The Betty Hill Dance Studios "were born" in 1955, opening first in the basement of Harder's Drug Store at 66th and University Avenue. In 1958, Betty Hill moved her studio (and family) to our current main office and Windsor location on 73rd Street with all classes held in Studio 2 and with her mother and daughters living with her in the house. Over the years, she added dance supplies (stored in the living room), built an addition in back for classes (Studio 1), and created The Theatrical Shop (housed in Studio 2).
By the early 60's Betty had opened a small studio in South Des Moines, moving to larger locations periodically over the next thirty years. In 1978 we opened our West Des Moines Studio for Debbie to manage when she went to graduate school. We also had branch locations for a brief time in Pleasant Hill and on Lower Beaver Road.
When Debbie became owner-director of our studios in 1985, she remodeled our Windsor Studios and offices, moved our South Studio to its current location, created the Boys Club, expanded our jazz curriculum, and added several exciting new programs, including partnering, competitions, DANCE CAMP, our summer State Fair Show, and our Christmas Show.
At the intro to the millenium, we totally rebuilt our West Des Moines Studio, adding a huge double classroom, spacious lobby, and ample parking. We alsocompletely redecorated our Windsor Studios and enhanced our "high tech" editing office.
In the past several years we have added to our website and created our Dance Magic Network, using up-to-date technology to provide more and better information to our families. All the while we have continued our promise to create a wholesome and all-American program for our students, using only clean-cut music, moves, and costuming and emphasizing our signature Broadway approach.
Our students and parents now have a diverse program with the advantages of a successful family business that has served thousands of students and their families for over five decades, plus the cutting-edge excitement that comes from our commitment to excellence in education and performing. The roots of tradition and the wings of creativity: that's Dance Magic!
Our Founder
Betty Hill has been a significant figure in dance education for over fifty years. She has a rare gift for working with children, and her teaching methods for preschoolers and young dancers have set the standard for dance education in greater Des Moines.
In recognition of her contribution, Betty was one of seven people in the nation to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award in Dance, presented by the Professional Dance Teachers Association. Betty has been on the Board of Directors of the National Costumers Association and has led seminars throughout the United States for her creativity and expertise in costuming and business. She is also the past treasurer and past president of Dance Masters of Mid-America.
A diversified business woman, Betty owns The Theatrical Shop, Dressmakers (Showtime), Rose's Theatrical Supply, and Owens Tiara Company.