Registration
We are excited to welcome both returning and new students to Northern Michigan Dance Academy for the 2026–2027 season!
Whether your dancer is taking their very first class or continuing their dance journey, we are committed to providing a positive, encouraging environment where every student is challenged, supported, and inspired to grow.
Our Mission
At Northern Michigan Dance Academy, we believe dance is about more than learning steps. Through experienced instruction in classical ballet and modern dance, we help dancers develop confidence, discipline, artistry, and a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts.
Our mission is to provide high-quality dance education in a supportive environment where students learn the value of commitment, perseverance, respect, teamwork, and self-confidence. Every class, rehearsal, and performance is an opportunity for dancers to grow not only as performers, but as individuals.
While some dancers may pursue dance beyond the studio, our greatest hope is that every student leaves NMDA with a lifelong appreciation for the arts and the confidence and character to succeed wherever life leads them.
Why Families Choose NMDA
Classical ballet and modern dance instruction
Experienced, dedicated faculty
Age-appropriate class placement and progression
Two professionally produced performances each year
A positive, encouraging studio environment
An emphasis on confidence, character, and personal growth
We believe every dancer's journey is unique. Our focus is on helping each student reach their personal best while creating a lifelong love of dance and a community where families feel welcomed, connected, and inspired. We are honored to be part of each dancer's journey and look forward to an incredible season together.
Registration
Registration is now open for the 2026–2027 dance season! A one-time registration fee secures your dancer's placement in class. To help us finalize class rosters and schedules, please complete your registration by August 12.
After registering, you'll receive a confirmation email within 24–48 hours with your dancer's class placement, the Parent & Dancer Handbook, annual calendar, tuition information, and everything you need to prepare for the upcoming season. If you do not receive your confirmation within 48 hours, please contact us to ensure your registration was received.
Before You Register
Please take a few moments to review the following information before completing your registration.
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Proper dance attire allows instructors to observe alignment and technique while helping dancers move safely and confidently. Please have your dancer dressed according to the following guidelines for the first day of class.
Ballet
Girls
Black leotard
Ballet pink tights
Ballet pink leather or canvas ballet slippers
Hair secured neatly in a bun
Boys
White T-shirt
Black tights or athletic shorts
White crew socks
Black leather or canvas ballet slippers
Modern
Comfortable athletic clothing that allows for full movement
Bare feet
Need Dancewear?
Second Skin Dancewear from Marquette will be at Northern Michigan Dance Academy on Thursday, August 13, from 3:00–6:00 PM to help families purchase and properly fit ballet shoes and dance attire before the season begins.
If you are unable to attend the fitting event, Second Skin in Marquette is an excellent local resource for dancewear and ballet supplies.
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Northern Michigan Dance Academy operates on a seasonal tuition model, with tuition divided into nine equal monthly installments for your convenience. Monthly payments are not based on the number of classes held in a given month, but rather on the total instructional hours provided throughout the season.
Your tuition reserves your dancer's place in class from August through May and supports the ongoing operation of the studio, including instruction, curriculum planning, music licensing, facility expenses, and performance preparation.
Please note the following:
Tuition is due in nine equal monthly installments throughout the dance season.
If a dancer must miss class due to illness or another unavoidable conflict, please notify the studio as soon as possible.
Families are welcome to inquire about an age-appropriate make-up class when available; however, make-up classes are not guaranteed.
Withdrawal from classes requires written notice. Registration fees are non-refundable.
We are committed to providing a high-quality dance education in a positive and supportive environment, and we appreciate your partnership in making dance a priority throughout the season.
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At Northern Michigan Dance Academy, we believe that consistent attendance is one of the greatest contributors to a dancer's success. Each class builds upon the previous week's instruction, and regular attendance allows dancers to develop proper technique, confidence, and artistry.
Dance is also a team activity. As classes begin preparing for the Nutcracker and Spring Performance, every dancer becomes an important part of the choreography. Missing rehearsals affects not only the individual dancer, but also classmates and instructors who rely on everyone being present.
We understand that illnesses, family emergencies, and unavoidable conflicts occur. When an absence is necessary, please notify the studio as soon as possible.
By registering, families are making a commitment to:
Attend classes consistently and arrive on time.
Make dance a priority throughout the season.
Attend scheduled rehearsals, especially those leading up to performances.
Support fellow dancers through reliable participation.
Nutcracker rehearsals are mandatory for all cast members unless prior arrangements have been made with the Director.
Participation in performances is based on adequate preparation and rehearsal attendance. Northern Michigan Dance Academy reserves the right to modify choreography or performance participation when attendance prevents a dancer from being fully prepared.
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Clear communication is essential to a successful dance season. Northern Michigan Dance Academy uses email, the BAND App, and our Facebook page to keep families informed throughout the year.
After your registration is confirmed, you will receive an invitation to join your dancer's BAND group.
Email will be used for:
Registration confirmations
Tuition and billing information
Studio forms and important documents
Detailed announcements and seasonal information
BAND will be our primary communication tool for day-to-day studio updates, including:
Weekly reminders
Weather-related cancellations
Class and rehearsal updates
Nutcracker and Spring Performance information
Volunteer opportunities
Important deadlines
Facebook is a great place to stay connected with the NMDA community. Follow our page for studio news, photos, performance highlights, registration announcements, and celebrations throughout the season.
To ensure you don't miss important information, we ask that at least one parent or guardian:
Check email regularly.
Join their dancer's BAND group and enable notifications.
Follow Northern Michigan Dance Academy on Facebook.
Our goal is to make communication timely, organized, and easy to access so your family always knows what's happening at the studio.
What Happens Next?
Complete Registration Form.
Pay Registration Fee.
Receive confirmation email.
New students only- Receive class placement. (Returning students will be emailed their class placement prior to registration.)
Join BAND.
Dance begins August 31.
2026–2027 Important Dates
First Day of Classes
Monday, August 31, 2026
No Classes
Labor Day: Monday, September 7
Thanksgiving Break: November 25–27
Please note: Mandatory Nutcracker rehearsal will still be held on Saturday, November 28.
Winter Break: December 7 – January 3
Classes resume Monday, January 4.
Spring Break: March 22 – 29
Classes resume Tuesday, March 30.
Nutcracker Performances
Friends & Family Performance: Thursday, December 3 at 5:30 PM
Performance: Friday, December 4 at 7:00 PM
Performances: Saturday, December 5 at 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Performance: Sunday, December 6 at 1:00 PM
Spring Performance
Friends & Family Performance: Thursday, May 13 at 5:30 PM
Performance: Friday, May 14 at 7:00 PM
Performance: Saturday, May 15 at 7:00 PM
Performance: Sunday, May 16 at 1:00 PM
A complete studio calendar, will be emailed after registration and shared through the BAND app.