OUR MISSION
BALANCING ARTISTRY & HUMILITY STEP-BY-STEP
At Bethany Ann Hellen Studios, the well-being of our students is always our top priority. No award, trophy, placement, title, recognition, or popularity is worth compromising the safety and protection of our dancers. This core value shapes everything we do, and our hope is that it is reflected in every class we teach.
We believe children should be free to experience the joy of childhood while learning and growing as dancers. Age-appropriate instruction isn't about holding children back—it's about giving dancers opportunities to learn, connect, and express themselves in ways that reflect their age and stage of development. As dance educators, we believe we have a responsibility to protect the well-being and dignity of every child entrusted to our care. This commitment is reflected in the music, costumes, and choreography we choose, as well as our avoidance of inappropriate content, including references to drug use, sexual themes, violence, or explicit language.
We believe dance education is about more than teaching steps. It should build confidence, character, and a healthy sense of self-worth while encouraging a lifelong appreciation for the art of dance.
Every decision we make is intentional because we believe the dancer should always come before the dance.
BAHS is dedicated not only to developing artistry and technique but also to nurturing humility and meaningful life values. In a world often marked by negativity and darkness, we strive to be a light.
OUR HISTORY
BAHS began with a dream of creating a safe, encouraging, no-fail environment where dancers could be challenged, supported, and inspired without fear of failure or comparison. The focus would be on encouragement, growth, confidence, and kindness while learning to dance. Technique and skill would, of course, be important—but even more important would be helping students develop values that would serve them throughout life.
That dream became a reality when we opened for our first season in 2012 in Bessemer, Michigan. Three years later, we moved into our second studio in downtown Ironwood. As our dance family continued to grow, so did the need for a larger space designed specifically for our students. Today, BAHS is proud to call our custom-built studio in Ironwood home, where we continue providing a safe, welcoming environment for dancers and their families.
Together, we've created much more than a business—we've created a family. It is a privilege to share the love of dance with our students and watch them grow physically, emotionally, artistically, and personally year after year.
OUR FACILITY
Safety is important to us. That is why we have installed sprung dance floors in both of our dance rooms, which helps reduce the risk of injury from impact. A true "sprung" floor is designed to absorb shock and dampen bounce. Because these floors give landings and movement a softer feel, aside from reducing injury, they are said to greatly enhance performance. A concrete floor, or one placed over concrete without a floating sub-floor, has no "give" and causes the body to absorb the impact.