Top Hat Dance Academy

This is a “just because” post☺️

💜 Our Class Assistants 💜

These incredible girls truly are the heartbeat of our studio.

While they may stand at the front of the room helping our youngest dancers, their impact goes so much deeper than teaching steps. They tie shoes, wipe tears, offer hugs, share high-fives, and make every child feel seen, valued, and important.

The way our little dancers look up to them is something special. They watch them with admiration, want to dance like them, smile like them, and one day become them. That kind of influence is a gift, and these young ladies carry it with so much kindness, patience, and grace.

We are beyond proud of the role models they have become. The love they pour into our studio each week helps create the warm, welcoming family atmosphere that makes Top Hat so special.

Thank you for leading with your hearts, for making our little ones feel loved, and for showing them what it means to be kind, confident, and supportive🥰

The future is bright because of girls like you⭐️

Fifteen years ago, Ashley walked into our studio as a little dancer with big dreams. Today, we had the privilege of watching her present her own choreographic work, Waves of Emotion, at the ECA Dance Department Senior Choreography Showcase.

Moments like these are what make teaching so special. Watching the next generation of artists grow, create, and share their voice with the world is truly a full-circle experience.

Ash, we are so incredibly proud of you, your artistry, and the beautiful young woman you are becoming. Your future is bright, and we can't wait to see where your journey takes you next. ❤️

And a special thank you to the ECA Dance Department faculty for letting this dance teacher sneak into the daytime performance during the beautiful chaos of recital season. It meant the world🥰

Happy Birthday to our June Birthday Dancers!!

✨ We are excited to congratulate Lulu on being awarded the Dance Molinari Scholarship at the 2026 HALO Awards! ✨

This prestigious scholarship provides the opportunity to attend a special weekend of summer training in New York City, featuring workshops and master classes led by renowned producers, directors, choreographers, performers, and industry professionals.

Awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, and exceptional talent in dance, singing, acting, and performance, this scholarship is a true reflection of Lulu’s hard work, dedication, and passion for the performing arts.

Your Top Hat family is so incredibly proud of you and can’t wait to see all that you accomplish! ❤️🗽✨🎭💃

🥰

✨Introducing Our Teen Performance Lab Series ✨

When we recently asked what kinds of classes everyone was looking for, one thing became very clear… so many families were searching for something for teens who want to move, dance, feel confident, and be part of an amazing atmosphere.

Not every teen dancer is looking for a huge weekly commitment. Some just want a place where they can come in, move their bodies, build confidence, learn fun choreography, meet great people, and feel GOOD walking into a room with people at a similar level.

That is exactly why we created our Teen Performance Lab Series.

This beginner-friendly series was designed for teens who may be newer to dance, returning after time away, or simply looking for a fun and welcoming space to try something new. No formal training needed — just a willingness to show up, have fun, and grow.

This series can benefit:
✨ Teens interested in dance but unsure where to start
✨ Athletes wanting to improve coordination, flexibility, movement quality, and confidence
✨ Drama and theater kids looking to strengthen stage presence and performance skills
✨ Teens wanting a creative outlet and positive environment
✨ Dancers wanting to stay active over the summer in a low-pressure setting

At Top Hat, we care deeply about creating a culture where kids feel supported, empowered, included, and inspired. This series is about more than dance steps. It’s about confidence, connection, expression, energy, and giving teens a place where they can truly be themselves.

Whether your teen wants to learn choreography, improve performance quality, build confidence, meet new friends, or simply try something outside their comfort zone… this is the perfect place to start.

We are so excited to kick off our summer classes with this series, and we truly think these classes are going to be something special. 💫

Reach out to reserve your spot❤️

We would love to congratulate Abbey on her Halo nomination for Best Featured Dancer in Notre Dames production of Curtains✨

We are beyond proud to see one of our very own recognized in a category that means so much to the musical theater community. Dance is such a powerful part of storytelling on stage, and watching Abbey stand out for her talent, artistry, and performance quality is incredibly special.

One of the things we love most is seeing dancers reach that moment where they realize all of their years of training truly set them apart. The discipline, technique, stage presence, musicality, and emotional connection they build in the dance studio become the very things that make them shine under the spotlight🥰

This recognition is so well deserved, and we know this nomination must feel absolutely amazing. We are cheering you on every step of the way and could not be prouder of you! ❤️

Summer classes are almost here☀️😊

Holy Moly we did it🥳

Top Hat Dance Academy officially won the Community Votes Contest, and we are beyond grateful for the love and support from our amazing dance community🙌🏻

For 39 years, we have had the privilege of doing what we love most ….teaching, inspiring, and growing alongside generations of dancers. We never take for granted that we get to do something so meaningful every single day🥰

This award is so much bigger than a title. It represents every dancer, every parent, every alumni, every teacher, and every family that makes Top Hat feel like home✨

Thank you for taking the time to vote for us, support us, and trust us with your children year after year. We are truly so blessed to have the most incredible dance family.

We love our Top Hat family more than words can say. 🎩

Thank you❤️