HIS Dance Academy
Christ-centered ballet academy in Grand Rapids with Vaganova technique and en…
HIS Dance Academy was founded by Beth Huegli and Leslie Glendening to provide excellent dance instruction rooted in faith.
Photo: HIS Dance Academy via Google
Before your first class
The Recreational Division welcomes dancers from 3 months to adults, and the studio emphasises creating a nurturing environment for all skill levels.
Ballet requires a modest black leotard (no mesh, multiple straps, lace, low back, or exposed stomach), black skirt, pink tights, and pink ballet shoes; modern requires a modest black leotard with blac
Specific attire requirements vary by class level and style.
Recreational: $75/month for 45–60 minute classes or $25 drop-in.
About this studio
HIS Dance Academy was founded by Beth Huegli and Leslie Glendening to provide excellent dance instruction rooted in faith. Located at 2715 29th St SE in Grand Rapids, the studio teaches a Vaganova-based ballet curriculum enhanced with Bible verses and spiritual applications that connect faith to movement.
The studio serves dancers from 3 months through adulthood. The Recreational Division welcomes young children and adults, while the Graded Technique Division offers structured progression starting at age 8 with levels Apprentice 1, Junior 1–2, and Senior 1–2. Dancers progress at their own pace, typically spending 2–3 years in each level. Pointe work begins at Junior 1 level, determined by the instructor with family input due to the commitment required. The dance season runs September through May, with additional Maintenance, Master, and Summer Classes from June through August. Registration for Summer opens in March and for Fall enrollment on June 1st.
The HIS Dance Ensemble is designed for dancers who want to develop artistic and performance abilities beyond technique classes. Ensemble placement is by level rather than age, with separate groups for Apprentice, Junior, and Senior dancers. All students have the opportunity to perform in the annual All School Showcase—a May production called Mini Storybook Ballet—which weaves the studio's yearly Bible theme throughout the dances. The studio also runs an Outreach Performance Group, and "God's Girls," a Special Needs programme, offers participants the chance to perform at community events throughout the year.
The faculty includes Tassia Johnson (HIS Ensemble Artistic Director, Ballet), Sarah Walters (Curriculum Director and Ballet, with 24 years of teaching experience), Olga Smelik (Ballet and Character, trained in the Vaganova method), Charlotte Davis (Ballet), Olivia Walters (Ballet and Modern), Jennifer Berryhill (Pre-Ballet), Evan Hsu (Hip Hop), Sarah Bethel (Ballet and Tap), Bethany Love (Hip Hop), Sophia Lee (Ballet), Jessica Bradt (Jazz), and Ezra Lee (Boys classes). Private lessons are available in Ballet, Pointe, Choreography, Conditioning, and Character work. The studio offers private lesson rates and audition packages for students seeking personalized instruction.
HIS Dance Academy supports its mission through community outreach, offering lecture demonstrations in area schools and partnering with Coit Creative Arts Academy to provide dance training to public school students. The studio awards four types of scholarships: the Rizzo Scholarship for Special Needs students, the JoElla Scholarship for families who have lost a spouse or are fostering, Graded Technique Scholarships, and HIS Kids Scholarships for recreational students. Male dancers receive a 50% scholarship for ballet and modern classes year-round.
What to expect
Your first visit
Classes are organised by age and ability, from preschool through adult, with different dress codes for each style. The studio is located on 29th St SE in Grand Rapids; call before visiting to confirm hours, as they vary with the class schedule.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The faculty includes director Sarah Walters (24 years teaching, Blue Valley State University graduate trained in the Russian method), Olga Smelik (trained in Vaganova method, certified in the first three years of the Classical Syllabus from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy), Tassia Johnson (Co-Artistic Director, trained at San Francisco Ballet School, former Dance Theatre of Harlem company member), Charlotte Davis (Ballet), Olivia Walters (Ballet and Modern), Jennifer Berryhill (Pre-Ballet), Evan Hsu (Hip Hop), Sarah Bethel (Ballet and Tap), Bethany Love (Hip Hop), Sophia Lee (Ballet), Jessica Bradt (Jazz), and Ezra Lee (Boys). Private lessons are available with multiple instructors.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
The Recreational Division welcomes dancers from 3 months to adults, and the studio emphasises creating a nurturing environment for all skill levels.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Ballet requires a modest black leotard (no mesh, multiple straps, lace, low back, or exposed stomach), black skirt, pink tights, and pink ballet shoes; modern requires a modest black leotard with black jazz pants or shorts over tights; hip hop requires comfortable clothing with no stomach exposed and clean indoor tennis shoes.
What to bring
Specific attire requirements vary by class level and style. Ballet students wear pink tights and pink ballet shoes; modern classes are barefoot; hip hop requires clean indoor tennis shoes (black high-top Converse for showcase); jazz and tap require black jazz or tap shoes. Dancers of color may choose skin-toned tights and shoes in lieu of pink.
Studio history
HIS Dance Academy was founded by Beth Huegli and Leslie Glendening to provide excellent dance instruction in an environment rooted in faith. Since opening, the studio has remained committed to helping students of all ages grow in skill, confidence, and their understanding of God's love. The Vaganova-based ballet curriculum is enhanced with Bible verses and spiritual applications that connect faith to movement.
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
HIS Dance Academyhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own HIS Dance Academy, 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 HIS Dance Academy
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does HIS Dance Academy teach?
HIS Dance Academy teaches Ballet, Pre-ballet, Modern, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Tap and 1 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is HIS Dance Academy located?
HIS Dance Academy is located in Grand Rapids, MI. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does HIS Dance Academy offer private lessons?
Contact HIS Dance Academy directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does HIS Dance Academy teach kids and adults?
HIS Dance Academy 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 HIS Dance Academy?
The fastest path is to visit HIS Dance Academy via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.