin community spirit, The Backstage Studio is the trusted choice.

The Backstage Studio

131 E Jackson St, Ripon, WI 54971, USA