Business Details
Your Premier Dance Education Destination in Tonawanda
Lorraine Goddard Dance Studio has been a cornerstone of dance education in Tonawanda, NY, for over 60 years. Founded on a legacy of excellence, our family-owned studio is led by four generations of experienced dance professionals, including Lorraine Goddard and her daughters. We specialize in providing comprehensive training in jazz, ballet, hip hop, tap, acro-gymnastics, lyrical, modern, and contemporary dance styles for students of all ages and skill levels. Our curriculum is designed to nurture young talent, with specialized programs for preschoolers and early elementary students to ensure a positive introduction to dance. Advanced students benefit from technical training that has prepared many for professional dance careers.Our faculty consists of certified instructors with decades of combined experience in dance education and performance. We emphasize grace, poise, and self-discipline, fostering personal growth through the art of dance. The studio maintains strict adherence to professional standards in technique, attire, and performance preparation. Our annual recital at Artpark showcases student achievements, while our structured schedule accommodates seasonal breaks and competitions. With a focus on community engagement and dance excellence, we continue to build on our legacy of creating lasting childhood memories through dance.
Services
Jazz Dance
Ballet Instruction
Hip Hop Classes
Tap Dance
Acro-Gymnastics
Lyrical Dance
Modern Dance
Contemporary Dance
Competition Teams
Preschool Dance
Highlights and features
- We offer 60+ years of proven dance education expertise
- Our family-owned studio maintains generational dance traditions
- Certified instructors provide technical excellence in multiple dance styles
- Specialized curriculum for preschoolers through advanced students
- Proven track record preparing students for professional dance careers
Services
Jazz Dance
Our jazz dance program teaches technical skills including isolations, stretching, and rhythmic patterns. Students learn age-appropriate jazz techniques from Mini Jazz (ages 8-10) through Teen Jazz (13-18). Classes focus on foundational movements that evolve with student skill levels, preparing dancers for advanced combinations and performance opportunities. This style develops coordination, musicality, and expressive movement capabilities.
Ballet Instruction
Ballet training emphasizes proper technique, body alignment, and graceful movement. We offer classes from beginner through advanced levels, including pointe work for qualified students. Our curriculum builds foundational skills that benefit all dance styles while preparing students for classical repertoire. Ballet students perform in annual recitals and develop the discipline essential for serious dance study.
Acro-Gymnastics
Acro classes combine dance with gymnastic elements like tumbling and contortion. We offer age-specific programs from Acro 4-7 through advanced levels, focusing on safe progression of skills. This style enhances flexibility, strength, and spatial awareness while integrating technical elements into dance choreography for performance settings.
Preschool Dance
Designed for toddlers (18 months-4 years), our preschool program introduces dance fundamentals through creative play. Classes develop motor skills, coordination, and musical awareness in a supportive environment. Parents participate in 'Dance With Me' classes, while older preschoolers learn basic tap, jazz, and ballet concepts in preparation for formal training.
Competition Teams
Our competitive dance teams (Pre Team through Team D) offer advanced training in tap, jazz, and ballet. Teams perform at competitions and recitals, with specialized coaching for technical excellence. Entry requires prior dance experience and placement evaluation to ensure proper skill development and team cohesion in performance settings.
People
Lorraine Goddard
Founder
With over 60 years of dance education experience, Lorraine Goddard established the studio as a family legacy in dance excellence. She continues to oversee operations and curriculum development.
Karla Feather
Instructor
Third-generation dance educator specializing in ballet technique and competition team preparation. Brings decades of performance and teaching experience to advanced student training.
Kara Feather McGinley
Instructor
Certified dance instructor focusing on jazz and contemporary styles. Develops curriculum for intermediate students and choreographs recital performances.
Kaitlyn Feather Duell
Instructor
Specializes in early childhood dance education and acro-gymnastics instruction. Trained in child development and age-appropriate movement techniques.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer jazz, ballet, hip hop, tap, acro-gymnastics, lyrical, modern, and contemporary dance classes for all ages and skill levels.
When does registration begin?
Registration for our 2025-2026 season begins July 1st, 2025 through our online parent portal system.
What are your preschool class requirements?
Our preschool classes (ages 2-4) require patent leather tap shoes, convertible tights, and proper dance attire by October 1st.
Do you offer competitive dance programs?
Yes, we offer competition teams (Pre Team through Team D) with specialized training in tap, jazz, and ballet for advanced students.
When are your recitals held?
Our annual recitals are scheduled for June 6th and 7th, 2026 at Artpark, with dress rehearsals on June 3rd and 4th.
What are your seasonal breaks?
We observe Halloween (Oct 31), Thanksgiving (Nov 27-30), Winter Break (Dec 23-Jan 1), February Break (Feb 16-22), and Spring Break (Apr 3-9).
