Planet Dance Cincinnati

Planet Dance Cincinnati is a professional dance studio founded and directed by Missy Lay-Zimmer and Andrew Hubbard, both original Broadway performers from CATS, Footloose, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Located at 2230 Gilbert Ave near downtown Cincinnati and Eden Park, the studio has served the community for 20 years as the training facility for Exhale Dance Tribe, a non-profit contemporary performance company named in Dance Magazine's '25 to Watch'.

The teaching philosophy centres on education through new choreography in every class. Rather than repeating the same combinations, students explore fresh material and technical challenges each session, ensuring you never fall behind whether you attend once a week or once a month. Classes are taught by skill level rather than age, with offerings in Jazz (Beginner to Advanced), Contemporary (Intermediate to Advanced), Tap (Beginner to Intermediate), Hip Hop (Beginner to Advanced), Ballet, and Kids' Intro classes in Ballet, Tap, and Hip Hop.

The resident faculty includes performers and choreographers with credits spanning Broadway productions (Moulin Rouge, Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, Wicked), New York City Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, and major recording artists including Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Janet Jackson, and Prince. Missy Lay-Zimmer has been featured in the New York Times, Dance Magazine, and Pointe Magazine, and was a top 10 finalist for the Capezio ACE Choreography Awards. Andrew Hubbard has appeared on the Today Show and Good Morning America. Jennifer Rutherford, Ballet Director, trained at the School of American Ballet on full scholarship and danced with New York City Ballet, originating roles in works choreographed by Peter Martins and Robert LaFosse and performing in over 50 Balanchine ballets. Carlos Neto has choreographed for Warner Brothers, SyCo Music, and Britain's Got Talent.

The studio operates on a drop-in model with no class registration or long-term commitment required. You can purchase single classes, class cards (20 classes with 3-month expiration), or a Monthly Unlimited card. All classes are open to the public. First-time visitors should arrive 15 minutes early; minors require parental registration and a signed waiver.

Beyond regular classes, Planet Dance offers workshops and intensives including a Musical Theatre Workshop, Contemporary Lab, Guest Artist Series, Summer Camp, NFL/NBA Dance Team workshops, and an Industry Intensive. The studio also teaches wedding choreography for first dances, bridal party dances, and other special-day routines. The Kids Club runs separate programming including camps and performances.

Drop in 15 minutes early on your first visit. All classes welcome new students and teach new choreography each time, so you won't be behind. Register online or in person before class; minors need a signed parental waiver. Classes are organised by skill level across jazz, contemporary, tap, hip hop, and ballet.

Missy Lay-Zimmer and Andrew Hubbard, the co-founders, are Broadway veterans from CATS, Footloose, and Jesus Christ Superstar with 20 years' faculty experience at the acclaimed Broadway Dance Center in New York. Jennifer Rutherford, Ballet Director, trained at the School of American Ballet and danced with New York City Ballet. Carlos Neto has choreographed for major studios and platforms including Warner Brothers and Britain's Got Talent. Guest instructors rotate through workshops and intensives.

Beginner classes are offered across most styles; the studio emphasises that you can drop in at any level and never be behind because new choreography is taught in every class.