Shuffles & Ballet II
Four decades of classical ballet, tap, jazz, modern and hip hop in Little Rock
A ballet-focused dance school offering classical ballet training along with related dance disciplines.
Photo: 360 Photo Inc. jb via Google
Before your first class
Classes begin at age 3 with combo classes, and adult tap and ballet classes are offered; the studio emphasises a nurturing, supportive environment for dancers of all levels.
Standardised dress codes by age and class type: young children in combo classes wear black leotard, pink tights, black tap shoes, and pink ballet shoes; ballet-only classes require black leotard, pink
For young children in combo classes: black leotard, pink tights, black tap shoes, and pink ballet shoes.
About this studio
Shuffles & Ballet II has anchored the central Arkansas dance community for four decades since its founding in 1986. Located in West Little Rock at the Market and Merrill Shopping Center, the studio occupies over 8,000 square feet across five spacious dance rooms, each equipped with sprung and marley floors and surround sound systems. A welcoming lobby provides space for parents to observe classes, work, or relax.
The studio teaches ballet, tap, jazz, modern, lyrical, musical theatre, and hip hop across multiple age groups and levels. Classes run for ages 3 and up, with offerings from combo classes for young children through advanced pre-professional programmes. A summer camp programme adds extra options during school breaks, including themed camps in K-pop, hip hop, and princess themes.
Suffles is known especially for its pre-professional ballet and modern programmes, which serve as a launchpad for students considering dance as a career. The faculty includes professionals with extensive performance credentials: owner and director Jana L. Beard has taught dance in central Arkansas for over 45 years and directed Shuffles for thirty-seven of them. She received the 2015 Arkansas Arts Council's Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts and has performed in numerous Arkansas Repertory Theatre productions. Assistant Director Allison Stodola Wilson trained at Shuffles as a child, performed professionally for 15 years including three seasons with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and roles in Broadway productions including 42nd Street (original Moscow cast), and trained at American Ballet Theatre and the Joffrey Ballet. Pre-Professional Ballet and Modern Instructor Leslie Dodge graduated from Butler University with a Bachelor's in Dance Pedagogy in 2010 and has performed with Ballet Arkansas in classical roles including the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker and both Odile and Odette in Swan Lake excerpts. Teacher Hope Wenneker completed her BFA in Dance in 2012 at the University of Oklahoma after beginning her training at Shuffles, and has performed with Contemporary Dance Oklahoma and in works choreographed by Robert Battle. Pre Pro Ballet, Ballet and Modern Instructor Lauren McCarty Horak trained at institutions including the North Carolina School of the Performing Arts, American Ballet Theatre, Nashville Ballet, and Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet before earning her BFA in Dance Performance from Butler University in 2006, and danced for Ballet Arkansas from 2009–2017.
The studio runs a recital season, with 2024 recitals held at Wildwood Park. Parent observation weeks are built into the calendar in November, March, and May. The teaching philosophy centres on creating a positive, nurturing environment where all students—from children to adults—can achieve personal growth while pursuing technique, performance, exercise, or simply enjoying dance.
What to expect
Your first visit
You'll enter a large, well-equipped facility with five studios featuring sprung floors, mirrors, and surround sound. Classes are structured by age and level, from combo classes blending ballet and tap for 3-year-olds through advanced pre-professional tracks. The lobby allows parents to observe, and staff are described by former students and parents as personable, patient, and dedicated to making every dancer feel welcomed and valued.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The faculty are experienced professionals with substantial performance records. Owner Jana L. Beard has 45+ years of teaching experience and received the 2015 Arkansas Arts Council's Lifetime Achievement Award. Assistant Director Allison Stodola Wilson performed with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and in Broadway productions including 42nd Street. Leslie Dodge, director of the Pre-Professional Ballet Program, has performed with Ballet Arkansas in classical lead roles. Hope Wenneker and Lauren McCarty Horak both hold BFAs in Dance and have performed with professional companies.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Classes begin at age 3 with combo classes, and adult tap and ballet classes are offered; the studio emphasises a nurturing, supportive environment for dancers of all levels.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Standardised dress codes by age and class type: young children in combo classes wear black leotard, pink tights, black tap shoes, and pink ballet shoes; ballet-only classes require black leotard, pink tights, and pink ballet shoes; tap and jazz students wear leotard with tights or jazz pants and specified tap or jazz shoes.
What to bring
For young children in combo classes: black leotard, pink tights, black tap shoes, and pink ballet shoes. For ballet-only classes: black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes. For tap and jazz at higher levels: leotard and tights or jazz pants, black jazz tap shoes or high heel tap shoes (levels V–VI), and black jazz shoes. Specific dress codes vary by age and level.
Studio history
Shuffles & Ballet II was founded in 1986 and has operated as a cornerstone of the central Arkansas dance community for four decades. Owner and director Jana L. Beard has led the studio for thirty-seven years and was recognised with the 2015 Arkansas Arts Council's Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts.
Styles offered
7 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Shuffles & Ballet IIhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Shuffles & Ballet II, 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 Shuffles & Ballet II
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Shuffles & Ballet II teach?
Shuffles & Ballet II teaches Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Lyrical Jazz, Musical Theatre 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 Shuffles & Ballet II located?
Shuffles & Ballet II is located in Little Rock, AR. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Shuffles & Ballet II offer private lessons?
Contact Shuffles & Ballet II directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Shuffles & Ballet II teach kids and adults?
Shuffles & Ballet II 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 Shuffles & Ballet II?
The fastest path is to visit Shuffles & Ballet II via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.