Laurium, Michigan, might be a small town, but its dance scene packs a serious punch. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn your first steps or a seasoned dancer aiming to refine your technique, Laurium offers hidden gems for every style—from ballet to hip-hop, contemporary to ballroom. Here’s where to train like a pro in the heart of the Upper Peninsula.

1. Copper Country Dance Academy

Style Focus: Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary
Why It Stands Out: With a faculty of former professional dancers and a rigorous syllabus, CCDA is the go-to for classical training. Their annual showcase at the Calumet Theatre draws crowds from across the Midwest.

2. Rhythm & Motion Studio

Style Focus: Hip-Hop, Street Jazz, Breaking
Why It Stands Out: This urban-inspired studio brings Detroit-style energy to Laurium. Weekly freestyle battles and collaborations with touring choreographers keep classes fresh and competitive.

3. Great Lakes Ballroom

Style Focus: Ballroom, Latin, Swing
Why It Stands Out: Perfect for social dancers, this studio offers date-night packages and hosts monthly "Dance Socials" with live bands. Their instructors have competed nationally in Quickstep and Samba.

4. UP Contemporary Collective

Style Focus: Modern, Improv, Fusion
Why It Stands Out: A collective of avant-garde artists who emphasize storytelling through movement. Workshops often incorporate Lake Superior’s landscapes as inspiration—think site-specific performances on Keweenaw beaches.

5. Tiny Dancers (Kids’ Program at Laurium Rec Center)

Style Focus: Creative Movement, Tap, Pre-Ballet
Why It Stands Out: Affordable and playful, this program introduces toddlers to dance with props, music, and fairytale themes. The annual "Nutcracker in Snowboots" performance is a local favorite.

Honorable Mention: Northern Lights Dance Festival (Seasonal)

A summer intensive that brings in guest teachers from Chicago and Minneapolis. Audition-only, but worth the effort for serious dancers.

Pro Tip: Many studios offer free trial classes in May—perfect for testing your footing before committing. And don’t overlook Laurium’s dance culture beyond studios: flash mobs at the Copper Harbor Music Festival and impromptu jams at the Hockey House Café keep the community moving year-round.

Lace up your shoes (or go barefoot!), and let Laurium’s rhythm surprise you.