Dance Dimensions LLC

Dance Dimensions has been teaching dance in Dayton for over 40 years. The studio was purchased in 1980 by Miss Lois (Mrs. Ulrich), who retired from 15 years as Lancerette Director at Alter High School to take it over. She passed the studio to her daughters Andrea and Lisa, and today it is run by Andrea (Ulrich) Ogg, Lisa (Ulrich) Walters, and granddaughter Becky (Ulrich) Blake, who continue the legacy of strong technique taught in a fun, family atmosphere.

You can take Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Tap, and Tumbling. The studio builds all training on classical ballet technique using the Cecchetti method—ballet is taught as the foundation for every other form of dance. Most classes for young dancers are combos, so within a single 75-minute class you might study Ballet, Tumbling and Tap together. Pointe is available only to dancers aged 12 and over with sufficient ballet training, and placement is at the teachers' discretion. Lyrical is offered to intermediate and advanced dancers. Hip-Hop is a bonus class for intermediate and advanced students. Tap begins in a dancer's third year (around age 5–6). The studio also runs adult Ballet and Tap classes, boys' classes, and trained instructors in Yoga and Zumba available on request.

The teaching team includes Andrea Ulrich Ogg (co-owner, teaching for 27 years), who still teaches ladies ballet and tap; Becky Ulrich Blake (co-owner, teaching since 2007, favourite styles jazz and tap); Lisa Ulrich Walters (co-owner, teaching since 1988, passionate about teaching young children ballet); Lauren Cushman Buehrle (teaching since 2004, tap specialist, also choreographed musicals at Alter High School including Godspell, Seussical, Little Shop of Horrors, and Thoroughly Modern Millie); Danielle Weidner (teaching since 2007, classically trained with Dayton Ballet School, performed in Nutcracker for seven years and with Gem City Ballet, completed 200-hour yoga teacher training); Jackie Gantt Wisecup (teaching since 2004, danced with Dayton Ballet's pre-professional companies in Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Christmas Carol and Peter Pan, studied dance at Point Park University); and Danielle Marie Weickert (teaching since 2008, classically trained with Pittsburgh Youth Ballet, performed in New York, Vienna and Rome, certified Zumba instructor).

The studio is located at 3717 Wilmington Pike in a two-storey brick building across the street from China Cottage and Heider Cleaners. There are no competitions and classes are not high pressure—the focus is on creating a safe, nurturing environment where all dancers feel included and accepted. A $35 recital fee per year covers the cost of stage rental and rehearsal space.

Classes blend classical ballet technique with other styles. You will wear a leotard to class (shorts, leggings or skirts optional over it); from November onwards, tights or leggings are required. The studio is not air-conditioned, so before November the dress code is flexible. Teachers will fit you for proper dance shoes at the studio.

Six permanent instructors lead classes. Andrea Ulrich Ogg, Lisa Ulrich Walters, and Becky Ulrich Blake are co-owners and family members spanning three generations of the studio. Lauren Cushman Buehrle, Danielle Weidner, Jackie Gantt Wisecup, and Danielle Marie Weickert bring professional ballet backgrounds—several trained at or performed with Dayton Ballet, and one trained with Pittsburgh Youth Ballet.

The studio welcomes dancers of all ages and abilities and emphasizes a fun, family atmosphere with no competitions or high pressure.