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Variations Dance Academy Madison, WI
5 ★★★★★ 17 Google reviews · Ballet school in Madison, Wisconsin
Plan your first class
- Ages classes for ages 2–18 — check the schedule for the right level for your dancer
- Adult classes classes for grown-ups, including absolute beginners — it's never too late to start at the barre
- Pointe pointe and pre-pointe work for dancers who are ready — the pre-pointe strengthening comes first
- Summer intensive holiday and summer intensive programs — these fill early, so ask about dates and auditions
- Today see hours ·
- Phone (608) 467-3262
- Website & schedule vdsmadison.com — enroll and see the live class schedule
Hours
| Monday | 4–9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 4–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 4–9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 4–9:30 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The programs they offer
“As an adult, coming back to dance after several years (especially in a body that isn't the stereotypical dancer's body) was intimidating.”
“The staff is extremely friendly and understanding of any "kid moments" they may have during their class.”
What families & students say
“The focus is on not only instilling excellent foundations, technique, and strength, but also in ensuring that all dancers of all ages feel confident, powerful, and capable.”
“But Mynda and the community at Variations has been so incredibly welcoming, caring, and loving that it has been an absolutely wonderful experience.”
“The individual attention, quality instruction, and kind teaching approach has nurtured our daughter’s confidence while she develops excellent technique as a dancer.”
“The individual attention, quality instruction, and kind teaching approach has nurtured our daughter’s confidence while she develops excellent technique as a dancer.”
“As an adult, coming back to dance after several years (especially in a body that isn't the stereotypical dancer's body) was intimidating.”
From the reviews
This is a special place. It offers an exceptional experience in dance education, as well as lots of LOVE. I grew up dancing and then taught it for several years during college.
I love taking my kiddo to variations! The staff is extremely friendly and understanding of any "kid moments" they may have during their class. For the younger ones, I love that it's also play/fun based as they learn techniques and terminology. We are so thrilled that variations is growing 💗
Variations Dance has been a wonderful experience for our daughter. Miss Mynda is a fabulous and loving teacher who cares as much about technique as she does the dancer. Our daughter has thrived and excelled in this environment.
As an adult, coming back to dance after several years (especially in a body that isn't the stereotypical dancer's body) was intimidating. I wasn't quite sure what to expect walking into a new studio, but I was definitely scared and guarded.
Adult ballet at Variations Dance Academy Madison, WI
Variations Dance Academy Madison, WI runs classes for grown-ups — confirmed on their own site. If you've never taken ballet, or you're coming back to it after years away, this is for you — and a good studio genuinely welcomes a nervous first-timer. A few things worth asking before you go. First, which class to start in — look for one labeled "absolute beginner" or "adult beginner" rather than an open or "all levels" class, so you learn the fundamentals at the right pace. Second, drop-in or term — many adult programs let you pay per class to try it, then move to a term or monthly package once you're hooked. Third, what to wear — comfortable clothes you can move in, plus socks or bare feet, are plenty for a first class; you won't need a leotard or ballet shoes to walk in the door. It's never too late for first position.
Your first ballet class at Variations Dance Academy Madison, WI
Nervous about walking into your first class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects beginners, whether your dancer is five or you're returning at fifty. Here's what to know. What to wear: comfortable clothes you can move in, with socks or bare feet; a leotard and tights are nice if you have them, but not required, and pointe shoes are years down the road — never day one. What to expect: class usually starts at the barre with slow, simple movements to warm up, then moves to the center — follow along, copy the teacher, and don't worry about getting it "right" the first time. Arrive early: come 10–15 minutes ahead to change, find a spot, and let the teacher know it's a first class so they can keep an eye out. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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