Founded in 1977, Melodie’s Dance Theatre has been a cornerstone of the Los Alamitos and Long Beach dance communities for over four decades. What started as a small studio—purchased by Melodie Nay Danley and her mother—quickly became a hub for passionate dancers of all ages. Originally located at Los Coyotes Diagonal and Wardlow Road, the studio moved to its current Los Alamitos location in 1987, allowing for expansion and a growing team of talented instructors.

With a strong foundation in tap, jazz, ballet, contemporary, and competitive dance, our studio has earned numerous accolades, including “Top Studio,” “Top Teacher,” and “Overall” awards at prestigious dance competitions.

In 1997, longtime students-turned-teachers Heidi Santillan-Fong and Kimmi Barnett joined Melodie as studio directors, ensuring the continued success of MDT’s legacy of excellence. In January 2020, Heidi became the sole owner, with Kimmi and Melodie remaining as dedicated instructors alongside a growing faculty of skilled dance professionals.

At Melodie’s Dance Theatre, we believe in fostering a family-friendly, inclusive environment where dancers of all levels are encouraged to shine. From first-time students to competitive performers, everyone is given the opportunity to train, perform, and grow—both on and off the stage.

Join us and discover the joy of dance at Melodie’s Dance Theatre!