Business Details
50 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education for All Ages in Trenton, MI
Trenton School of Dance has been a cornerstone of dance education in the Downriver community for 50 years. Founded in 1976 by former Detroit City Ballet dancer Judy Shamanski-Menna, our studio has maintained a legacy of excellence through three generations of ownership. We provide comprehensive dance training in multiple disciplines including ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, acro, and hip hop, emphasizing technical proficiency, artistic expression, and character development. Our certified instructors bring extensive professional experience from prestigious institutions like Wayne State University and Broadway Dance Center, ensuring students receive top-quality instruction.We foster a nurturing environment where dancers of all ages and abilities can thrive, offering specialized programs for Tiny Tots through advanced students. Our commitment to dance education extends beyond technique to include team building, discipline, and performance opportunities through our acclaimed Nutcracker program and competition teams. With state-of-the-art facilities in Trenton, Michigan, we continue to uphold our founding mission of making dance accessible to all while maintaining the highest standards of artistic excellence.
Services
Ballet Classes
Tap Instruction
Jazz Dance
Contemporary Training
Hip Hop Workshops
Acro Dance
K-Pop Camp
Nutcracker Program
Competition Teams
Dance Recitals
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We offer 50 years of proven excellence in dance education
- Our instructors include certified teachers with professional performance backgrounds
- We provide age-appropriate training from Tiny Tots (ages 2-3) through advanced levels
- Our competition teams and Nutcracker program develop performance skills and confidence
- We offer flexible class options with multiple weekly sessions and combo classes
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops proper technique and artistry through structured training. Students learn foundational positions, barre work, and center combinations while building strength and grace. Classes follow Cecchetti method principles and prepare dancers for pointe work when ready. All levels from beginner to advanced are available.
Tap Instruction
Tap classes focus on developing clear sounds, rhythm patterns, and improvisation skills. Students progress through technical levels while learning various tap styles from Broadway to contemporary. Emphasis on musicality and foot coordination benefits all dancers regardless of primary discipline.
Jazz Dance
Our jazz program combines technical training with performance quality. Dancers learn isolations, turns, leaps, and choreography spanning multiple jazz styles. Classes incorporate current trends while maintaining foundational techniques, preparing students for both competition and recreational dance opportunities.
K-Pop Camp
This specialty camp offers high-energy K-Pop choreography instruction with themed crafts and performance elements. Designed for ages 5-11, the program develops coordination, group synchronization, and stage presence through popular Korean pop music and dance routines in a fun, supportive environment.
Nutcracker Program
Our annual Nutcracker production provides performance experience for dedicated dancers. Participants rehearse classical ballet repertoire while learning stagecraft and ensemble work. The program maintains traditions established over decades while incorporating fresh interpretations to engage new generations of performers and audiences.
People
Sarah Renko
Owner
Sarah Renko, owner since 2021, trained at Trenton School of Dance before earning her Bachelor of Science in Dance from Wayne State University. Certified by Dance Masters of America and Acrobatic Arts, she continues the studio's legacy while implementing modern teaching methods.
Lisa Walker
Instructor
Lisa Walker brings over 25 years of teaching and performance experience. A former Broadway Dance Center intern, she specializes in jazz, tap, and hip hop while holding a full-time engineering position at Ford Motor Company.
Christa Callahan
Instructor
Christa Callahan, with 20 years of dance education experience, trained at Trenton School of Dance and Wayne State University. She combines competitive dance expertise with musical theatre performance experience while maintaining library professional commitments.
Mackenzie Toth
Instructor
Mackenzie Toth, a Trenton School of Dance alumna, currently studies dance at Eastern Michigan University. As competition team director, she applies her training in ballet, tap, jazz, and acro to develop young performers.
Stephanie Plansker
Instructor
Stephanie Plansker, a Cecchetti Council of America licentiate, holds a dance degree from University of North Texas. With extensive performance experience, she teaches ballet, lyrical, and modern while serving on national dance education committees.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, acro, hip hop, and specialty programs like K-Pop dance camp.
What age groups do you teach?
We teach children ages 2-3 (Tiny Tots) through advanced students with age-appropriate curriculum.
Do you have a recital program?
Yes, our season concludes with a May recital showcasing students' progress and performances.
Are there class discounts available?
We offer multiple class discounts (10-20% off) and family member discounts (10-15% off) for siblings.
How do I register for classes?
Register through our website's registration tab or contact the studio directly for approval and enrollment.
