Joan’s Studio of Dance

Joan’s Studio of Dance offers classes in Cecchetti classical ballet, tap, character, jazz, ballet, hip hop, lyrical, modern, contemporary, and Spanish dancing. Ballet classes follow the Cecchetti method, including Primary I, II, and III, Grades I, II, III, IV, and professional Grades V, VI, VII, and Diploma. The program also includes jazz classes for ages 5 and up, hip hop for ages 5 and up, and a teen tap class.

• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Schedule: Classes run during a dance year that begins in September and ends in June, with Primary, Grade, Pointe, and Non-Syllabus class options offered on weekday afternoons and evenings.

Joan’s Studio of Dance has been training dancers of all ages for over 40 years and has operated in its current city since 1973. Joan’s Studio of Dance is a Cecchetti Certified Ballet School. The school year runs from September through June and ends with an annual recital. Joan is a Cecchetti fellow of the Cecchetti Council of America, has been a member of the Council for 46 years, and holds an advanced professional teachers certificate in classical ballet. Her teaching method is derived from a graded syllabus by Al Gilbert and Glenn Shipley, and she has also taught tap. Jillaine has passed her Grade 7 Advanced Professional Exam and up to her Grade 3 teachers exam with the Cecchetti Method of Ballet, while Gabrielle and Miah have each passed their Grade 5 Cecchetti exam. The leadership team includes owner Joan Zuehlke and dance instructors Jillaine Laughlin, Gabrielle Singleton, Molly Bettencourt, Juliette Singleton, Miah Mallery, Hannah Martin, Autumn Robbins, and Seanne McElrath. The program states that it believes dance can be enjoyed by all and builds grace, poise, and self confidence both on and off the stage. Joan performed with a touring group during World War II, entertaining servicemen in camps and hospitals with USO shows, and Seanne has participated in many local events for the arts.

Last updated June 16, 2026.