Business Details
46 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in Sidney, Ohio
Sharon's School of Dance has been a cornerstone of dance education and community engagement in Sidney, Ohio since 1980. Founded by Sharon Arnold, our studio has nurtured generations of dancers through comprehensive instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, acro, contemporary, and musical theater. With over four decades of experience, we combine technical excellence with a commitment to fostering self-expression and confidence in students of all ages. Our team of seasoned instructors, including owner Molly McFarland, brings professional expertise from national and international dance scenes to create a dynamic learning environment.We emphasize the therapeutic value of dance in today's technology-driven world, filling critical gaps in arts education while maintaining rigorous standards of technique and artistry. Through community performances, youth programs, and semi-professional productions, we continue to expand our impact while preserving the founding vision of making dance accessible to all.
Services
Ballet Classes
Tap Dance
Jazz Instruction
Acro Training
Contemporary Dance
Musical Theater
Pointe Work
Adult Classes
Partnering Techniques
Community Performances
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of proven dance education expertise in Shelby County
- Our instructors include professional dancers with national performance experience
- We provide therapeutic movement programs addressing modern sensory challenges
- Our curriculum spans 12 progressive class levels with personalized placement
- We maintain rigorous technical standards while fostering creative expression
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through structured training from beginner to advanced levels. Students learn proper body alignment, classical positions, and progressive choreography while building strength and flexibility. The curriculum emphasizes self-correction and performance quality, preparing dancers for both recreational and professional paths in classical dance.
Acro Training
Acro classes combine dance and acrobatics to develop strength, balance, and spatial awareness. Students progress through skill levels learning cartwheels, handstands, and advanced tumbling sequences while maintaining proper body alignment. The program integrates dance technique with acrobatic elements to create dynamic performance-ready skills for dancers aged 5-18.
Musical Theater
This interdisciplinary program trains students in the triple threat skills of singing, dancing, and acting. Participants learn Broadway-style choreography, vocal techniques, and character development while working on full production numbers. The curriculum prepares students for stage performances and builds confidence in all aspects of theatrical presentation.
Adult Classes
Designed for dancers aged 16+, our adult classes focus on maintaining physical fitness and artistic expression through varied dance styles. Each session includes technical warm-ups, coordination exercises, and choreography that accommodates different experience levels. These classes provide a welcoming environment for recreation and creative self-expression.
Contemporary Dance
Our contemporary program emphasizes body awareness, improvisation, and emotional expression through movement. Students develop technical versatility while exploring different choreographic styles and movement qualities. The curriculum builds from foundational techniques to advanced performance skills, fostering individual artistry within a structured framework.
People
Molly McFarland
Owner/Director
With 35+ years of dance experience, Molly McFarland leads Sharon's School of Dance as owner and artistic director. She brings extensive professional background in teaching, choreography, and dance administration from Chicago's dance industry and continues to shape the studio's artistic vision.
Sharon Arnold Eikenberry
Founder
Sharon Arnold established the school in 1980 after professional dance training in New York and Chicago. As a Sidney High graduate and local arts advocate, she built the studio's reputation for excellence before passing leadership to Molly McFarland in 2018.
Maureen Joines
Vocal Director
Maureen Joines combines music education expertise with decades of local theater experience. As both office manager and vocal director, she contributes administrative leadership and musical direction to the studio's productions while maintaining educational standards.
Melody Joines
Instructor
Melody Joines teaches acro and ballet while balancing her role as new mother. With nine years of training at the studio and professional experience in local productions, she represents the next generation of instructors continuing the school's legacy.
Elizabeth Shaw
Dance Instructor
Elizabeth 'Lizzy' Shaw brings 19 years of dance experience to her teaching role. A former student turned instructor, she combines formal dance training with social work studies to create holistic learning experiences that connect movement with emotional well-being.
Questions
What age groups do you accept for dance classes?
We offer classes for children as young as 2.5 years old through adult programs, with specific placement based on age and skill level.
How are class levels determined at Sharon's School of Dance?
Class placements are evaluated by instructors and the director based on age, technical ability, and previous dance experience to ensure proper skill development.
What payment methods do you accept for registration and tuition?
We accept online payments and checks for registration fees, with gift certificates available in various denominations for flexible payment options.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes! Students participate in annual productions like The Nutcracker and have opportunities to join the semi-professional Sidney Dance Company.
What happens if a student misses a class?
Missed classes can be made up during the same quarter in equivalent classes, with notification required to maintain enrollment status.
Do you offer summer dance programs?
While not explicitly stated, our regular programming runs year-round with seasonal breaks, and instructors often have extended availability during summer months.