Diane's School of Dance

Diane's School of Dance opened in 1974 when founder Diane Henderson and her late husband Ron Henderson realised their vision of an educational dance environment where children could learn and express themselves. For 31 years, Diane taught every single class. Today DSOD serves nearly 900 students and is one of the most successful schools in the country, making it an icon of the Northland and a leader of dance education in Kansas City.

The studio teaches tap, classical ballet, jazz, acrobatics, hip hop, pointe, lyrical and contemporary. Weekly classes run for ages 3 through 12th grade (children must turn 3 by September 1st and be potty-trained to begin in the fall). DSOD also offers adult classes in Studio D, a newly expanded space dedicated to small technique, acro, pom and private lessons. The instructional curriculum emphasises that dance training is life training—promoting poise, self-confidence and discipline—in a positive and inclusive environment where students are personally known and loved by their teachers.

The dance year runs September through May, consisting of 37 weeks: 32 dance weeks divided into 4 quarters, plus 5 weeks for Thanksgiving Break, Christmas Break, Spring Break and Recital Week. Combination classes for 3-year-olds through 3rd graders cover tap, ballet, jazz and acrobatics. Tap and jazz classes serve 4th–12th graders; ballet classes 4th–12th grade with pointe for 7th–12th graders. Jazz technique classes are for 6th–8th graders, and hip hop is offered as a specialty class for 2nd–12th graders who are already enrolled in at least one weekly DSOD class. A 6-week summer dance session runs in June and July.

DSOD produces annual Christmas Programs held at the studio in December (free to family and friends) and an annual dance recital at Kansas City Music Hall in May, also free to the public. The studio emphasises that everyone gets a chance to perform on the front row. Despite focusing on enjoyment, DSOD has produced professional cheerleaders, Walt Disney World dancers, cruise ship entertainers, Broadway performers and Radio City Rockettes. The faculty includes 20 full-time members and over 70 dance assistants. Diane now assumes a director's role and oversees all facets of the studio.

Classes are age-appropriate with consistent instruction year-round. Family and friends may observe the first week of each quarter; otherwise viewing through lobby doors is welcome. The studio is a big space with a small-studio feel, emphasising personalised attention and a nurturing, inclusive atmosphere. Shoes and attire requirements are clear and specific to your age group and the style you're taking.

Diane Henderson, founder and director, danced professionally at Kansas City Starlight Theatre and studied in Chicago, Detroit, Dallas, Hollywood and Las Vegas. Jill Ratzlaff, who began training at DSOD in 1974 under Diane, holds a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and was inducted into the Park Hill School District Alumni Hall of Fame in 2015. Susan Dustin, a former Radio City Rockette for over 10 years who performed in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Early Show and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, was also inducted into the Park Hill School District Alumni Hall of Fame in 2018. Megan Martorana performed as an NFL Cheerleader with the Kansas City Chiefs during her college years at William Jewell. The faculty also includes Emily Bornheimer, Brett Elder, Jennifer Hanks, Sophia Henry, Kelsey Hicks, Holly Howard, Christine Parisi, Angela Rice, Pollie Rigg, Sara Spisak and Brad Wilkie.

Classes are designed for ages 3 through 12th grade and adults, with age-appropriate choreography, costumes and music. Summer is noted as a great time for new students to begin.