Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance Studio in North Raleigh
Nan's School Of Dance has been sharing the love of dance since 1975, rooted in a family tradition of teaching and community engagement. Our three family-owned locations in North Carolina provide top-quality dance instruction for all ages and skill levels, emphasizing technical proficiency alongside character development. We offer diverse classes from ballet to hip hop, designed to challenge students while fostering self-discipline, poise, and confidence. Our Competitive Company Team gives passionate dancers opportunities to excel in local competitions, reflecting our commitment to artistic growth and community enrichment. With professionally-trained instructors and state-of-the-art facilities, we create a supportive environment where students thrive.We prioritize accessibility through affordable pricing, free trial classes, and kid-friendly music. Our studios feature cushioned floors, mirrors, and barres to ensure safe and effective training. Since our founding in Yadkinville, NC, we have expanded while maintaining our core mission of bringing joy and technical instruction to families. We host annual recitals and birthday parties to celebrate student achievements and make dance accessible to all. Our experienced team, including director Hillary White, brings decades of expertise to every class and event.
Services
Ballet Classes
Hip Hop Instruction
Competitive Dance Team
Birthday Parties
Acro Dance
Mommy & Me Classes
Contemporary Dance
Tap Instruction
Summer Dance Camps
Recital Performances
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1975 with three generations of dance expertise
- Offers free trial classes September through January
- Competitive team won High Golds and Platinums at regional competitions
- Professionally-trained instructors with kid-friendly teaching methods
- Fully-equipped studios with cushioned floors for safe training
What people say
Instructors are AMAZING
Helped our little one grow
Build confidence
Passionate teachers
Excellent competitive program
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program builds foundational technique while nurturing grace and discipline. Students learn classical positions, barre exercises, and choreography in a supportive environment. Classes emphasize proper alignment and musicality for ages 3 to adults.
Competitive Dance Team
This award-winning team offers advanced training in multiple styles for grades 2-12. Dancers receive master classes and compete regionally, earning High Golds and Platinums. The program develops stage presence, teamwork, and technical excellence through rigorous rehearsals.
Mommy & Me Classes
Designed for 18-month to 2.5-year-olds, these classes introduce movement basics through playful activities. Parents participate in structured exercises that develop coordination, rhythm, and social skills while bonding with their child in a joyful setting.
Summer Dance Camps
Four-week summer sessions offer themed dance experiences for ages 3-10. Each week includes technique training, choreography, and games with costume elements. Classes run July 7-29, culminating in informal showcase elements for family viewing.
Birthday Parties
Nans hosts 90-minute dance parties for children aged 3-10 with themed decorations and costume accessories. The package includes dance instruction, games, and 30 minutes for cake and presents. Up to 10 guests accommodated with additional fees for larger groups.
People
Hillary White
Director
Hillary White, daughter of founder Nan Holt Smith, has directed the Raleigh location since 2012. With lifelong dance experience and teaching expertise, she maintains the studio's tradition of excellence while innovating programming for modern students.
Jennifer Grinwis
Studio Director
Jennifer Grinwis oversees Greensboro and Yadkinville operations since 2002. As Nan Holt Smith's oldest daughter, she brings decades of family dance education experience to program development and instructor training across multiple locations.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, acro, and pre-dance classes. Our competitive team also works in musical theatre and advanced choreography styles.
Do you have classes for very young children?
Yes! We offer Mommy & Me classes for 18-month-olds and Pre-Dance classes for 3-year-olds with age-appropriate instruction focusing on basic movement and coordination.
Are dance shoes required?
Yes, proper dance shoes are required for all classes. We recommend purchasing shoes with room to grow and sell them during registration events for convenience.
Can parents watch classes?
Parents can observe through lobby windows or monitors. We ask that adults not enter studios during class to maintain focus and equal access for all families.
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, we provide one free trial class September through January, allowing families to experience our teaching style and class structure before committing.
What are recital requirements?
Recitals are optional but encouraged. Costume fees are due November 10th, with participation decisions required by that date if opting out of the spring performance.
