What’s New at IDA for the 2026–2027 Season
At Indianola Dance Academy, we evaluate our program every year with one question in mind:
How can we help every dancer grow?
This season, that led to two exciting changes: back to level-based classes and a new class structure for most genres.
These changes weren’t made to teach less. They were made to provide more individualized instruction, more flexibility for families and more opportunities for dancers to succeed.
Level-Based Classes
This last year, most of our classes were based primarily on age. While age is important, every dancer develops differently.
Some dancers master turns quickly but need more time building strength for lyrical. Others may excel in tap while continuing to develop their jazz technique.
By moving to back to level-based classes, dancers can now progress in each style when they’re ready. It’s perfectly normal for a dancer to be Level I Lyrical and Level II Tap. Every dancer has different strengths, and this allows them to continue growing without feeling held back or pushed ahead before they’re ready.
Our goal is to meet every dancer where they are and help them continue progressing with confidence.
More Flexibility for Families
You’ll notice that most classes (with the exception of Combination Classes, Baton, Acro and Pointe) are now 30 minutes long.
Previously, most of our classes were 45-minute single-genre or combination classes where we chose which styles were taught together. This season, we’ve separated most genres so families have more control over their dancer’s schedule.
Rather than us deciding which classes go together, you can build a schedule based on your dancer’s interests and goals. This also makes it easier and more affordable for many families to explore multiple dance styles.
Why 30-Minute Classes?
This will be the biggest question, and the answer is simple:
Our expectations have not changed.
Every season, a portion of each class was spent stretching and warming up before instruction began. This year, we’re moving some of that responsibility outside the classroom so we can maximize our instructional time together.
During the first few weeks of class, we’ll teach every dancer how to stretch safely and effectively. They’ll learn proper body alignment, why each stretch is important and how to safely improve flexibility over time. Throughout the season, dancers will also receive simple exercises they can practice at home to continue progressing between classes. We will also review and adapt stretches as students needs change throughout the season.
We’re asking dancers to complete those stretches before class whenever possible, whether at home or while waiting in the lobby or hallway. We’ll still complete dynamic warm-ups and across-the-floor exercises together to prepare their bodies for movement, reinforce technique and assess progress.
This means more class time can be spent on what dancers come to the studio to do:
- Learn new skills
- Improve technique
- Receive individualized corrections
- Practice combinations and choreography
- Build confidence as performers
Our goal isn’t to fit 45 minutes into 30 minutes. It’s to make every minute intentional.
Technique Doesn’t End When Class Does
One of the best ways dancers improve is through consistent practice, not just during one class each week.
That’s why our focus during the first few weeks is teaching dancers how to safely care for and strengthen their own bodies. By understanding proper stretching techniques and practicing small goals throughout the week, dancers can continue progressing between classes.
For dancers who want even more technique training, our Leaps/Tricks/Turns classes are designed specifically for flexibility, strength, body alignment, conditioning, proper progressions and safe skill development. Rather than squeezing technique into every genre class, we’re able to dedicate an entire class to helping dancers grow safely and correctly…especially when we focus those recital classes on our performances.
Looking Ahead
Every change we’ve made this season comes back to the same goal: helping every dancer grow.
By offering level-based classes, more scheduling flexibility and focused instruction, we believe we’re continuing to grow our program to better serve every dancer, whether they’re taking one class for fun, training in multiple styles or competing.
As always, if you’re unsure which classes are the best fit for your dancer, we’d love to help. Every dancer’s journey is unique, and we’re excited to help you build the schedule that’s right for your family.
We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the studio for another amazing season!
Indianola Dance Academy, INC 