David Matthew Studios
Classical ballet and contemporary dance training for ages 3–18 in Ada, Michigan
David Matthew Studios is a classical ballet–focused dance academy in Ada, Michigan, led by founder David Braciak.
Photo: David Matthew Studios via Google
Before your first class
The studio welcomes dancers of all ages from 3 onwards, with dedicated littles classes and beginner-level tracks across all major styles.
For littles classes (ages 3–6): girls wear pink tights, pink leotard, and pink ballet slippers; boys wear black tights, white t-shirt, and black ballet shoes.
Drop-in tech classes $20 (30 min); monthly tuition $44 (30 min), $68 (45 min), $120 (90 min); season registration $35 per dancer or $50 per family; workshop fee $100 per dancer or $150 per family.
About this studio
David Matthew Studios is a classical ballet–focused dance academy in Ada, Michigan, led by founder David Braciak. The studio offers elite instruction across ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, breaking, hip hop, musical theatre, lyrical, jazz funk, and choreography/improv for dancers aged 3 to 18. Training emphasizes classical foundation, thoughtful corrections, and disciplined growth while nurturing confidence, creativity, and individuality.
David Braciak, the founder and lead ballet instructor, trained at the School of American Ballet and danced professionally with Pacific Northwest Ballet and Kansas City Ballet before returning to Ada to build the studio. His award-winning choreography and mentorship have guided dancers to professional companies and premier university programs nationwide. The faculty includes Aliya VanTuinen, a professional dancer and educator with over two decades of experience in ballet, jazz, contemporary, and performance-based training; Gracelyn Guild, a professional dancer and choreographer with a BFA in Dance from Grand Valley State University and a current member of the Grand Rapids Gold Dance Team; Aimee Reyes, a versatile instructor with over 15 years of training in tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, and hip hop whose performance experience includes appearances with the Detroit Lions and Mariah Carey; Leah Koski (NewSense), a professional educator and performance artist trained in breaking, ballet, jazz, and contemporary who recently choreographed and performed in Hip Opera with Opera Grand Rapids; and Janeil Foy (Alienj), a West Michigan-based breaker and educator recognized as Play Expert of the Year 2024 by Playground GR.
The studio serves the very youngest dancers through dedicated Littles classes for ages 3–4, introducing ballet fundamentals and creative movement. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced ballet technique classes are offered at multiple levels, with pointe, turns and jumps, and technique-focused tracks for serious students. Contemporary, jazz, tap, breaking, and musical theatre classes are available at graded levels, and the schedule includes an adult contemporary class on Wednesday evenings.
You can try any class free or ask about a trial week before committing. Monthly tuition is autopay-based: 30-minute tech classes cost $44, 45-minute classes $68, and 90-minute classes $120. Drop-in tech classes are available at $20 for 30 minutes. A season registration fee of $35 per dancer or $50 per family is due at registration, and a workshop fee of $100 per dancer or $150 per family supports guest instructors and special training. Sibling discounts apply: 10% off the second child, 20% off the third, and 30% off the fourth.
What to expect
Your first visit
You'll join classes graded by level, from beginner through advanced. The studio emphasizes strong technique rooted in classical ballet, with thoughtful corrections and an environment grounded in respect and excellence. You can attend a free trial class to see if it's the right fit.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The faculty is led by founder David Braciak, trained at the School of American Ballet and a former professional dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet and Kansas City Ballet. Additional instructors include Aliya VanTuinen (20+ years in ballet, jazz, contemporary), Gracelyn Guild (BFA from Grand Valley State University, current Grand Rapids Gold Dance Team member), Aimee Reyes (15+ years in tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, hip hop, with performance credits including the Detroit Lions and Mariah Carey), Leah Koski/NewSense (breaking, ballet, jazz, contemporary; choreographer for Hip Opera with Opera Grand Rapids), and Janeil Foy/Alienj (breaker, street dance educator, Play Expert of the Year 2024).
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
The studio welcomes dancers of all ages from 3 onwards, with dedicated littles classes and beginner-level tracks across all major styles.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
What to bring
For littles classes (ages 3–6): girls wear pink tights, pink leotard, and pink ballet slippers; boys wear black tights, white t-shirt, and black ballet shoes.
Studio history
Founder David Braciak grew up in Ada and returned home to build David Matthew Studios. The studio is rooted in community, where dancers and families are welcomed, supported, and inspired.
Styles offered
11 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
David Matthew Studioshasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own David Matthew Studios, 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 David Matthew Studios
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does David Matthew Studios teach?
David Matthew Studios teaches Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Breaking 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 David Matthew Studios located?
David Matthew Studios is located in Ada, MI. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does David Matthew Studios offer private lessons?
Contact David Matthew Studios directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does David Matthew Studios teach kids and adults?
David Matthew Studios 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 David Matthew Studios?
The fastest path is to visit David Matthew Studios via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.