Dancing is something we’re born with, even babies instinctively groove to music. Lawrence Arts Center’s School of Dance provides a safe and inclusive space to explore all forms of dance and expressive movement from introductory classes to our pre-professional company.
Whether you want to connect with a community and experience the joy of dance, or you’re interested in mastering dance styles with trajectory-based courses, you’ll find what’re looking for with our dance classes in Lawrence.
Or choose your own adventure in our program for a well-rounded dance education. Our financial aid availability ensures our classes are accessible to all, so don’t let cost hold you back!
We’re committed to providing the greater Lawrence area and midwest region with a facility that welcomes them into the wide and wonderful world of dance.
This includes two spacious dance studios equipped with everything practicing dancers need, as well as a 300-seat theatre, black box theatre and multiple dance studio spaces, all on the Lawrence Arts Center campus.
Hanan Misko
Dance Program Director
Claire Buss
Dance Program Coordinator
Cynthia Crews
Artistic Director of Lawrence Ballet Theatre
Liat Roth
Lawrence Ballet Theatre & Dance Program Assistant
Allison McNellis
Dance Instructor
Annie Stark
Dance Instructor
Betsy McCafferty
Dance Instructor
Donna Jo Harkrider
Dance Instructor
Emmy Easley
Dance & Pilates Instructor
Justin Harbaugh
Director of Performing Arts
Katie Moshier
Dance Instructor
Michelle Heffner Hayes
Dance Instructor
Paige Patterson Comparato
Dance Instructor
Shannon M Pickett
Dance Instructor
Stephanie Wirth
Dance Instructor
Wanwan Cai
Dance Instructor
Interested in enrolling in a dance class in Lawrence? We have financial aid and dance scholarships available to those who need it to ensure classes are accessible to everyone.
Art is for Everyone
Lawrence Arts Center is here to ensure anyone—of any age and any background—can connect with a supportive community and flex their creative muscles. With contemporary exhibitions, performances, and an array of music education classes for adults and kids, everyone will find something that’s right for them.
Our primary state-of-the-art facility at 940 New Hampshire St. features classrooms, studios, theatres, and more. To further support the community, we also have a space for classes and rehearsal at 10th & Mass Studios.
In Lawrence, there’s nowhere else that can provide the same scope of options as Lawrence Arts Center. We’re proud to offer the community an inclusive, safe space for anyone to channel their creativity through dance. Our high quality pre-professional programs and introductory courses alike focus on developing students socially and emotionally.
Dance classes of all kinds go far beyond simply teaching you techniques and expanding your knowledge of the art. You can embrace everything you need to build your confidence in movement, all while building relationships with the community around you. Everything we do at Lawrence Arts Center supports our larger goal of connecting, exploring, and growing together with you.
A community that embraces the arts as part of everyone’s daily life will lead to a more inclusive and connected community, and what could be better than that? Engaging in dance classes gives you the opportunity to be a lifelong learner and grow friendships while you’re at it. Not to mention the fact that dance is unquestionably good for your health and wellness.
There’s the obvious benefit that comes with moving your body. Dancing is one of the most fun exercises you can do, plus it engages your full body and gets your blood pumping! Creative outlets like dance relieve stress and enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which is a pretty great benefit coming from something that is also enjoyable and accessible to everyone. Dance class curriculum at Lawrence Arts Center is skill-based to help students set and achieve individual goals.
Are you ready to connect with a community and engage in unique experiences you can’t find anywhere else? The team at Lawrence Arts Center is here for you! Through our extensive selection of dance classes and our financial aid availability, everyone has the opportunity to find their inner dancer.
