Tutu School Akron: A boutique dance studio that focuses on the joy of expression

By Laura Briedis

Professional dancers Katie and Grant Dettling have traveled the country landing many lead roles in classic and contemporary ballets, but it is their current role as parents that spurred them to open Tutu School Akron this month.

“We believe every child should know what it feels like to dance,” says Katie, who began early dance training with Nan Klinger in Cuyahoga Falls and completed her studies at the Washington School of Ballet in DC. “A child’s development benefits immensely from exploring the enchanted worlds of swans and sugar plums, and twirling should be a fundamental part of any childhood. We want kids to use their natural joy and just explore that through dance.”

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. They shared the stage together while at the Washington Ballet, Texas Ballet Theater, Dayton Ballet and the former Ohio Ballet in Akron. When their son was born in 2017, they left New York City to move back to Akron to be near family and enjoy a kinder pace of life.

“Now that we are parents, we look at dance from a new perspective as something that is so much fun and so uplifting,” says Grant. “We don’t want to overwhelm kids as they can stop and start classes whenever they want, and we are a smaller, more intimate studio, where we teach kids how dance brings everyone together.”

The boutique dance studio hosts classes and camps for children ages 18 months to eight years old. The emphasis here is on developing skills and having a positive experience—not on competition or recitals. The staff also introduces other educational components, such as the French language and story time from classic ballet repertoires.

“We teach children to be comfortable in their own bodies,” says Katie. “And kids of all genders and ethnicities enjoy the movement and music of ballet.”

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 as registration is always ongoing.

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. And, of course, there is some bling with chandeliers hanging above the dance floor and adorable tutus adorning the walls.

Tutu School Akron’s regular fall classes begin Monday, October 5, and there are ballet birthday party packages available year-round. Plus, there is a nice selection of danceware for sale in the studio.

Though many might hesitate opening a business during the Covid-era, Katie and Grant are embracing the opportunity to give back to the arts.

“Our company is well-suited for the Covid environment, as every class is limited to 10 kids or less,” says Katie. “We also offer Pirouette Pods, in which you can create your own custom class with a few friends you feel safe playing with in the same group.”

“My great-great-grandfather opened a business in Akron during the Great Depression, so it is in my family to persevere.”

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