Dance studio brings fun to REO Town

By Juanita Kelly-Hill
Staff Writer 

Rock the Block Studio is a Black-owned and woman-owned dance studio located at 1202 S. Washington Ave. in Lansing’s REO Town district.

The studio offers a variety of classes in different dance styles, including Detroit style ballroom, Chicago stepping, twerk-fit, urban-style line dancing, Zumba, and hip-hop cycling.

Tiffany Nordè runs the business alongside her husband, David. They celebrated their one-year anniversary of opening Rock the Block Studio this past December. 

Before owning a studio, the couple hosted dance classes around the Greater Lansing area. 

“When I came up with the business idea I was just trying to make lemonade out of lemons,” Tiffany Nordè said. “Originally it was a side business, but a couple years back I was laid off from my full time job … This gave me the opportunity to focus on my business full-time and build it up.” 

The mission of the dance studio is to cater to the working adult and expose people to urban styles of dance, Nordè said, while also offering the opportunity to de-stress and have fun at the same time. 

She said her business holds value in the REO Town area, dance community, and the Black community in the Greater Lansing area.

“There are a lot of shops and eateries in REO Town and I think we add a sense of diversity with our dance studio,” Nordè said. “There are multiple dance studios around Lansing, but (they) are usually catered to children and teens, whereas we cater to adults.

“Also, with being a Black-owned business, underrepresented communities get a sense of belonging and safety when they do business with us.”

RTBS offers classes for only $15, and monthly memberships at $60 for six classes a month.

Those who are interested can visit the business’s website to view classes and register. The owners also accept walk-ins if one is unable to register online. 

The studio space is available to rent for small intimate events for people who need a venue.

For anyone interested in attending a dance class or hosting an event, visit the website here or contact via email at dancingwiththenordes@gmail.com.