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Dance Dynamics Performing Arts Center

August 21, 2014
DANCE DYNAMICS DANCE STUDIO
FOCUSES ON FAMILY AND
PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT FOR STUDENTS

The largest and longest running dance facility in the Lakes Area, Dance Dynamics is the studio-of-choice for families throughout southwestern Oakland County and beyond.

Located in downtown Walled Lake, Dance Dynamics offers a variety of classes in dance, voice, and acting.  Students have options for classes based on their schedule and their individual goals, from recreational, “just for fun” classes to a career-focused track for getting jobs in the entertainment industry.

Thousands of students have taken classes and performed throughout the community since 1982, and many former students are bringing their own children back.

"Nothing is more rewarding than having alumni bringing their children to dance," said director Dori Matkowski. "We’re proud that so many students start at age three and continue all the way through graduation. Now they are starting families and bringing their own kids back!"

Most classes at Dance Dynamics are directed toward beginner and recreational students, especially for students involved in extra-curricular and family activities. The studio offers dance classes in tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop and pop stars, with special sections of classes just for boys. Over 80 boys currently attend classes at Dance Dynamics, one of the largest enrollments in the country. Even dads get a class to themselves once a week to show off at the spring dance concert.

Middle and high school students can also take Hip Hop, a popular class that teaches the latest styles of dance from music videos and is structured like a weekly dance party.  With no dance experience required, the class is a safe opportunity for kids to socialize in a fun environment and just dance.

While students at Dance Dynamics learn to dance for fun, they also learn discipline.  Programs are designed to teach proper dance technique and other skills to enhance their education and personal development, like public speaking, responsibility and self-confidence.

“Our students learn skills that will help them in whatever they do, not just dance,” added Matkowski. “Students learn the confidence to perform in front of a group, act courteous and professional in public settings, set goals and work together in teams. That translates into invaluable skills they can use every day.”

A diverse staff at Dance Dynamics helps students get the most out of their dance experience. Dance Dynamics employs all adult instructors with diverse backgrounds and degrees in dance, education, entertainment, business and health fields. Instructors travel all over the country to teach and keep up with their own training. In addition, staff members are active in the community, working with music and drama programs in the schools and participating in local community groups and Detroit-area performances. Together, the instructors form a Creative Team dedicated to student growth and the development of well-rounded programs.

“The Creative Team works together to create all of our programs, from our annual ballet production to our spring concert to our summer dance camps. Each instructor takes pride in what he or she contributes to making the studio the best for our students.”

For students looking for more than recreational classes, Dance Dynamics also offers three levels of performing classes designed to expose students to the entertainment industry. The first level introduces students to additional performing opportunities and competition. The second level, the Dance Dynamics Team, establishes a training base for students interested in a more intense experience, including competition and workshops from industry professionals. The highest and most difficult level, the Dynamic Dancers Performing Company, exposes dancers to a complete training ground for professional entertainers, including travel opportunities, physical training programs, and a focus on landing entertainment jobs.

Dynamic Dancers Performing Company students have found extreme success in earning full dance and education scholarships to prestigious schools and studios, making Dance Dynamics one of the top dance and entertainment studios in the country. Company graduates are currently working all over the world as master teachers, choreographers, production managers and performers for cruise ships, stage shows, television, movies, music videos, Broadway and theme parks.

Dance Dynamics is also a home for Performing Arts High School students who are working toward their high school diploma while studying or working with dance at a professional level. 

“Many of our students enrolled in this option have earned jobs working for companies or shows in New York and Orlando for part of the year and can’t attend school on a traditional schedule,” said Matkowski. “This option, more typical in New York or Los Angeles than in Walled Lake, gives students and families a flexible option for education while mastering their career.”

With a solid recreational program and a prominent pre-professional training program, Dance Dynamics has created a family-flexible environment focused on developing strong dancers and well-rounded people. From “just for fun” to a career in entertainment, Dance Dynamics is helping young people make their dreams come true.

Dance Dynamics (248-624-0707) is located in downtown Walled Lake at, 1400 EW Maple Road. You can find out more by visiting the studio or their web site at www.DanceDynamicsMI