About Caledonia Dance & Music Center

Why Caledonia Dance & Music Center is the Best Choice for Your Family:

  1. FACILITY – State-of-the-art facility with premium quality sound systems and hardwood & "floating" professional floors, video monitor system to observe classes, soundproof music studios.
  2. CUSTOMER SERVICE – Friendly desk staff available during all class times to provide assistance.
  3. QUALITY INSTRUCTION - Professional dance and music education by worthy role models in a fun and caring atmosphere. Limited class sizes give every child the attention needed to thrive and grow as a dancer and musician.
  4. SERVING MANY COMMUNITIES - Students commute from Caledonia, Alto, Middleville, Ada, Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Byron Center, Hastings, Kentwood, Wayland, Dorr, Lowell, Shelbyville, and more.

The Walker Family

"Our family has been at Caledonia Dance & Music Center for 8 years. Some of the qualities we like most about CDMC are not only the top-notch dance eduction from highly qualified instructors, but also the emphasis on learning valuable life skills including respect, responsibility, teamwork, kindness, self esteem and community outreach all in a very nurturing and supportive environment. CDMC has excellent age appropriate music, costuming and a well-organized recital at the end of the season. We highly recommend CDMC for anyone looking for a school of dance and music."

Kelly Mulry, Caledonia

"My daughter, Makaila has been dancing at CDC for 12 years. We have never looked anywhere else because she not only has gotten great instruction but has developed long lasting friendships. The CDC staff truly cares about their dance families and encourages each dancer in everything they do!"

Professional training in a fun and caring atmosphere…

At the Caledonia Dance & Music Center, we provide your child the skills they need to enjoy dance and music for a lifetime. By offering a large variety of classes for students as young as 12 months old, we are able to introduce dance to virtually everyone. Students learn not only dance technique, history, and the latest styles, but they also learn valuable life skills. Our faculty is made up of qualified dancers and musicians who are passionate about the arts and sharing their love of dance and music with children. These worthy role models are trained in all areas of dance, enabling us to offer you superior classes in tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, musical theater, pointe, and specialty classes for preschoolers and adults. Music teachers are university trained in voice, piano, guitar and string instruments. Private and group music lessons are available.

Our students participate in numerous performances. Many of Caledonia Dance & Music Center's students have been seen and awarded at regional and national competitions. For over 30 years, we have danced at the Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts, the nation's largest all-volunteer festival. Students young and old have performed at multiple July 4th Celebrations and parades, nursing homes, and all students take part in our annual spring recitals. Our liturgical dancers have danced and worshiped at several local churches. Caledonia Dance & Music Center's students share their gift of dance and music with the community.

We hope that your family will join us in experiencing the joy of dance and music.

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Jackie Baum, Caledonia

"We love Caledonia Dance (& Music) Center because of the excellent teachers and strong programs. Their class offerings are perfect for every age and ability level, even offering an "all boys" class."

Dawn Ostrander, Wayland

"We have been involved with Caledonia Dance (& Music) Center for 13 years now. It has been such an amazing journey over the years! Lauren has grown so much as a dancer and still looks forward every week to going to class. We have been so impressed with the professionalism and kindness shown by everyone from the staff behind the counter to the teachers and right on up to the guest choreographers. One of the things that I am so grateful for is the music, dances and costumes are always tasteful and appropriate, and I never have to worry about what kind of message is being sent. Friends and family who have had the opportunity to see the recital at the end of the year have all commented on how organized the event is and how great all the performances are. We look forward to many more years of dance with Caledonia Dance & Music Center!"

Six Things Every Parent Should Know Before Choosing a Studio

1

Can I observe my child's class?

It is important to support your child by being aware of his or her progress, and it is comforting to know exactly what takes place in the classroom. Some studios do not allow parents to observe class at all. This poses a disadvantage to families by considerably reducing the opportunity for parents to see their child's growth. Additionally, parents pay for the lessons, so they should have the opportunity to see their student. Other studios allow parents in the classroom for each lesson. This classroom traffic can be a distraction to both students and teachers, and, ultimately, reduces the quality of the learning environment. So, how can you watch dance classes and music lessons without disrupting the classroom? Through the use of our unique video observation system, we encourage parents to view their child's classes. At Caledonia Dance & Music Center, one or more cameras are set up in each of our dance studios and music rooms. These cameras are specially wired to a video monitor, which operates in our waiting area. Parents are able to observe their child, the instructor, and other classes all from our reception area without interrupting class progression.

2

What type of dance floor is used?

