Dance Delaware
Five-time Best Dance School in Wilmington, led by Broadway performer Valerie…
Dance Delaware, founded by Valerie Smith, is a family-focused dance studio at 2005 Concord Pike in Wilmington.
Photo: Dance Delaware via Google
Before your first class
Early-level classes (Level I/II) for ages 5–8 in Ballet/Tap Combo and Jazz are designed as entry points; the studio welcomes all abilities in a supportive environment.
Detailed dress codes vary by class and level; all requirements are listed in the class descriptions on the website.
Class-specific attire is required: ballet classes require black leotard, pink tights, and pink split-sole ballet shoes; tap classes require black leotard, tan tights, and black tap shoes; jazz classes
About this studio
Dance Delaware, founded by Valerie Smith, is a family-focused dance studio at 2005 Concord Pike in Wilmington. The studio has won "Best Dance School" and "Best Dance Instruction" in Wilmington five consecutive years and was inducted into Delaware's Hall of Fame. Valerie Smith, the owner and director, is a distinguished dance professional with over three decades of experience. She trained at Eglevsky Ballet and Wilmington Ballet, and performed on Broadway in productions including Beauty and the Beast, 42nd Street, Evita, Meet Me In St. Louis, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. She has worked in film, television, and commercials with artists including Tom Hanks, Steve Martin, and Aretha Franklin, and spent three seasons performing with country music legend Glen Campbell. As a choreographer, Valerie created work for the film The Sophomore (2009) and served as associate choreographer for PBS's A Capitol Fourth in 2011 and 2012. She has received Global Arts Awards for Choreography (2015, 2021) and the Studio of Excellence Award (2019).
The studio offers classes in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary Lyrical, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, Musical Theater, and Technique across multiple levels from early childhood through advanced. Classes range from Level I for kindergarten and first graders in Ballet/Tap Combo to Level V/VI advanced classes for ages 12 and up. The SWAT Team is the studio's competitive dance company, open to ages 8 and up by audition, with dedicated company rehearsals for different age groups: 8-year-olds, 9–11-year-olds, 12–14-year-olds, and 15–18-year-olds.
The faculty includes Valerie Smith (Ballet, Pointe, Creative Movement, Musical Theatre, Tap, Contemporary, Jazz, Technique, Acro); Stephanie Smith (Acro); Elizabeth Warfel (Vocal, Acting, Musical Theatre), who holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of South Alabama and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Mississippi, and currently serves as Choral Director at Talley Middle School; and Matthew Grassa (Hip Hop, Tap, Director of Performance Crew), who began dancing at age three and has trained in Hip Hop, Tap, Contemporary, Musical Theater, Ballet, and Lyrical.
The studio also operates Performance Crew, runs Summer Classes (July 7–August 12), and offers Summer Camp/Intensives. The studio philosophy emphasises creating a safe, supportive, child-centred environment where students develop physically, emotionally, and creatively. The mission is to reach every child regardless of background, language, or ability, celebrating creativity, individuality, and self-expression.
What to expect
Your first visit
You'll find a family-focused environment where experienced instructors offer structured, joyful classes across all dance styles and levels. Students of all ages, shapes, and sizes are welcomed; the studio emphasises discipline, respect, and confidence-building alongside technique.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Valerie Smith, owner and director, is a Broadway-trained dancer and choreographer with 30+ years of experience and extensive credentials in film, television, and stage. Elizabeth Warfel teaches vocal, acting, and musical theatre with university training and school district leadership. Matthew Grassa directs hip hop and tap, and oversees Performance Crew. Stephanie Smith teaches acrobatics.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Early-level classes (Level I/II) for ages 5–8 in Ballet/Tap Combo and Jazz are designed as entry points; the studio welcomes all abilities in a supportive environment.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Detailed dress codes vary by class and level; all requirements are listed in the class descriptions on the website.
What to bring
Class-specific attire is required: ballet classes require black leotard, pink tights, and pink split-sole ballet shoes; tap classes require black leotard, tan tights, and black tap shoes; jazz classes require any colour leotard, tan tights, dance shorts, and tan jazz shoes; hip hop classes require comfortable, baggy clothes and black hip hop sneakers.
Studio history
Dance Delaware was founded by Valerie Smith, a Delaware native who began dancing at age three. After a celebrated career as a Broadway performer, film and television artist, and choreographer, she returned to her home state to establish the studio and pass on her rich performance experience to the next generation of dancers.
Styles offered
11 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Dance Delawarehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Dance Delaware, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Dance Delaware
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Dance Delaware teach?
Dance Delaware teaches General, Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary Lyrical and 5 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Dance Delaware located?
Dance Delaware is located in Wilmington, DE. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Dance Delaware offer private lessons?
Contact Dance Delaware directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Dance Delaware teach kids and adults?
Dance Delaware welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Dance Delaware?
The fastest path is to visit Dance Delaware via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.