Serious Dance Training — Without Competition Pressure.
Danse Élan is a boutique, non-competitive dance academy offering technique-focused, performance-driven education for families seeking depth, confidence, and long-term growth—not the chaos of the competition circuit.
We are not a recreational or a competition studio.
Step inside our lobby
IN-HOUSE WORKSHOPS & MASTER CLASSES
We come to you!
We organize and teach workshops and master classes in your studio or a location convenient for you and your students. You can schedule master classes from the owner, Jamie Roumayah, or you can schedule one or two day workshops with Jamie and fellow artists. Danse Élan organizes workshops according to the needs of each individual studio, considering student ages, levels, genres, and budget limitations.
TEACHER TRAINING
Helping teachers to be educators!
It has been said that a teacher can give a class or a teacher can teach a class. Danse Élan's teacher training classes help teachers teach. Creative ideas are shared regarding lesson plans, age appropriate choreography, how to relate to your students, preparing dancers for life after the studio years, balancing fun with discipline in the classroom, recital success, communicating with parents, how to make a well-rounded dancer, how to improve your student retention rate, how to make yourself valuable to your studio, and much more.
STUDIO OWNER CONSULTATIONS
With the goal of helping your studio grow and be a success!
Jamie Roumayah, owner of Danse Élan, and her husband Christopher are in a unique position to provide valuable information to studio owners who would like to improve the quality and fluidity of the operations of their studio. Jamie has been a successful studio owner, employer, employee, director, independent contractor, choreographer, mother, student, business owner, etc which makes her point of view multi-dimensional and unique. Christopher is a business professional educated in accounting and finance with experience in helping individuals and business owners to improve and organize their finances, write business plans, and to become successful entrepreneurs. As a team, they can assist studio owners in both business and artistic matters.
IN-HOUSE WORKSHOPS & MASTER CLASSES
We come to you!
We organize and teach workshops and master classes in your studio or a location convenient for you and your students. You can schedule master classes from the owner, Jamie Roumayah, or you can schedule one or two day workshops with Jamie and fellow artists. Danse Élan organizes workshops according to the needs of each individual studio, considering student ages, levels, genres, and budget limitations.
TEACHER TRAINING
Helping teachers to be educators!
It has been said that a teacher can give a class or a teacher can teach a class. Danse Élan's teacher training classes help teachers teach. Creative ideas are shared regarding lesson plans, age appropriate choreography, how to relate to your students, preparing dancers for life after the studio years, balancing fun with discipline in the classroom, recital success, communicating with parents, how to make a well-rounded dancer, how to improve your student retention rate, how to make yourself valuable to your studio, and much more.
STUDIO OWNER CONSULTATIONS
With the goal of helping your studio grow and be a success!
IN-HOUSE WORKSHOPS & MASTER CLASSES
We come to you!
We organize and teach workshops and master classes in your studio or a location convenient for you and your students. You can schedule master classes from the owner, Jamie Roumayah, or you can schedule one or two day workshops with Jamie and fellow artists. Danse Élan organizes workshops according to the needs of each individual studio, considering student ages, levels, genres, and budget limitations.
TEACHER TRAINING
Helping teachers to be educators!
It has been said that a teacher can give a class or a teacher can teach a class. Danse Élan's teacher training classes help teachers teach. Creative ideas are shared regarding lesson plans, age appropriate choreography, how to relate to your students, preparing dancers for life after the studio years, balancing fun with discipline in the classroom, recital success, communicating with parents, how to make a well-rounded dancer, how to improve your student retention rate, how to make yourself valuable to your studio, and much more.
STUDIO OWNER CONSULTATIONS
With the goal of helping your studio grow and be a success!
IN-HOUSE WORKSHOPS & MASTER CLASSES
We come to you!
We organize and teach workshops and master classes in your studio or a location convenient for you and your students. You can schedule master classes from the owner, Jamie Roumayah, or you can schedule one or two day workshops with Jamie and fellow artists. Danse Élan organizes workshops according to the needs of each individual studio, considering student ages, levels, genres, and budget limitations.
Helping teachers to be educators!
STUDIO OWNER CONSULTATIONS
With the goal of helping your studio grow and be a success!
