This is Our Story

Ann Parsley School of Dance was founded in 1976 by Ann Parsley. It is a school dedicated to providing superior dance instruction in a non-competitive environment. Our goal is to build a strong foundation with a focus on technique and joy of movement, in a nurturing and family-friendly environment. 



What makes APSD different?

Strong Foundation

We believe that building a strong foundation is key. Ballet is the cornerstone of all dance disciplines, and APSD offers and unsurpassed program. Our goal is to give students individualized training through the focus of technique and discipline. In addition to providing a solid classical foundation, we also firmly believe in training our dancers to be versatile. We apply the same principles that we use for our ballet program to every genre of dance that we teach. With a strong foundation, our dancers are able to excel in various styles of dance including contemporary, jazz, tap, hip hop and more. 


Unique Focus

Dedicated to providing quality dance instruction in a non-competitive environment, APSD values individual excellence over competitions or trophies. We are passionate about helping students find and strengthen the best in themselves, and believe in the innate potential that exists in every student. High technical standards are maintained and a joy of movement and sense of artistry are instilled through encouragement and positive reinforcement. Dance, in a disciplined, non-competitive environment gives children, as well as adults, the opportunity to express themselves freely through music and movement. It enhances the ability to pursue individual goals and to work together as a group while also building skills such as coordination, musicality, self-discipline, creativity, arts appreciation and self-esteem.  


Family Friendly

Ann Parsley School of Dance offers a family oriented atmosphere where movement, music and costumes are tastefully chosen and always age-appropriate. APSD is home to dancers with an array of aspirations. Whether students choose to dance professionally, or move on to other interests, the skills they learn at APSD benefit them throughout life.


Professionally Trained Instructors

Our faculty are all adult, highly qualified and professionally trained teachers. All of our Cecchetti ballet teachers have taken and passed teacher examinations for the levels that they teach and are certified by the Cecchetti Council of America. Additionally, many of our instructors train teachers throughout the area, and prepare them for Cecchetti Teacher Examinations.



Several APSD students have been offered full or partial scholarships for summer intensives around the country, and have placed in the top 12 in the Youth America Grand Prix Semi and ADC IBC Finals. Many APSD dancers have gone on to attend highly regarded collegiate dance programs, accepted traineeships, and/or have had professional careers in dance. Below are some of the programs and schools that our dancers have attended after their training with APSD:


Traineeships and Professional Contracts:

Alabama Ballet

Ballet 5:8

Ballet West

Cincinnati Ballet

Disney

Fort Wayne Ballet

Joffrey Ballet, Chicago

Joffrey Ballet, New York

Pittsburgh Ballet

Grand Rapids Ballet

Ballet Met Columbus

KS Dance - England

Louisville Ballet

Orlando Ballet II

The Rock Pre-Professional Training Program


Summer Intensives:

American Ballet Theatre

Ballet Met Columbus

Ballet West

Carolina Ballet

Cecchetti International Summer School

Cecchetti USA

Complexions Contemporary Ballet

Cincinnati Ballet

Ellison Ballet

Grand Rapids Ballet

Houston Ballet

Louisville Ballet

Joffrey Ballet

Joffrey Midwest

Kaatsbaan Ballet Intensive

Pacific Northwest Ballet

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

The Rock School for Dance Education

Texas Ballet Theatre

Royal Winnipeg Ballet


College Dance Programs:

Butler University

Eastern Michigan University

Grand Valley State University

Hope College

Indiana University

Oakland University

University of Arizona

University of Oklahoma

University of Michigan

Western Michigan University

Wayne State University



At APSD, we believe that dance can be life changing. Let us show you how. Click here to get started.  

Ann Parsley School of Dance

51504 Danview Technology Court,

Shelby Township, MI 48315

Phone. 586-286-8300