Business Details
40 Years
experience
Your Child's Dance Journey Starts Here
Hart Dance Academy has been cultivating a passion for dance in students of all ages since 1986. Founded by Tracey Gabelman-Hart, a dedicated protg of community mentor Karen McWilliams, our studio emphasizes technical excellence within a supportive environment where dancers develop skills, build relationships, and explore artistic expression. Under the current leadership of Tracey's daughter, Aly Hart Summerson, we serve Lincoln families with flexible scheduling options for recreational learners and serious students alike.Our four studios operate six to seven days weekly, offering diverse classes from Creative Movement to Repertory. We prioritize safety and artistry through strict dress codes, experienced instructors, and a curriculum designed to nurture both technical proficiency and creative confidence. Our commitment to quality remains unwavering after four decades, combining tradition with evolving dance education practices.
Services
Ballet
Jazz
Hip-Hop
Contemporary
Tap
Acrodance
Modern Studies
Leaps & Turns
Dance Camps
Pre-Pointe/Pointe
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- 40 years of proven dance education excellence in Lincoln
- Experienced instructors with professional performance backgrounds
- Comprehensive curriculum from beginner to pre-professional levels
- Positive, inclusive environment with small class sizes
- Flexible scheduling with weekend and evening options
What people say
So much joy
Passionate teachers
Positive culture
Artistic passions
Meaningful relationships
Services
Ballet Technique
Our ballet classes develop proper technique through barre exercises, center work, and performance training. Students master positions, turns, and jumps while building foundational skills for advanced dance. The curriculum emphasizes posture, alignment, and artistic expression through classical repertoire. Dancers wear traditional attire with buns and split-sole shoes.
Contemporary Dance
This expressive style combines lyrical and modern techniques with improvisation and self-choreography. Classes focus on emotional storytelling through movement, requiring enrollment in ballet for technical support. Dancers wear fitted attire and tan turning shoes while exploring creative freedom and performance artistry.
Acrodance
This specialty class integrates dance with gymnastics elements through structured stations. Students build flexibility, strength, and tricks in a safe environment while maintaining dance technique. Fitted attire without shoes allows safe movement through progressions that enhance performance capabilities in other dance styles.
Dance Camps
Week-long summer camps combine dance training with arts, nutrition, and themed performances. Participants engage in multiple styles while creating DIY costumes and learning choreography for end-of-week showcases. The program balances technical training with creative play for recreational and serious dancers.
Leaps & Turns
This focused class improves rotational technique through targeted drills and conditioning. Dancers develop spotting, balance, and spatial awareness while mastering advanced jumps and turns. The non-performance class complements other training with specialized technical development for serious students.
People
Tracey Gabelman-Hart
Founder
Tracey established Hart Dance Academy in 1986 after studying under Karen McWilliams. Her teaching philosophy combines technical rigor with joyful expression, creating a legacy that continues through her daughter Aly's leadership.
Aly Hart Summerson
Director
Aly leads the studio's daily operations while maintaining its founding vision. With decades of experience teaching and performing, she ensures the academy's continued growth while preserving its welcoming, family-oriented culture.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, tap, modern, acrodance, and specialty classes like Leaps & Turns. Our curriculum includes recreational and pre-professional tracks.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! We host annual recitals at the Lied Center plus in-studio showcases. Dance camps feature weekly performances, and Repertory students participate in external events.
What are your dress code requirements?
Specific attire varies by class but generally includes fitted dancewear, appropriate shoes, and hair secured away from face. Detailed requirements appear in class descriptions.
Do you offer summer programs?
Our Dance Camps run weekly during summer with themed performances. Each session combines dance training, arts projects, and nutrition education in a fun environment.
How experienced are your instructors?
Our staff includes professional dancers with decades of teaching experience. Many have performed nationally and hold advanced dance education credentials.
