Volusia Academy of Gymnastics & Dance

- 565 S Lakeview Dr, Lake Helen, FL 32744

Introduction / Overview: A Focus on Fun, Fitness, and Fundamentals

For parents across Volusia County and the greater Central Florida area, the Volusia Academy of Gymnastics & Dance in Lake Helen stands as a local resource dedicated to the physical and personal development of children. Identifying as both a Gymnastics Center and a Dance School, this academy provides specialized, quality instruction across two major disciplines that are fundamental to athletic prowess and creative expression. The emphasis at the Volusia Academy has historically been on a well-rounded approach, promoting fun, friendship, fitness, and family alongside the pursuit of excellence in movement.

The core philosophy is to build a strong body and spark curiosity, inspiring young Floridians to discover their talents. The academy offers structured programs for various age groups, from toddlers getting their first introduction to movement to older students pursuing advanced, competitive-level training. Programs are designed for all skill levels, from beginners needing to master basic skills like handstands and cartwheels to advanced athletes training to compete within organizations like USA Gymnastics. The facility operates with a focus on safety and a structured environment, aiming to instill coordination, strength, flexibility, and confidence in every child.

While a positive review highlights a great experience with staff who are excellent with kids, another long-term customer review details a deeply concerning experience regarding communication, cancellation policies, and, most critically, a zero concern response when a young child became distraught about attending class. This suggests that while many families love their experience, as one review clearly states ("We Love it"), potential customers should be aware of a reported lack of administrative empathy and rigid refund policies. The business is noted as being good for kids and accepting multiple modern payment methods.

Location and Accessibility: Serving Volusia County from Lake Helen, FL

Volusia Academy of Gymnastics & Dance is conveniently situated in Lake Helen, FL, making it a central and accessible location for families residing in nearby communities such as DeLand, Deltona, Orange City, and even parts of Sanford. The facility’s address is in a practical, easily reachable location for parents driving in for classes or afterschool programs.

The specific address is: 565 S Lakeview Dr, Lake Helen, FL 32744, USA.

The academy ensures that its facilities are accessible to the entire Florida community by providing essential accessibility features. These include a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair accessible restroom. These accommodations are vital for ensuring that parents, guardians, and children with mobility challenges can visit the facility comfortably and safely. Furthermore, the provision of a clean restroom is a necessary amenity for children attending long classes, after-school activities, or camps.

Services Offered

Volusia Academy of Gymnastics & Dance offers a robust calendar of programs that fuse the technical demands of gymnastics with the artistry of dance. These services are strategically segmented to support children through every stage of their development.

The core services provided include:

• Gymnastics Training: Structured classes across all levels, from toddler-focused movement (e.g., Shooting Stars and Twinkling Stars for 18 months to 4 years old) to more advanced progressive classes (e.g., Rising Stars and Shining Stars for ages 5 and up) on equipment like vault, bars, beam, and floor.
• Gymnastics Dance: Programs that integrate gymnastics skills with dance elements, catering to students who wish to excel in both the athletic and expressive arts.
• After School: A vital program for local parents, offering supervised care and engaging activities for children once the school day is complete, often including dedicated time for gymnastics or specialty instruction.
• Gymnastics Camp: Seasonal camps, such as their Summer Camp, which typically offer extended hours and a mix of instruction time, games, arts & crafts, and themed activities, providing fun and fitness during school breaks.
• Tumbling Progressions: Specialized classes designed for students primarily interested in floor-based skills like tumbling, which is particularly beneficial for cheerleading preparation or refining basic gymnastic passes.
• Competitive Programs: By-invitation-only teams (Pre-competitive and Competitive) that train at a high intensity and compete under the USA Gymnastics organization for levels 1-10, for students who show advanced ability and dedication.

Features / Highlights

The features of the Volusia Academy of Gymnastics & Dance highlight its operational structure and customer service offerings for the local Florida clientele.

Key features and highlights include:

• Dual Discipline Focus: Operating as both a gymnastics center and a dance school, offering families a consolidated location for children to pursue multiple types of movement instruction.
• Multi-Level Programming: A full spectrum of programs catering to children from 18 months through high school, including recreational, progression-based, and competitive teams.
• Diverse Curriculum: Classes span from foundational skills (e.g., learning to take turns and follow directions) to complex competitive routines, ensuring appropriate challenge at every age.
• Modern Payment Convenience: The facility accepts multiple forms of payment, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, for easy session enrollment and fee management.
• Essential Amenities: The presence of clean, accessible restrooms is confirmed, ensuring a comfortable experience for children during their lengthy training sessions.
• Positive Coach-Student Interaction: At least one current, enthusiastic parent confirms that the staff is great with the kids and that their daughter genuinely loves attending classes.

Contact Information

For Volusia County families interested in enrollment or camp registration, here is the contact information for the academy:

Address: 565 S Lakeview Dr, Lake Helen, FL 32744, USA

Phone: (386) 228-0917

Mobile Phone: +1 386-228-0917

What is Worth Choosing: Extensive Programs and Skill Progression, with a Note on Policy

For Central Florida parents seeking a facility to introduce their children to, or advance their skills in, gymnastics and dance, the Volusia Academy of Gymnastics & Dance offers a depth of programming that is truly worth choosing. The academy's ability to offer specialized training from parent-tot classes up to competitive USA Gymnastics levels provides a clear, consistent pathway for skill progression over many years. This extensive, structured curriculum means your child can receive continuous, quality training without having to switch facilities as they age or their skill level advances. This multi-year commitment to development, coupled with essential services like After School programs and Gymnastics Camps, offers incredible convenience to busy Florida families.

However, it is crucial for local users to also note the customer feedback regarding administrative policies and communication. While the quality of instruction is noted as positive by many, a detailed review highlights a potential challenge with customer service and cancellation/refund policies, specifically mentioning a 30-day notice requirement to drop a class and a perceived lack of concern for a child’s emotional distress related to attending. Families considering enrollment should thoroughly inquire about the specific terms and conditions of payment and withdrawal before signing up for a session. Choosing this academy means choosing comprehensive programs and an atmosphere that many children love, but it also necessitates a clear understanding of the administrative and financial commitments upfront.

Volusia Academy of Gymnastics & Dance

565 S Lakeview Dr, Lake Helen, FL 32744, USA