Dance is a very physical activity that requires a lot of jumping, which can put stress on bones and joints. Most dance footwear does not provide any cushioning or support, so the shock of dance movements can place a lot of pressure on the knees and back. The best way to prevent potential injury is by choosing a studio with either a professional hardwood or "floating" floor. A floating floor is a dance floor that rests on a system of high-density foam to absorb the shock of jumping. A high-density foam base is superior to a "sprung" floor, which usually consists of a wood structure built on the regular floor. The top layer of the floating floor is also an important factor. A vinyl composite "marley" floor is accepted worldwide as the ideal surface layer for recreational and professional dance. Companies such as the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Riverdance – The Touring Show use marley floors as their dance surface. A marley floor is not slippery, but still allows dancers to slide with a degree of "controlled slip." With this type of floor, there is less risk of slips and falls. Very few studios use professional marley floors because of the expense involved, and usually opt for a regular floor tile or laminate for a studio floor. A professional hardwood floor is a one-of-a-kind dance surface due to the huge expense involved in building a wooden dance floor. Like a floating floor, our hardwood floors are designed to give way as downward pressure is exerted, thus reducing fatigue and helping prevent injuries. All of our studios have professional hardwood or "floating" floors that cover over 4,100 square feet of classroom space. Our special floors help reduce the risk of injuries and allow students to dance longer without getting tired. "You've got to look the part to play the role." Many famous New York City dance studios and ballet facilities are spread over one or more upper levels of a city building. They have huge picture windows and large dance rooms. Some of these famous dance schools include Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, and The American Ballet Theatre. Over 700 miles from NYC, in Caledonia, Michigan, our dance center shares this Broadway feel. Its 6,000 square feet covers the second story of an historic city block with 16 six-foot windows, all of which promote our New York City ambiance. Our largest dance room is virtually the size of a large theater stage. In 2013, Caledonia Dance & Music Center added a fouth dance studio on the mainstreet level, which also boasts floating floors, full length mirrors, its own parent lobby and more!

3

What are the "extras" required for the year-end show?

Most studios put on a year-end show in a professional theater. Students that perform in the show must have costumes for their dance number. Some studios may require parents to sew their child's costumes or find their own seamstress to do the alterations. This can be inconvenient and frustrating for parents who are busy or can't sew. Most studios also charge recital fees. This fee is typically charged according to the number of dances in which the child performs and can add up quickly. At CDMC, we can't express our gratitude enough! We love our families and we want the year-end recital to be a hassle free and memorable experience! To show our appreciation, we provide every family with per, professionally packaged recital-ready costuming with free fittings and alterations, participation trophy for each performer and much more! We do not charge recital fees. Our goal is to have professional, hassle-free recitals that are enjoyable for the dancers and families alike.

4

Can I get immediate assistance and customer service?

In many studios, the teacher or studio owner conducts classes and does the administration. By trying to do two important jobs at once, the class may suffer as the teacher has to use class time for customer service, or the studio may have no customer assistance available if the teacher is in class. To have a good experience, it is important to choose a studio that can assist you with details like costumes or schedules even when the teachers are occupied in class. Caledonia Dance & Music Center has office staff on hand during all class times as well as additional daytime and weekend hours, so you can get immediate assistance.

5

What kinds of dance moves will my child learn and will the costumes be appropriate?

In this day and age, young people are exposed to explicit lyrics in songs on the radio and suggestive dance moves and costuming on television. Great dancing does not have to be made up of these things. It is important to us at Caledonia Dance & Music Center that students receive the optimum professional instruction from worthy role models without exposure to some of today's improper styles. Our instructors and staff lead professional classes in a fun and caring atmosphere where students leave feeling more confident and educated. Also, our dance costumes are modestly chosen and designed to fit the music and style of dance.

6

Does it really matter which place you decide to enroll your child?

If most studios seem to have qualified, friendly teachers, experience teaching children, and a big show at the end of the year, aren't they all pretty much the same? Does it really matter which place you decide to enroll your child?

The answer: Yes! There are five main things that make a huge difference in the quality of instruction your child receives, the amount of extra work and hassles parents face, and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved in a music or dance program.


If you're looking for dance studios in Grand Rapids, dance studios in Hastings MI, dance studios in Wayland MI, dance studios in Kentwood MI, or dance studios in Byron Center, then CDMC is the place for you! We are located in Caledonia MI but welcome dancers from all surrounding areas.

Sheila Workman, Middleville

"We've chosen Caledonia Dance Center for many reasons. The staff is very friendly and professional and the quality of teaching is excellent. My girls are challenged and have a great time doing what they love. I also love the good taste in costumes and choreography. An excellent place to dance!"

Mikhail Baryshnikov

"Dancing can reveal all the mystery that music conceals."