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Bust a move with these McMinnville, Tennessee area dance classes

McMinnville, Tennessee, offers a vibrant dance community with classes available for dancers of all skill levels.

Whether your child is taking their first steps in ballet or your young adult has ben dancing for years, there are excellent studios within a 15-minute drive of downtown McMinnville.

To create this guide, we spoke with local parents, reviewed online ratings and reviews on Google, Facebook, and Yelp, and confirmed class offerings through each program’s official website or direct contact. Every program listed here has been recommended by families for its positive environment, experienced instructors, and supportive approach to helping children grow.

Consider these dance classes for your little dancer:

1. Paula’s Dance Academy

Paula’s Dance Academy offers a variety of dance classes, including ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary, tap, hip-hop, leaps and turns, and acrobatics. With classes available for ages 3 and up, the academy focuses on fostering a love for dance in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Things to Know:

  • The faculty at Paula’s has a reputation for being skilled, nurturing, and enthusiastic about dance education.
  • Classes build strong foundations in classical and contemporary dance, preparing students for performance and/or competition if desired.
  • The academy hosts an annual recital, giving dancers the experience of performing on stage in full costume.
  • Multiple class times for different age groups make it easier for families to find something that fits their schedule.
  • Parents consistently note how encouraging the staff is, creating a safe and motivating space for children to grow.

What families are saying:

A Facebook parent shared,

My girls has been dancing here since last year an they love it

Address: 119 W. Main Street, Suite 3, McMinnville, TN 37110
Phone: (931) 473-0505
Website: facebook.com/paulasdanceacademy
Ages: 3 years and up

2. Cannon Arts Dance Studio (Woodbury – approx. 15 mins from McMinnville)

Located approximately 15 minutes from McMinnville in Woodbury, TN, Cannon Arts Dance Studio offers classes in classical ballet (including pre-pointe and pointe), tap, jazz, hip-hop, clogging, and lyrical dance.

The studio is dedicated to developing proper technique while fostering self-expression and confidence in students.

We spoke to Cannon Arts Dance Studio and they shared, “Our ballet program elevates our foundation, our hiphop provides the soul, our jazz keeps us groovin’, our tap syncopates at the highest levels, and our clogging connects its country roots to modern interpretation. And underneath all of these dancing feet, offering the dancer the utmost protection, is the only certified wooden sprung dance floor within a hundred miles. The floor’s white oak planks connect with Cannon County’s heritage and our studio programming connects with the community, donating instruction to local schools, special needs students, and ballet training for football players.”

What to Know:

  • Cannon Arts has a strong classical ballet program, including pre-pointe and pointe, taught with precision and care.
  • Dancers perform annually at McMinnville’s Park Theater — a great local venue that gives kids a professional stage experience.
  • The studio is deeply involved in local events and parades, offering dancers more opportunities to perform throughout the year.
  • In addition to ballet, Cannon Arts teaches lyrical, hip-hop, clogging, and jazz, so kids can explore multiple styles as they grow.
  • Students are grouped by both age and ability level, allowing for developmentally appropriate instruction that promotes both skill and confidence.

What families are saying:

A Facebook review shared,

Great staff and always excellent atmosphere. My daughter loved learning to dance here.

Address: 211 W. Main Street, Woodbury, TN 37190
Phone: (615) 563-9122
Website: cannonartsdance.com

3. Whirly Twirlies Dance Studio (located within 30 minutes of McMinnville)

Whirly Twirlies Dance Studio offers fun, non-competitive ballet and tap dance classes for children, aiming to make dance accessible and enjoyable for all.

Things to Know:

  • Classes for children aged 2–13; jazz available for ages 8–13.
  • No sign-up fees; affordable monthly rates.
  • Annual recital held at the end of the school year.
  • Focuses on building confidence and enjoyment in dance.

Location Details: