Business Details
Your Premier Dance School in Green Bay
At Shirley Van's Dance Studio & Performing Arts School Company, we have dedicated ourselves to inspiring and empowering dancers of all ages through exceptional instruction rooted in a legacy that began in the 1950s. Our mission is to provide high-quality training in a supportive environment where proper technique and personal growth go hand in hand. Our students develop confidence, artistry, and life skills that extend beyond the studio, creating a foundation for lifelong success. With a focus on community and inclusivity, we foster creativity and collaboration through dynamic, story-driven performances that resonate with audiences and enrich the local arts culture.Our team of experienced instructors brings decades of expertise, having trained under renowned professionals and contributed to the artistic landscape of Green Bay through choreography, education, and mentorship. We pride ourselves on maintaining a welcoming environment where dancers and their families feel at home, building lasting relationships and a shared passion for dance.
Services
Dance Classes for Ages 3+
Ballet Instruction
Performance Group Training
Adult Dance Classes
Jazz Dance Instruction
Tap Dance Instruction
Contemporary Dance Instruction
Musical Theater Workshops
Dance Company Performances
Zumba Fitness Classes
Highlights and features
- We offer over 60 years of legacy in dance education with expert instructors trained by renowned professionals.
- Our performance-based programs prioritize community and inclusivity through story-driven productions.
- We provide personalized instruction for dancers ages 3 through adults in diverse styles.
- Our team includes award-winning choreographers and former professional dancers.
- We foster lifelong friendships and a supportive environment for artistic growth.
What people say
Welcoming environment
Amazing teachers
Confidence and artistry
Lifelong friendships
Family-like atmosphere
Services
Dance Classes for Ages 3+
Our age-appropriate dance classes for children aged 3 and up introduce fundamental techniques while fostering creativity and joy. With experienced instructors specializing in early childhood movement, we create a nurturing environment where young dancers develop coordination, rhythm, and social skills. Each session culminates in a recital performance that builds confidence and showcases progress.
Performance Group Training
This advanced program develops dancers through full-length theatrical productions requiring audition-based participation. Students receive specialized coaching in character development, ensemble work, and stagecraft while preparing for biannual performances. The curriculum emphasizes artistic growth, discipline, and collaborative storytelling for dancers aged 8 and older.
Adult Dance Classes
Designed for adult learners, our dance classes offer a fun, non-competitive environment to explore various styles from beginner to intermediate levels. Focusing on fitness, coordination, and self-expression, these classes cater to both returning dancers and complete beginners seeking a creative workout in a supportive community setting.
Ballet Instruction
Our ballet program provides comprehensive training from foundational techniques to advanced pointe work, following a structured curriculum developed through decades of experience. Students benefit from personalized attention in classes that emphasize proper alignment, musicality, and artistic expression under the guidance of instructors with professional performance backgrounds.
Zumba Fitness Classes
These energetic group fitness classes combine Latin and international music rhythms with dance moves to create an enjoyable, calorie-burning workout. Led by certified instructors, sessions focus on cardiovascular health, coordination, and stress relief while maintaining the fun, non-intimidating atmosphere that characterizes all our programs.
People
Shirley Van
Founder & Artistic Director
Shirley established the studio over 60 years ago and continues teaching daily. She founded the company's predecessor in the 1950s and has choreographed over 40 Nutcracker productions. Her expertise spans classical ballet and multiple dance styles, with recognition for community contributions.
Carrie Wielgus
Studio Director & Artistic Director
With 40+ years of experience, Carrie has performed in numerous productions including The Nutcracker and Beauty and the Beast. She serves as Show Director and brings expertise from rhythmic gymnastics and All-American athletic achievements to her instructional approach.
Jami Goodman
Assistant Artistic Director
A 30+ year dance veteran, Jami has performed leading roles in major productions and coached award-winning dance teams. She balances her role as Library Media Specialist with teaching responsibilities, bringing educational expertise to her dance instruction methods.
Michael Palubicki
Stage Director
Former principal dancer with 40+ years of experience, Michael has performed in over 20 major productions. His theater expertise includes acting, directing, and set design for community theater productions ranging from classical plays to musicals.
Bryanna Gauger
Dance Instructor
Teaching since 2013 with expertise in tap and musical theater, Bryanna combines classroom teaching experience with performance credentials from Christian Youth Theater and Dance Company productions. She brings educational insights from her elementary school teaching background.
Questions
What age groups do you offer dance classes for?
We provide dance instruction for children starting at age 3 through adult classes, with specialized programs tailored to different skill levels and developmental stages.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
All classes participate in our annual Spring Recital, with additional performance group options available for dancers aged 8+ in our production-based program.
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, musical theater, and Zumba, with specialized focus areas in both classical and modern dance techniques.
Do instructors have professional dance experience?
Our teaching staff includes former professional dancers, award-winning choreographers, and educators with decades of combined experience in performance and dance education.
How can I register for classes?
Registration details, class schedules, and required forms are available on our website under the 'Classes' section with online registration options provided.
