Discover the joy of dancing for babies, toddlers, teens, adults, and everyone in between.

We’ve served the Greater Gainesville Area, Alachua County and surrounding area dancers for 15+ years with classes designed for every member of your family, from beginners to seasoned pros.

Why Choose IndepenDANCE?

We’re passionate about dancing and proud to serve the Gainesville and Alachua County community with dance classes for every age and ability level. We believe it’s never too late to start dancing!
Start Where You Are!
Learning to dance should be a fun, joyful experience no matter when you start. We offer fundamental dance classes for every age, so you can learn with others who are starting at the same place you are.
Fun For The Entire Family!
Our teaching approach is designed to foster learning by providing performing arts education in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
Find Your Light!
Dancing is about expressing yourself in ways that stay true to who you are. Whether you want to learn ballet, jazz, Hip Hop, tap, or another artistic form, we help you discover your passion and find your light!

About Us

Mary Mele, owner and creative director of IndepenDANCE Studio, believes every student should have the opportunity to “Find Your Light.” As a young dancer, she was inspired by one of her favorite dance instructors, Ms. Anna, who taught her students to find their light and encourage others along the way.

At IndepenDANCE Studio, our goal is to help everyone – girls, boys, young, old, beginner, advanced, and everyone in between – to find a place in our studio where they feel welcome, comfortable, and joyful. We’ve served the Gainesville and Alachua County community since 2009, and we take pride in offering a wide variety of classes in the performing arts. Whether you have years of experience or you are just beginning, we are confident we can provide you with an enriching program that fits your needs.

💚💕Love is in the ERAS! Parents Night Out💕💚

Date: February 14, 2025
Time: 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm

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Join us for our first Parents Night Out- in our BRAND NEW FACILITY! Taylor Swift Eras Tour themed arts & crafts, singing & dancing, music video production and much more! Parent- enjoy your night our for Valentine’s Day, and leave the kids’ entertainment to us! $59 Non-Members, $49 IndepenDANCE Studio Members

🤸‍♀️Spring into April: ACRO SKILLS POP-UP🤸‍♂️

Date: April 5, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm - 5:30 pm

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Let’s Spring into April in our BRAND NEW FACILITY! A Professional AcroArts Workshop geared towards specific skills and the opportunity for one-on-one attention and training. Brush up on your favorite Acro skills with our certified instructors. Ages 8 and Up or special permission. Students will be divided into groups based off of their level of Acro abilities, so this workshop is geared towards beginner – advanced Acro students. Closer to the event, we will let you know which time slot you’ll be in: 12:00p- 2:00p or3:00p – 5:30p. $59 Non-Members, $49 IndepenDANCE Studio Members

🌸iDance with Mom: A Special Mother’s Day Pop-Up Party🌸

Date: May 10, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

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iDance with Mom: A Mother’s Day Pop-Up Party Join us on Saturday, May 10th from 1-4 PM for a fun-filled afternoon of creativity, relaxation, and movement at IndepenDANCE Studio! This special Mother’s Day event is designed for moms and their iDancers to bond through arts and crafts, enjoy brunch-themed treats, and relax with spa-inspired activities. Plus, groove together in a lively dance class portion to celebrate the joy of movement. Cost: $59 for mom and child, or $49 for members. Additional siblings can join the fun at a discounted rate of $26 each. Reserve your spot today and make this Mother’s Day one to remember!

💚🏆Class: Season 17 Round 1 Auditions & Pop-Up Workshop🏆💚

Start date: May 16, 2025 - End date: May 18, 2025
All-day event

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Season 17 Competitive Team Auditions Schedule TBA Ages 5 & Up, Rates may vary based on age groups & memebership. Contact studio for more details

☀️SUMMER CAMP Week 1: ⛵️ CAMP MOANA MAGIC

Start date: June 9, 2025 - End date: June 13, 2025
Time: 8:45 am - 12:00 pm

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☀️SUMMER CAMP Week 1:
⛵️ CAMP MOANA MAGIC
〰️ Dance, Games, Arts & Crafts
💚 June 9th – 13th
⏱️ 8:45 am – 12:00 pm
→Ages 3 & Up*

🏝️ Set sail for a magical summer adventure at Camp Moana Magic, the ultimate destination for kids ages 3 and up! Inspired by the beloved Moana movie, your little explorers will dance to the beat of island rhythms, unleash their creativity with tropical-themed arts and crafts, and enjoy fun games fit for young voyagers. Watch your child embrace their inner wayfinder as they make friends and unforgettable memories in this fun-filled, kid-friendly camp. It’s a summer of Moana-inspired magic they’ll never forget!

