At Tutu School Akron, kids can twist and twirl to their heart’s content while developing a love of dance

By Laura Briedis

Celebrating its one-year anniversary this month, Tutu School Akron has been dancing its way through the pandemic.

More than just offering a creative outlet, this dance studio provides a place where kids can be, well, kids. While dressing up in tutus or capes and learning to twirl, children ages 18 months to eight years old have a haven where they can socialize and and be lively.

You know you are in for a unique experience when you see children’s chalk drawings on the sidewalk outside the front door and no rows of trophies inside.

The focus here is on developing skills and having a positive experience—not on competition or lengthy recitals. The staff also introduces other educational components, such as the French language and story time featuring classic ballet repertoires.

A stark contrast to many of the other large dance studios in warehouse-type buildings, Tutu School Akron is designed to be a cozy, family-friendly place with a magical environment. The waiting room, with a long white church pew and other cozy seating areas, is open to the dance floor so parents can relax and watch their children dancing.

Setting this family-friendly tone are owners Katie and Grant Dettling, professional dancers who have assembled a staff of four additional dance instructors.

“We believe every child should know what it feels like to dance,” says Katie, who studied locally with Nan Klinger and then at the Washington School of Ballet in D.C. “A child’s imagination benefits immensely from exploring the enchanted worlds of swans and sugar plums, and twirling should be a fundamental part of any childhood.”

Growing up in West Akron, Katie started dancing at age five and it has always been a part of her life. It’s how she met her husband, Grant, who grew up in Spokane, Washington, and attended the prestigious School of American Ballet. When their son was born in 2017, they left New York City to move back to Akron to be near family.

“Now that we are parents and expecting our second child, we look at dance from a new perspective as something that is so enriching and uplifting for everyone,” says Grant.

Unlike most ballet schools in which you register in the fall and are committed for nine months, Tutu School Akron offers monthly memberships so you can join anytime.

“We are so grateful to the families that have entrusted their children to us and made our first year of business such a success,” says Katie. “We are dedicated to creating an extraordinary experience.”

Tutu School Akron is located at 2747 Crawfis Boulevard, Suite 101, in Fairlawn. For more information, call 234-678-6776 or visit TutuSchoolAkron.com.