Business Details
18 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in Lima, Ohio
Founded in 2008 by Jill and Marty Garlock, The Arts Center has established itself as a premier destination for arts education in West Central Ohio. Our success stems from a commitment to providing positive, fun, and age-appropriate classes taught by a highly trained and certified staff. We offer three distinct dance programs tailored to meet the needs of students at every stage of development, from early childhood through adulthood. Our Early Childhood Dance Program (ages 1-6) introduces foundational skills, while the Classic Dance Program (ages 7-18) and Performance Dance Company Program (ages 6-18) build technical proficiency and performance experience. With classes in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip hop, lyrical, tumbling, and acrobatics, we ensure comprehensive training across multiple disciplines.Beyond our core curriculum, we provide wedding party dances, private lessons, in-house workshops, fitness classes, and birthday parties to serve diverse community needs. Our guest artist series brings master teachers directly to our studio, eliminating the need for travel while maintaining high educational standards. Summer programs include ballet intensives, aerial silks training, and themed camps that keep students engaged year-round. As a growing institution, we are actively expanding our offerings to include music and drama lessons, positioning ourselves as a one-stop school for the performing arts.
Services
Ballet Classes
Tap Instruction
Jazz Dance Training
Hip Hop Workshops
Aerial Silks
Summer Dance Camps
Private Lessons
Performance Company
Wedding Dance Prep
Fitness Classes
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- Certified instructors with professional dance experience
- Three-tiered program structure for all skill levels
- Master classes with industry professionals on-site
- Award-winning performance company with competition success
- Comprehensive summer training and specialty camps
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops foundational technique through structured classes for ages 1-18. Students progress through levels mastering pointe work, barre exercises, and performance pieces. Certified instructors focus on proper alignment and artistic expression while preparing dancers for advanced training or competitive opportunities.
Aerial Silks
This specialty program teaches aerial silks techniques with expert instruction in climbs, wraps, and aerial poses. Classes build upper body strength and spatial awareness while creating dynamic performance routines. Limited-space workshops with guest artist Jessica Johnson provide advanced training for dedicated students seeking unique performance experiences.
Summer Camps
Two summer sessions offer intensive training in ballet, contemporary, and themed performance workshops. Students maintain technical proficiency during school breaks while exploring new styles like Broadway jazz and character dance. Camps include Friday Fundamentals classes with master teachers and preparation for national competition routines.
Performance Company
Audition-based company provides competitive and community performance opportunities. Members receive advanced training in choreography, stage presence, and ensemble work. The program includes annual recitals at Lima Veterans Memorial Civic Center and participation in regional competitions with award-winning results.
Private Lessons
Customized instruction available for solo performance preparation, wedding choreography, or skill-specific improvement. Sessions focus on personalized goals with one-on-one attention from certified instructors. Popular for students needing extra technique refinement or creating unique performance pieces outside regular class schedules.
People
Jill Garlock
Studio Director
Co-founder with 17 years of dance education experience. Certified instructor specializing in ballet and pointe technique. Oversees curriculum development and master teacher collaborations while maintaining active involvement in student training programs.
Karin Dorsey
Dance Instructor
Experienced educator teaching jazz, hip hop, and contemporary styles. Focuses on musicality and performance energy while preparing students for competition routines and recital numbers. Regularly contributes choreography for seasonal showcases and community events.
Gina Sabol
Dance Instructor
Specializes in lyrical and modern dance instruction with emphasis on emotional expression and fluid movement. Develops choreography for annual recitals and mentors students in creating award-winning solo and group performances.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We provide instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, modern, acrobatics, and aerial silks for ages 1-18.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Annual recitals at Lima Veterans Memorial Civic Center, community events like Autumn Jubilee, and competition team performances.
Do you offer summer programs?
Our June and July sessions include ballet intensives, aerial silks workshops, and themed camps with master teacher instruction.
How do auditions work for the dance company?
Annual auditions evaluate technical skill and performance potential. Selected members receive advanced training and compete regionally.
Can adults join classes?
Yes! We offer adult fitness classes and community workshops for all experience levels.
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