A Different Approach in the Dance World
Most families encounter two common approaches to dance: casual recreational classes or high-pressure competition teams.
Danse Élan offers a third path — intentional, development-centered training without the demands of the competition circuit.
Here, children are given the time and support to build exceptional technique, lasting confidence, and a genuine love of dance through thoughtful instruction and meaningful performance opportunities.
Whether a child dances once a week for confidence or gradually develops a deeper passion, their journey is respected and supported.
Curious how families decide whether competition is the right path? We share our perspective in Should My Child Compete in Dance?
Why We Chose a
Non-Competitive Model
At Danse Élan, every decision we make is guided by one question: "What is best for the long-term development of the child?" That commitment shapes everything we do—from how dancers are placed and trained to the performances they experience and the expectations we set. That's why we intentionally chose a non-competitive model.
Our approach allows us to:
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Build exceptional technique, musicality, and artistry.
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Select age-appropriate choreography, music, and costuming.
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Progress dancers thoughtfully according to their individual development.
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Celebrate growth, confidence, and meaningful performance rather than comparison.
We believe childhood is too important to rush. Our goal isn't simply to develop skilled dancers—it's to help children grow into confident, healthy, expressive young artists who love to dance for years to come.
A Dance Journey Designed to Grow With Your Child
At Danse Élan, students follow structured training pathways designed to grow with them from their very first class through advanced study.
Early Foundations (Ages 2–4)
Joyful introduction to movement, rhythm, coordination, and classroom structure.
Primary Training (Ages 5–7)
Development of foundational technique, musicality, discipline, and performance readiness.
Technique & Performance
(Ages 8+)
Progressive training focused on strength, alignment, artistry, and stage performance.
Placement is based on readiness and development, not age alone.
Not sure where your child fits? We'd love to help. Schedule a complimentary trial class, and we'll guide you to the right starting point.
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Why Families Choose Danse Élan
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"...we have always felt Ms. Jamie and her team have always had the best interest of my child at heart!"
— K. Gustafson (Google Review)
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"From day one, my daughter has felt truly supported and welcomed in this space. As a parent, that sense of security and belonging means everything."
— H. Funderburk (Google Review)
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“The instructors put a high focus on technique and ballet instruction while keeping the classes so positive and engaging. It is obvious the instructors are passionate about what they do. As a huge bonus—the costumes are modest which we appreciate.”
— D. Sigler (Google Review)
Tuition & Training
Most families begin with one weekly class, with monthly tuition typically ranging from $55–$75 depending on age and class length.
Our programs are designed around consistency so dancers can build confidence and skills steadily over time. Many younger dancers begin with one class per week and expand as interest grows.
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How to Get Started
Families begin in different ways — choose the option that feels right for you.
Schedule a Studio Tour
Visit the studio, see classes in action, and ask questions in a relaxed, no-pressure setting.
Best for families who want to observe before deciding.
Schedule a Trial Class
Let your child experience a class and meet our teachers before enrolling.
A great option for children who learn best by doing.
Register for a Class
Already know Danse Élan feels like the right fit? You’re welcome to enroll directly.
We’ll still guide placement to ensure the best experience.
Not sure which option to choose? We would love to help!
"Jamie Roumayah is one of the most sought after dance educators working today. I was privileged to have her as a master guest teacher and later as a full faculty member at our school in Charleston, West Virginia from 2002 until 2016. She turned around a ballet program, started an apprenticeship program, and single-handedly formed a unique tots and preschool program.
Ms. Roumayah is one of those rare artists who can do it all. She is gifted at teaching all levels proficiently, she inspires her dancers, parents trust and listen to her, and she is a major team player allowing everyone who works with her to not only feel comfortable but to also feel inspired and work at their highest possible level. She sets the bar high for herself and all of those fortunate enough to work with her. In addition to her skills as a master teacher, Ms. Roumayah is a very talented manager and choreographer. Her organizational skills are most impressive and as a choreographer she is incredibly creative, producing amazing pieces and concerts that captivate and educate audiences. All in all, Jamie Roumayah is an exceptional artist in every sense of the word. I was privileged to have worked with her for 14 years." ~ January Wolfe, Studio Owner, Charleston, WV