Melinda's Dance Studio

Our Story

Family

Built On Dance

A Note From Melinda

Welcome to Melinda’s Dance Studio! I’m so glad you’re here.

At MDS our goal is to create a space where each dancer feels confident, support and excited to grow! We believe dance should be more than steps and technique; it should build discipline, character, friendships and joy that last far beyond our studio walls.

Whether your dancer is just starting out or training at the competitive level we want them to feel valued. Every class is lead with intention, care and a commitment to helping each student reach their personal best.

Thank you for trusting us with your dancer. We can’t wait to be a part of their dance journey this season!

Melinda

Our philosophy

More Than Dance.

Confidence. Passion. Growth. Achievement. We measure success by the confidence gained, the passion discovered, the growth achieved, and the accomplishments celebrated.

Studio values.

Building Confidence

Every dancer leaves class taller than they walked in.

Inspiring Passion

We teach the technique. The love comes from being part of something bigger than the steps.

Encouraging Growth

Year over year. Class over class. Dancer-by-dancer.

Celebrating Achievement

From the first plié to the first competition — every milestone matters.

Meet your instructors.

Melinda Gahring - Instructor at Melinda's Dance Studio

Miss Melinda

Studio Owner & Instructor

Melinda is the owner and director of Melinda’s Dance Studio. She has been sharing her love of dance with students of all ages for over a decade. She began dancing at a young age and has trained in a variety of styles developing a passion for both teaching and choreography. Melinda loves helping dancers build confidence, strong technique and a genuine love for dance.

When she’s not at the studio, Melinda enjoys spending time with her husband Logan and their five children, making memories with family and friends and enjoying time outdoors!

Cassandra - Instructor at Melinda's Dance Studio

Miss Cassandra

Instructor

l can't wait for another year of dance! I got married in April and love spending time with my husband, cat, and dog. Outside of the studio, I work for the University of Iowa in the Department of Orthopedics. When I'm not working, I love reading, playing card games, and spending time with my family!

Amanda - Instructor at Melinda's Dance Studio

Miss Amanda

Instructor

Amanda has been dancing for 30 years, and her favorite part of teaching is watching dancers discover their joy and love for dance while building confidence in themselves both inside and outside the studio.

Amanda lives in Williamsburg with her partner, Curtis, and their two daughters, Lila and Stella. Outside of the studio, she is an elementary school teacher, which allows her to continue sharing her love for learning and working with children.

When she’s not teaching, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family, reading, being outdoors (when the weather is warm!), and trying new recipes or exploring new restaurants.

Abbie - Instructor at Melinda's Dance Studio

Miss Abbie

Instructor

Abbie is excited to be returning to Melinda’s Dance Studio as this season’s Acro Instructor! Abbie grew up dancing at MDS and is proud to be an alumni of the studio. She recently graduated from Iowa State University with her teaching degree and is excited to combine her love for dance and working with students.

Outside of the studio, Abbie enjoys spending time with her cows and hanging out with friends. She can’t wait to be back in the studio this season!

Studio tour

Take a peek inside.

A look inside the spaces dancers and families use each week, from the main studio floor to the lobby where recital memories line the walls.

Melinda's Dance Studio Front Main Studio with black flooring, teal walls, mirrors, and barres

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Front Main Studio

The largest front room, with black marley flooring, light teal walls, mirrors, barres, and plenty of open space for weekly technique work.

Melinda's Dance Studio Back Studio with dark pink wall, mirrors, and gray dance floor

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Back Studio

The Back Studio brings the bold dark-pink wall, long mirrors, and open floor space dancers use for classes and rehearsals.

Melinda's Dance Studio Front Small Studio with light pink walls, mirrors, and black dance flooring

Front Small Studio

A smaller light-pink studio used most often for solo and duo rehearsals, with mirrors and a focused practice setup.

Melinda's Dance Studio Acro Room with black floor, teal-blue wall, and mirrors

Acro Room

A dedicated acro space with black flooring and deeper teal-blue walls for strength, flexibility, and skill progression.

Melinda's Dance Studio lobby and waiting area with studio sign, senior banners, and wooden cubbies

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Lobby and Waiting Area

The lobby and waiting area features Melinda's sign, senior banners, cubbies, trophies, and the familiar first stop for families.

The MDS effect

The footprint of MDS

First-year dance moms cheering on their little ones. Older dancers running to the front row to lift up the youngest. That's the studio we built, and that's what 'more than dance' actually means.

I extremely enjoy the time and effort Melinda puts in for us. She is the best dance teacher ever!! Totally recommend.
AAdy OveryMDS dancer · Facebook review
This is an amazing studio. Melinda took my daughter's interest in dance and molded it into a passion that will last a lifetime. This is not just my daughter's dance studio, it is her dance family. Thank you, Melinda for all you do for these kids!
JJen BlaylockDance parent · Facebook review
Miss Melinda is a wonderful dance teacher! Our daughter has learned so much, and has made many wonderful friendships through this studio. 💗
JJennifer Overy RyanDance parent · Google review
Amazing studio my daughter has learned so much 🙂
MMelissa GregoryDance parent · Facebook review