1.13 & 1.14 Due to weather and road conditions, classes are cancelled Saturday & Sunday. Stay safe!

The Nutcracker Ballet: December 10 – 7pm & December 11 – 1pm at Stephens Auditorium. Click here to learn more!

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About Robert Thomas Dancenter

Our Story

In the late Winter /Early Spring of 1978, Robert and Miyoko traveled to Ames, Iowa from New York City in a recently purchased pre-owned sky- blue Opel station wagon. They traveled with their two cats, a monkey and most of their personal belongings. After three decades in dance, half of that as professional dancers working in touring companies, Robert and Miyoko were ready to retire to Robert’s hometown.

Their goal was to create a dance environment where young people could enjoy the experience of learning the technical skills, presentation, and performance of dance in a professional setting much like the one Robert and Miyoko had been working in.

The environment created was the Robert Thomas Dancenter. Although there are many pages of stories of our experiences and those of the dancers along the way, we have never varied form that goal. Robert Thomas Dancenter has trained over 10,000 Iowa dancers of all ages and has recently celebrated a 40-year anniversary.

Robert&Miyoko-EarlyDays

Dance Masters Certified

Dance Masters of America, Inc. is an International Non-Profit Educational Organization of dance educators, who have been certified by test to teach.

Dance-Masters-Certificate

Professional

Our instructors are the best around and offer more 1-on-1 time with small class sizes.

High Quality

Our core values have been Quality, Integrity, and Leadership since the day we opened in 1978.

Affordable

We offer affordable pricing to fit any budget with 12 month payment plans.

Founders

Robert

Robert Thomas

Co-Founder, Owner

miyoko

Miyoko Thomas

Co-Founder

Educators & Staff

Maureen McGrath

Maureen McGrath

Instructor

Wendy Leopold

Wendy Leopold

Instructor

Gil McNaughton

Gil McNaughton

Instructor

Serica Maiers

Serica Maiers

Instructor

Eva kellen

Eva Kellen

Instructor

Lisa Davis

Lisa Davis

Instructor

Natalli Besch

Instructor

Inna Kuznetsova

Instructor

Noah Klarck

IYB Guest Instructor

Deb Weaver

Deborah Weaver

Guest Instructor

Lillian Hovar

Instructor

Grace Markley

Associate Instructor

Annon Schwegler

Instructor

Olivia Jozaitis

Instructor

Kimberly Kellen

Studio Administrator

Ready For An Adventure?

Click below to explore our classes or programs and find your next adventure!