Business Details
46 Years
experience
Your Premier Dance Education Destination in Manchester
Briscuso Dance Studio has been a cornerstone of dance education in Manchester, MO since 1980. Founded by Judy Briscuso in her basement, our studio has grown into a premier destination for dance training while maintaining the family-oriented culture that defined our origins. Our mission centers on nurturing confident dancers through age-appropriate curricula taught by professional instructors who emphasize technical excellence and life skills. We pride ourselves on creating a positive atmosphere where students develop dedication, work ethic, and self-esteem under the guidance of mentors who understand the transformative power of dance. With three generations of students returning to experience our unique approach, we continue to evolve while honoring the values established by our founder. Our team of experienced educators combines formal training with real-world expertise to deliver instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary styles.We measure success not just through technical proficiency but through the character development of our students, preparing them to become both skilled dancers and compassionate individuals. Our facilities in Boardwalk Plaza accommodate expanding programs while maintaining the intimate environment that fosters personal growth. From recreational classes to competitive teams, we provide opportunities for dancers of all levels to thrive. Our annual recitals and special events like the VIP Dance tradition create lasting memories while showcasing our commitment to excellence. With over four decades of service, we remain dedicated to advancing dance education while nurturing the whole person.
Services
Ballet Classes
Tap Instruction
Jazz Dance Training
Competition Teams
Recital Performances
Birthday Parties
Summer Intensives
Adult Dance Classes
Acrobatics Programs
Choreography Services
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of experience in dance education with generational continuity
- Our instructors emphasize both technical excellence and character development
- We maintain a family-oriented culture with personalized student attention
- Our competition teams have earned national championships and recognition
- We provide age-appropriate curriculum developed by certified dance professionals
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical proficiency through structured training in classical techniques. Students learn proper body alignment, grace, and discipline while progressing through recognized skill levels. Classes emphasize foundational movements that enhance overall dance ability and physical coordination.
Competition Teams
Our award-winning competition teams provide advanced training in multiple dance styles. Members receive specialized coaching to develop performance skills while learning choreography for regional and national competitions. The program emphasizes teamwork, artistic expression, and technical excellence.
Recital Performances
Annual recitals showcase student achievements through professionally produced stage performances. Dancers participate in age-appropriate routines that demonstrate their technical progress and artistic development. The event includes costume presentations and special traditions like the VIP Dance.
Birthday Parties
Custom dance-themed birthday celebrations include one hour of instruction and 30 minutes of cake time. Packages feature theme-based choreography, special activities for the birthday child, and professional supervision. Optional princess meet-and-greet characters enhance the celebration experience.
Summer Intensives
Our summer programs offer concentrated dance training through specialized workshops and master classes. Students receive advanced instruction in multiple styles while developing performance skills. The intensives include technique classes and choreography sessions for competitive dancers.
People
Julie Briscuso DeYoung
Owner and Teacher
Julie has taught dance for over 25 years, specializing in ballet, tap, and jazz. She combines her education background with practical experience to develop age-appropriate curricula that emphasize technical skill and character development.
Judy Briscuso
Founder
With over 50 years of dance experience, Judy established the studio in 1980 and continues teaching the VIP dance. Her approach combines technical instruction with life skills development, creating a family-oriented learning environment.
Amber Lewis
Competition Team Director
Amber brings extensive competitive dance experience as a former professional dancer and award-winning instructor. She has coached national champions and serves as head coach of our competition teams.
Ashley Hardaway
Acrobatics Program Director
Ashley specializes in acrobatic training with 12 years of competitive gymnastics coaching experience. She choreographs for competition teams and teaches specialized tumbling techniques to enhance dance performance.
Marissa Hackerson
Gemstone Jazz Director
Marissa has over a decade of teaching experience with expertise in jazz and musical theater. She combines her psychology background with performance experience to develop well-rounded dance artists.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, and acrobatics programs for students of all skill levels.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Our annual recital features all students, and we offer competition teams with regional and national performance opportunities.
What age groups do you teach?
We provide age-appropriate instruction for children starting at age 3 through adult classes, with specialized programs for different developmental stages.
Do you offer birthday party packages?
Yes, we host customized dance-themed birthday parties with instruction, games, and celebration activities for children ages 3 and up.
How are instructors qualified?
Our teaching staff includes certified professionals with extensive performance and competition experience, plus specialized training in dance education.
What is your studio philosophy?
We focus on developing both technical skill and character through a positive environment that emphasizes teamwork, dedication, and self-confidence.
