Bates Dance Studios

Business Details

Your Trusted Dance School in Manhattan, KS

Bates Dance Studios has been dedicated to nurturing dance education and performance opportunities for students of all skill levels. Our mission is to create an environment where students can learn, develop, and showcase current dance techniques. With decades of combined experience, our instructors bring expertise in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, and modern dance, emphasizing proper technique and artistic expression. We offer structured programs for children and adults, including performance groups like Bates Pride Dancers, Gems, and Sparklers, which participate in local and national events. Our commitment to quality instruction is reflected in our comprehensive curriculum, which aligns with seasonal schedules and culminates in annual recitals at venues like McCain Auditorium.

We prioritize personalized attention, flexible enrollment options, and community engagement through performances at events such as Purple Power Play on Poyntz and nursing home visits. Our team of certified instructors, including owner Gyll Bates, brings extensive professional experience from institutions like Kansas State University and Los Angeles-based dance centers. We maintain transparent policies regarding tuition, registration fees, and class schedules, ensuring clarity for families. Our studio fosters a supportive atmosphere where students build technical proficiency, creativity, and confidence. As a member of the Manhattan Arts Center community program, we actively contribute to the cultural vibrancy of the region.

Services

Ballet Classes Jazz Classes Tap Classes Lyrical Classes Performance Groups Summer Workshops Private Lessons Audition Preparation Costume Assistance Recital Production

Highlights and features

We offer 40+ years of combined teaching experience from certified instructors.
Our performance groups compete nationally and perform at local community events.
Flexible enrollment includes fall/spring semesters and summer sessions.
Transparent pricing with 10% semester discounts and $15 family registration fees.
We provide personalized class placement guidance for students of all levels.

Website

Update Listing

Services

Ballet Classes

Our ballet program develops technical precision and grace through Vaganova and classical training methods. Students learn proper posture, barre exercises, and center combinations while building strength and flexibility. Classes cater to ages 3+ with progressive levels from beginner to advanced, preparing dancers for performances and competitions.

Performance Groups

Bates Pride Dancers, Gems, and Sparklers offer competitive and community performance opportunities. Advanced groups require weekly technique, ballet, and jazz classes alongside rehearsals. Members gain stage experience through recitals, local events, and national competitions while developing teamwork and artistic expression.

Summer Sessions

Intensive summer programs run four days weekly in June, focusing on skill development and choreography. Classes include ballet, jazz, tap, and lyrical with flexible enrollment options. These sessions prepare students for fall/spring semesters and provide concentrated training for technique improvement.

Lyrical Classes

Lyrical instruction emphasizes emotional storytelling through fluid movements set to music. Students combine ballet and jazz techniques to create expressive routines, focusing on musicality, dynamics, and performance quality. Classes are available for intermediate to advanced dancers aged 8+.

Tap Classes

Tap programs teach rhythm, coordination, and percussive footwork using specialized shoes. Classes range from beginner to advanced levels, covering Broadway-style tap and improvisation. Adult tap sessions offer accessible fitness-focused instruction while maintaining technical development.

People

Gyll Bates

Owner/Instructor/Choreographer

With over 40 years of dance experience, Gyll founded Bates Dance Studios and teaches all genres. She studied in Ohio and New York, bringing expertise in technique and choreography to Kansas State University collaborations.

Heidi Hilton

Director (Manhattan)/Instructor/Choreographer

Heidi directs the Manhattan studio and advanced performance groups. As a judge and choreographer, she brings industry expertise from Los Angeles training centers and national competition experience.

Mindy Dryden

Director of Gems & Sparklers/Instructor/Choreographer

Mindy trained at Bates Dance Studios, Kansas State University, and LA's Edge Performing Arts Center. She teaches multiple genres and manages office operations while choreographing for intermediate performance groups.

Sladana Hudson

Instructor/Choreographer

Sladana specializes in Vaganova ballet technique from Sarajevo's School of Performing Arts. She teaches classical ballet while incorporating experience from Kansas State University's dance program.

Aidan

Instructor/Choreographer

Aidan contributes choreography expertise across multiple dance styles, working with students to develop technical proficiency and stage presence in performance-focused classes.

Questions

Can I enroll at any time during the year?

Fall/spring enrollment closes October 31st, with best timing June-September. Summer session enrollment runs April-May. Spring semester has limited openings for younger students.

Are performance groups automatically enrolled each year?

No, auditions occur annually in April. Students must re-audition for Bates Pride Dancers, Gems, or Sparklers each season to maintain group membership.

What payment methods do you accept?

Manhattan studio accepts online payments, checks by mail, cash, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Junction City location takes checks by mail and in-person payments only.

Do you offer make-up classes for missed sessions?

We don't schedule formal make-ups, but students may attend comparable classes with teacher permission. Contact staff to arrange alternative class attendance.

How are class placements determined for children?

Younger students follow a progression: 3-year-old class → pre-dance → advanced pre-dance → combo → advanced combo. Experienced 5-year-olds may start at advanced pre-dance level.

What happens during weather-related closures?

Check our website homepage for closure announcements. School cancellations don't automatically affect dance classes - we decide closures independently based on conditions.