Creative Dance & Music Studio

Creative Dance & Music Studio (CDMS) has served the Gretna community for over 40 years, building a reputation for excellence in dance and music instruction. The studio offers classes across three age bands: Debut Dancers (ages 18 months to 5 years), Spotlight Performers (ages 6–11), and Show Stoppers (ages 12 and up). Dance classes combine ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, musical theater, and tumbling, taught by skilled teachers in positive classrooms. The studio also offers music lessons in piano, voice, and guitar, with over 65 lesson times available each week.

Debut Dancers begin with 45-minute introductory classes exploring ballet, tap, and tumbling, using props like sparkle bears and hula hoops to spark imagination. Classes progress to 45–60 minute sessions introducing fundamentals, basic steps, and dance terminology in an age-appropriate setting. Spotlight Performers take 60–90 minute combination classes that explore tap rhythms, ballet grace, and jazz style, with tumbling available as an add-on. Show Stoppers can choose individual classes in classical ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and pointe, each with a specific focus: ballet emphasizes technique and pointe preparation; tap focuses on basics and rhythms; jazz and lyrical require classical ballet as a foundation.

The studio operates three dance rooms, each with professional surfaces and floating subfloors for safety. All costumes, music, and choreography are age-appropriate. Music instructors are university-trained with extensive performance experience. The studio is designed to be family-friendly and conveniently located with other family businesses on Belle Meade Boulevard. CDMS specializes in beginners of all ages while offering training through advanced and competitive levels. Beyond technique, the studio develops life skills—respect, confidence, and conscientiousness—and students perform in the annual Dance Revue at season's end.

Parents consistently describe the studio as a second family. Feedback highlights affordable classes, tasteful costumes, caring staff, and excellent communication about important dates and events. The studio offers multiple scheduling options for each level to fit busy family schedules. The facility adapted during the pandemic by offering online classes to maintain skills and conditioning, and continues to adhere to health and safety guidelines.

Your first visit may be an open house (new students 8/1, returning 8/3–5) or a regular class. Expect a warm, organised environment with age-appropriate music and props, clear instruction from experienced teachers, and kids encouraged to have fun while learning real steps and terminology. Classes are structured but playful, especially for younger dancers.

The source names Lori as a key instructor but does not list other dance or music faculty by name. Music instructors are described as university-trained with extensive performance experience. Dance teachers are skilled professionals committed to positive instruction and student confidence-building.

The studio specialises in beginners of all ages and emphasises a positive, nurturing environment where children can learn fundamentals at their own pace.