☀️SUMMER CAMP Week 2: 💕END OF AN ERAS: POPSTAR & ROCKSTAR CAMP👯‍♀️

Start date: June 16, 2025 - End date: June 20, 2025
Time: 8:45 am - 12:00 pm

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☀️SUMMER CAMP Week 2:
🫶🏼 END OF AN ERAS: POPSTAR & ROCKSTAR CAMP
〰️ Singing, Dance, Video Production, Art & Crafts & More!
💚June 16th – 20th
⏱️ 8:45 am – 12:00 pm
→Ages 5 & Up*
Step into the spotlight at our Eras Tour Summer Camp—the ultimate experience for kids ages 5 and Up who are ready to channel their inner superstar! This fun-filled camp celebrates the magic of music and creativity with themed dance and singing sessions, music video production, and arts and crafts inspired by iconic “eras.” Your child will have a blast expressing themselves and making memories that never go out of “style”!

☀️SUMMER CAMP Week 3: 💃🏻 iDancing With the STARS 🕺

Start date: July 7, 2025 - End date: July 11, 2025
Time: 8:45 am - 12:00 pm

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☀️SUMMER CAMP Week 3:
💃🏻 iDancing With the STARS 🪩
〰️ BALLROOM DANCE Basics, Arts & Crafts and MORE!
💚July 7th – July 11th
→Ages 8 & Up*
⏱️ 8:45 am – 12:00 pm
🪩 Shine bright on the dance floor at iDancing with the Stars Ballroom Dance Camp! Perfect for kids ages 8 and up, this camp introduces the basics of ballroom dancing in a fun, supportive environment led by industry professional instructors. From learning elegant waltzes to energetic cha-chas, your child will gain confidence, coordination, and style. Between dance sessions, they’ll enjoy exciting games and creative arts and crafts activities. Whether they’re new to ballroom or ready to twirl like a pro, this camp will make their summer sparkle!
*Open to ALL Ages 8 – 18. Though no experience is necessary, we will group students together by age and skill level. All students will be challenged at their level and have fun while doing it!

☀️SUMMER CAMP Week 4: 🤸🏾‍♀️ HIP HOP FLIP FLOP iDANCE CAMP

Start date: July 7, 2025 - End date: July 11, 2025
Time: 8:45 am - 12:00 pm

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☀️SUMMER CAMP Week 4:
🤸🏾‍♀️ HIP HOP FLIP FLOP iDANCE CAMP
〰️ Hip Hop, Acro, Breakdancing, Art & Crafts & More!
🎧 Professional Guest Instructors from Community
💚July 7th – July 11th
⏱️ 8:45 am – 12:00 pm
→ Ages 5 & Up*
Hip Hop Flip Flop Camp is the ultimate summer adventure for kids ages 5 and up! This high-energy camp combines hip hop dance, acro skills, and an exciting intro to breakdancing. With dancing, fun games, and creative arts and crafts, your child will flip, groove, and shine all summer long!
*Open to ALL Ages 5 – 18. We will group students together by age and skill level. All students will be challenged at their level and have fun while doing it!

☀️SUMMER CAMP Week 5: 🧙🏼 WICKED AWESOME! MUSICAL THEATRE CAMP

Start date: July 14, 2025 - End date: July 18, 2025
Time: 8:45 am - 12:00 pm

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☀️SUMMER CAMP Week 5:
🧙🏼 WICKED AWESOME! MUSICAL THEATRE CAMP
〰️ Acting, Singing, Dancing, Performance, Arts & Crafts
🎭 Professional Guest Instructor from local theatre community!
💚🩷July 14th – July 18th
⏱️ 8:45 am – 12:00 pm
→ Ages 8 & Up*
Defy gravity this summer at a magical camp inspired by Wicked the Musical! Perfect for young performers, this camp invites kids to act, sing, and dance their way through the Land of Oz under the guidance of a professional musical theatre instructor from top community theatre programs. With arts and crafts, dynamic theatre games, and plenty of popular fun, your child will be changed for good. Don’t miss your chance to help them find their voice and soar to new heights!
*Open to ALL Ages 8 – 18. We will group students together by age and skill level. All students will be challenged at their level and have fun while doing it!

☀️SUMMER CAMP Week 6: 🌊CAMP BLUEY BEACH BASH

Start date: July 21, 2025 - End date: July 25, 2025
Time: 8:45 am - 12:00 pm

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☀️SUMMER CAMP Week 6:
🌊CAMP BLUEY BEACH BASH
〰️ Dance, Games, Arts & Crafts
💚 July 21st – July 25th
⏱️ 8:45 am – 12:00 pm
→ Ages 3 & Up*
🦩🩵 Dive into a summer of heaps of fun at Camp Bluey Beach Bash! Designed for kids ages 3 and up, this exciting camp brings the beachy world of Bluey to life with dancing, games, and creative arts and crafts. Your little ones will enjoy sun-soaked adventures, make new friends, and let their imaginations run wild—all with Bluey-style laughter and joy. It’s going to be a flamingo good time! 🦩

Dance Classes for All Ages & Levels

No matter where you’re starting out, we have a class for you!

Music and Movement: Babies & Toddlers

Our Music and Movement classes use dance and creative movement to develop social skills, introduce dance concepts, and encourage creative play at the child’s developmental level. It’s never too early to “Find Your Light”! iBaby&Me – Group class for babies and adults together. iTots – Class for toddlers under 3 years of age

Recreational Classes: Ages 3-18

We offer classes for every age and experience level. Wherever your child is starting out, they can join a class with other students of their age and ability. No one is too old to start dancing! Class offerings include: Ballet (taught by a Progressing Ballet Technique Certified Instructor), Tap, Jazz, Conditioning/Stretch, Acro Dance (taught by Acrobatic Arts Certified Instructors) and Hip Hop

Adult Classes

Have you always wanted to learn ballet? Do you want to improve your tap-dancing or try Hip Hop? We have a class for you! Our adult classes include: Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop

Competitive Dance: Ages 5-18

We train an award-winning group of dancers each season.This is an auditioned-based group. Students learn work ethic, team work, public speaking/appearances, community service and so much more! Contact the studio today if you are interested in learning more about our competitive program.

What Our Parents and Dancers Are Saying

We love independance. My daughter did ballet at another studio. She never stayed on task and most days asked me to sit and watch. We started at independance in the fall and she loves it. She participates in class and has never once asked me to sit and watch. With the quarantine going on we thought we would lose dance, but Independance brought it to us online. My daughter was so excited to get to keep dancing at home. As a mom I love how much they care about the kiddos and how they’ve brought dance to life in our home during this hard time.
Gayle H.

My daughter has been dancing at this studio with Mrs. Mary since she was 6 years old. What has been most impressive, even more than the high quality dance instruction is the team environment fostered by Mary and all of the teachers. Dancers of all ages come together as a true team to look out for each other, push each other and compete at the highest level. My daughter loves to go to dance. Mrs Mary has become a wonderful role model for my daughter and reinforces primary values and lessons beyond dance. Wonderful place for little ones to develop.
Brian T

💚 Both of my girls have danced at IndepenDance for several years now. There are many things I like about this studio but I am most impressed about how much the studio owner and all the teachers care about the kids. During this uncertain times they have stepped up to provide a wide variety of virtual classes but on top of all, they are doing bedtime stories, spa days, a variety of friendly challenges and virtual team meetings among other things. My girls look forward to connecting with their I-dance family on a daily basis. I feel so blessed to have found this studio for my girls 💚
Nellianne P