Over the Top Academy of Dance
Grand Rapids dance studio for all ages—recitals, competition, theatre, and co…
Over the Top Academy of Dance has served Grand Rapids since 1977, and is now celebrating twenty years in its current space on Eastern Avenue in the Alger Heights community.
Photo: Destiny Willis via Google
Before your first class
The studio welcomes dancers of all ages and levels, from beginning recreational dancers to committed competitive students, and serves as a family-oriented community space.
About this studio
Over the Top Academy of Dance has served Grand Rapids since 1977, and is now celebrating twenty years in its current space on Eastern Avenue in the Alger Heights community. It's a black-owned business run by owner Jennifer Smith and Coach Ajamu, who describe their mission as creating "a safe, inspired, and committed community of people who want to reconnect to dance, themselves, and others."
The studio teaches dance to Pre-K through adults, organised into age groups: Pre-K Minis, Juniors & Teens, and Adult Dance & Fitness. Alongside recreational classes, the studio runs CRU, its competition team. They hold semi-annual recitals (including a Spring Recital) and offer specialised programmes including HERO Academy (Boys Pre-Sports), the Bright Light Players Theatre Program, and workshops like "Actor for an Afternoon". In summer, they host a Theatre Camp that welcomes children ages seven to eighteen, teaching live production skills including teamwork, lines, stage blocking, choreography, reading music, and vocal lessons. Past productions include *Descendants*, *Seussical Jr.*, *Madagascar*, *Moana*, and *Lion King*.
For adults seeking to reconnect with dance, the studio hosts a monthly SkewTheLine class with guest teachers and fresh choreography, open to ages sixteen and up. They also run Hotties In Heels GR, which meets every third Friday of the month for women eighteen and up—described as "an ultimate girls night out" and a sisterhood that has been cultivated for four years. Coach Ajamu leads Primary Shapes workshops focused on foundational movements to improve flexibility and release tension.
The studio has created a movement-focused enrichment programme called Mindful Movers, which they piloted at fourteen Appletree/Gilden Woods locations. Over the Top also hosts TAP WEEK, a week-long experience held in January leading up to Black History Month (scheduled for January 29 – February 1, 2024), celebrating tap dancing and its connection to Black history and culture.
The studio offers donations and scholarships to support access to dance education. They operate from 2423 Eastern Ave SE and maintain office hours Monday 12:00pm–4:00pm, Tuesday–Thursday 11:00am–4:00pm, and Friday 2:00pm–4:30pm.
What to expect
Your first visit
You can view the class schedule and pricing on their website and contact them to arrange a visit. Registration for the current season may be closed, but you can see what classes are offered and their pricing for the next season. The studio encourages enquiries about joining and offers a range of programmes from recreational to competitive.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The studio is led by owner Jennifer Smith and Coach Ajamu. Jennifer is recognised for her continuous learning to help dancers improve, and her passion for creating a safe place for all people and age groups. Coach Ajamu leads Primary Shapes workshops focused on foundational movement and body-mind connection.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
The studio welcomes dancers of all ages and levels, from beginning recreational dancers to committed competitive students, and serves as a family-oriented community space.
Studio history
Over the Top Academy of Dance has served Grand Rapids with quality dance instruction since 1977. The studio is now celebrating twenty years in its current space on Eastern Avenue, where it has become a staple in the Alger Heights community. During the pandemic five years ago, the temporary closure prompted creative expansion and a renewed vision for what the studio could offer—resulting in new programmes including Summer Theatre Camp, TAP WEEK, and adult movement classes.
Styles offered
4 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Over the Top Academy of Dancehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Over the Top Academy of Dance, 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 Over the Top Academy of Dance
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Over the Top Academy of Dance teach?
Over the Top Academy of Dance teaches General, Dance (general recreational and competitive), Theatre, Tap. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Over the Top Academy of Dance located?
Over the Top Academy of Dance is located in Grand Rapids, MI. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Over the Top Academy of Dance offer private lessons?
Contact Over the Top Academy of Dance directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Over the Top Academy of Dance teach kids and adults?
Over the Top Academy of Dance 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 Over the Top Academy of Dance?
The fastest path is to visit Over the Top Academy of Dance via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.