MPD founder, Marla Leonow, has loved to dance since the time she could walk. She started training and competing in dance and gymnastics at a very young age and hasn't stopped dancing since. Through the years, Marla discovered a love and talent for teaching others. In high school and throughout college she taught dance, gymnastics and swimming to young children. She always dreamed of someday being a professional dancer, so with hard work and perseverance, she set out to achieve her goal. She danced professionally for several years as a Nets Dancer in the NBA. Marla also became an elementary school teacher during that time. She yearned to share her love and passion for dance with others. She believed that if she combined her teaching abilities with her passion for dance, she could inspire others to dream big and develop a passion too! She began teaching after school dance classes and summer dance camps at the school she taught at. Her goal was to open a dance studio to not only provide great training but to create a positive experience that her students would remember and carry with them in life. With a lot of hard work and the support of family and friends, Marla's dream came true...she opened Maximum Performance Dance in August 2011. “Dance has taught me so much beyond just how to move to music and execute skills…It made me the person I am today…hard working, passionate, driven and dedicated. My best memories growing up are of my dance experiences and I carry with me all of the life lessons I learned through dance. I hope to deliver the same to my students.”
MPD Mission Statement:
Maximum Performance Dance is built on a passion for dance and teaching! At MPD we deliver the perfect blend of quality instruction in a community environment where our dancers become family. We differentiate our instruction to meet the individual needs of our students and build motivation and a sense of pride through positive reinforcement and a feeling of accomplishment. We not only help children to develop the skills necessary for becoming great dancers/performers but we also teach life skills. Our focus is on the whole experience….making memories that students can take with them throughout their life!
MPDC (Maximum Performance Dance Company): The Maximum Performance Dance Company is an competitive dance company composed of a select group of dancers, invited to have the opportunity to receive advanced technical/performance training, work with master teachers and learn advanced/cutting edge choreography in order to compete and perform at many competitions and events. We are excited for our upcoming season as we take the MPDC to a whole new level!
*Performance Level
All Star Performance Team: The MPD All Stars are a group of select dancers who take their training up a notch and build upon their technical and performance skills. They give back to the community through dance by performing at community events and participating in service projects. They also compete at two dance competitions!
*Core Level
MPD Core classes: Our MPD core classes are our weekly classes designed to deliver quality instruction to our students in a nurturing, caring atmosphere. MPD brings energy, fun and passion into each class while keeping children engaged and active. Our studio creates an atmosphere where friendships can blossom, confidence can build and life skills can be learned.
Why Choose Maximum Performance Dance?
MP Dance instructors have worked professionally in the dance industry and have extensive training in all areas of dance, as well as gymnastics, cheer and acrobatics. Our staff is comprised of skilled choreographers, who have received awards for their creative, dynamic choreography. MPD instructors also have years of teaching experience to children of all ages so your child can grow and learn in a nurturing, fun and engaging environment. (Check out our instructor bios on our Staff page).
MPD provides fun and excitingclasses for all ages and levels.
Giving back is so important to us so MPD has partnered with charities such as the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, WITH Grace Initiative, National Brain Tumor Foundation, Traveling Tutus, Make a Wish Foundation and Dancing Dreams.
More Than Just Great Dancing™ affiliate joining a network of studios that subscribe to a higher standard or instruction and management principals.
We follow the Safer Studio™ Guidelines.
National Honor Society for Dance Arts™ member. NHSDA is a program of the National Dance Education Organization, created to recognize outstanding artistic merit, leadership, and academic achievement in students studying dance in public and private schools education, dance studios, cultural/community centers, performing arts organizations, and post-secondary education. *Students grades 9th & Up.
Maximum Leadership Program is for students ages 12+ (before 9/29) who help/assist with classes. This program aims at building up younger dancers in a positive, nurturing environment and creating opportunities for future growth and development. This is a great place to get plugged in and explore the other side of the art of dance. Dancers will learn important life skills in this program and have opportunities for additional training.
Competitive opportunities and advanced technical training for members of our award winning Maximum Performance Dance Company.
Performance and volunteer opportunities available for our performance team, the MPD "All Stars!"
Private lessons, cheer/dance/tumbling workshops are available upon request.
Master Classes offered by some of the best in the industry!
Maximum Performance Dance is conveniently situated in the Stirling shopping district and is housed in a beautiful, new, 5,000 sq. ft. studio with shock absorbent, marley type flooring...perfect for leaping, turning, tumbling and dancing! We have a huge bay door that can be opened to allow fresh air in and create an outdoor/indoor experience.
