Vermillion Area Dance Organization

- 13 E Cherry St, Vermillion, SD 57069

The Vermillion Area Dance Organization, widely known as VADO, is a vital and thriving training center in Vermillion, South Dakota, dedicated to promoting and teaching the art of dance. Established in 2011 by a group of visionary community members, VADO operates as a not-for-profit company with a powerful mission: to provide excellent, accessible dance instruction and performance opportunities to people of all ages, abilities, and income levels in the Vermillion area. This unique focus ensures that the transformative power of dance is available to everyone in the region, supporting the local commitment to the arts.

VADO’s journey is a true South Dakota success story, starting modestly in the basement of City Hall and growing, through immense community support, into its current, beautiful, volunteer-built studio. Today, the organization serves over two hundred students with an expanding array of classes taught by a dedicated team of instructors. Whether you are a parent looking for a fun Creative Movement class for your toddler, a teen aspiring to join a Dance Team, or an adult seeking fitness through Yoga or a Dance Class, VADO offers a supportive and high-quality artistic home right here in Vermillion. The organization's success and community engagement are part of why Vermillion was recognized as the "Best Small Town Arts Scene" in the nation.

The center emphasizes providing a solid technical foundation for developing dancers, advocating for Classical Ballet as the cornerstone for poise, alignment, and technique across all styles. Simultaneously, VADO ensures a rich, contemporary curriculum that inspires creativity and self-expression.

The Vermillion Area Dance Organization is perfectly situated in the heart of Vermillion, making it easy for local families, University of South Dakota students, and surrounding community members to access quality dance training.

The beautiful, community-supported training facility is located at:

• 13 E Cherry St, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA

Accessibility is a key priority for this community-focused organization. The facility is equipped to welcome everyone, with particular attention paid to ensuring ease of access. For the convenience of all visitors, VADO provides a designated Wheelchair accessible parking lot. This commitment reflects the non-profit's mission to make dance opportunities truly accessible to individuals of all physical abilities. Whether dropping off a child for a class or attending an Adult Class, the location is central and designed for community use.

VADO’s program selection is exceptionally diverse, offering classes that span foundational techniques, modern styles, performance opportunities, and general fitness. Their offerings are structured to accommodate the entire community, from age three through adulthood.

• Youth Dance Programs:
  • Creative Movement (for ages 3-4), introducing basic concepts in a fun, imaginative environment.
  • Pre-Ballet (for ages 5-6), for an age-appropriate introduction to basic ballet skills.
  • Ballet, which serves as the fundamental technique for all dance styles, available at appropriate placement levels.
  • Tap, teaching rhythmic complexities and connection to music for ages 5 and up.
  • Jazz, focusing on individuality, energy, fancy footwork, big leaps, and quick turns for older students.
  • Hip Hop, a popular, high-energy street dancing style allowing for creativity and freedom, available for ages 5 and up.
  • Tumbling, which integrates basic acrobatic skills with music and movement.
  • Contemporary Dance, an expressive style combining elements of modern, lyrical, jazz, and ballet.
• Specialized and Performance Training:
  • Dance Team training, focusing on precise moves, formations, and performance in styles like high kick, pom, and jazz, with opportunities to perform at community events.
  • Performance opportunities through a full-scale production Spring Recital held annually at the Vermillion High School.
• Adult and General Wellness:
  • Adult Classes, including dedicated Ballet and Hip Hop classes designed specifically for the adult learner.
  • Yoga Classes, offered throughout the week and taught by a certified yoga instructor, promoting well-being and strength.
  • Day Classes, providing flexible scheduling options outside of typical evening hours.
  • Private Lessons, offering personalized, one-on-one instruction for intensive skill development.
  • Specialized classes for adults with special needs, reflecting the organization's dedication to inclusivity.

The Vermillion Area Dance Organization offers unique features that underscore its role as a key artistic pillar in the South Dakota community.

• Non-Profit Community Focus: VADO is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission centered on providing dance opportunities to everyone, regardless of ability or income.
• Community-Built Facility: The studio at 13 E Cherry St was generously acquired and built almost entirely by local volunteers, showcasing the deep community investment in the organization.
• Comprehensive Technical Foundation: The curriculum provides a solid technical base, with Classical Ballet emphasized as the foundation, preparing dancers for various styles.
• Diverse Age and Skill Range: Classes are offered from Creative Movement (ages 3-4) all the way through to multiple levels of youth training, dedicated Adult Classes, and specialized classes for adults with special needs.
• Active Community Partner: VADO collaborates with major local entities, including the University of South Dakota (USD), Sesdac, Vermillion High School, and the South Dakota Arts Council, integrating the arts directly into the local fabric.
• Experienced and Dedicated Staff: The center maintains a strong team of instructors and permanent staff, including an Executive Director and Studio Manager, to manage the growing number of students and expanding class offerings.
• Performance Opportunities: Dancers benefit from year-round performance opportunities, including the Spring Recital and community performances by the Performance Dance Team.

To inquire about the class schedule, registration details, or opportunities for financial assistance that align with VADO's mission, interested individuals in the Vermillion area can use the contact information provided below.

• Address: 13 E Cherry St, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA
• Phone: (605) 658-0138 (Primary Contact Line)
• Mobile Phone: +1 605-658-0138

Choosing the Vermillion Area Dance Organization means selecting a high-quality dance education delivered with an unmatched community spirit. For South Dakota families, VADO is not just a place to take a dance class; it is a community asset and a development center for well-rounded individuals. The non-profit structure means the focus is always on the student experience, personal growth, and artistic enrichment rather than purely commercial aims.

The organization’s rich history—growing from a basement to a beautiful, volunteer-built studio—demonstrates its resilience and deep ties to the Vermillion community. Students here benefit from a broad spectrum of classes, ensuring a dancer can progress from their first steps in Creative Movement to advanced Jazz or a high-energy Dance Team performance. The dedication to inclusivity, evidenced by classes for adults with special needs and the offering of Adult Classes (including Yoga and Adult Ballet/Hip Hop), makes VADO truly unique. By supporting VADO, you are investing in a non-profit that is actively contributing to Vermillion's thriving arts scene and the development of creative, disciplined, and dedicated individuals across the region.

Vermillion Area Dance Organization

13 E Cherry St, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA