The Dance Avenue
Ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, tumbling. Ages 3 through adult.
The Dance Avenue is a Des Moines dance studio serving ages 3 through adult across all skill levels.
Photo: The Dance Avenue via Google
Before your first class
Classes are available for all skill levels, starting with age 3 Pre-Ballet & Tap, and dancers are placed into A or B sections by skill level where needed.
One class per month: $58–$70 + tax depending on class length (30–60 minutes).
About this studio
The Dance Avenue is a Des Moines dance studio serving ages 3 through adult across all skill levels. Founded in 2011, the studio is now in its 17th season. Director Amber Martin brings over 25 years of experience in the dance industry and is co-owner alongside Chad Martin, who has over 14 years in dance and handles office management, billing, prop building and teaches tumbling.
Classes cover ballet, tap, jazz, tumbling, lyrical, hip hop, and pointe, with a boys-only hip hop class on Thursdays. The youngest students (age 3) start with Pre-Ballet & Tap or Tumbling in 30-minute sessions. The curriculum progresses through pre-school, kindergarten, petite and intermediate levels, then splits into junior (ages 9–11) and teen (ages 12–18) streams where students specialise in styles like Jazz Technique, Lyrical and Tap. Adults take a six-week session in the autumn.
The dance season runs September through June, with 10 months of weekly classes culminating in a year-end recital. Students learn technique throughout the year, then switch to recital choreography after winter break. Registration opens 1 August each year; classes begin mid-September.
The studio runs a Student Staff and Student Assistants programme to develop future leaders. Dancers in grades 11–12 who have spent at least three years as assistants are offered paid positions; grades 7–10 apply for the unpaid assistant track. Both roles treat class support as a job commitment.
Alumni feature strongly in studio life. In 2020, for the studio's 10-year milestone, over 50 alumni were invited back and many performed in the recital. In 2025, celebrating 15 years, more than 30 of 50 alumni returned to perform in "There's No Place Like Home." The about page lists alumni achievements year by year from 2011 onwards.
What to expect
Your first visit
Classes are structured by age and skill level, with multiple sessions at similar times so you can find one that fits your schedule. Most younger children take 30–50 minute classes; teens and adults take longer sessions. You'll join a community the studio describes as a family, with experienced instructors providing a nurturing, supportive environment.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Amber Martin, director and co-owner, has over 25 years of dance industry experience. Chad Martin, office manager and co-owner, has over 14 years in dance and teaches tumbling. The studio employs a wider staff of accomplished instructors and Student Staff/Assistants to support classes.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Classes are available for all skill levels, starting with age 3 Pre-Ballet & Tap, and dancers are placed into A or B sections by skill level where needed.
Studio history
The Dance Avenue was founded in 2011. In 2020, the studio celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a special alumni recital featuring overwhelming response from graduates. In 2025, the studio marked its 15-year anniversary with over 30 of its 50 alumni returning to perform.
Styles offered
9 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
The Dance Avenuehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own The Dance Avenue, 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 The Dance Avenue
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does The Dance Avenue teach?
The Dance Avenue teaches General, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Acro Dance, Lyrical Jazz and 3 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is The Dance Avenue located?
The Dance Avenue is located in Des Moines, IA. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does The Dance Avenue offer private lessons?
Contact The Dance Avenue directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does The Dance Avenue teach kids and adults?
The Dance Avenue 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 The Dance Avenue?
The fastest path is to visit The Dance Avenue via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.