Generations of Family - The Kehl Dance Story

1907 Dance class in the ballroom at the Kehl School of Dance, Madison, Wisconsin. Professor Kehl stands at the lower right, while a row of mothers watch from both sides of the room

The first dance classes in Madison were held in 1880 with Professor Frederick Kehl. Children and families gathered in the big ballroom to learn social graces and physical graces.

Ballet dance classes became popular in the early 1900’s and Kehl continued to thrive as the place to dance in Madison. Leo Kehl, Frederick’s youngest son, introduced tap dance classes and acro dance classes. During the 1960’s and 1970’s, jazz dance classes, lyrical dance classes, baton twirling and Hula dancing became popular and were added to the list of classes taught by Leo Kehl’s daughters - Virginia, Jo Jean, and Jo Ann. The Kehl family continues to run the Kehl School of Dance today. Stop by the Madison dance studio to see the historical display, located at 5117 Verona Rd.

Experience dance classes in Madison TODAY!

The Kehl School of Dance is the oldest, most historical dance school in the United States. “Ms. Jenny” Hiltbrand, Frederick’s great grand-daugher runs the dance studio today. Hip Hop dance classes, contemporary dance classes, and competitive dance teams have joined the list of classes offered by the Kehl School of dance in addition to the ballet classes, tap classes, jazz classes and acro classes introduced over the years. Kehl’s mission is to serve families and to bring the joy of dance to everyone they can reach! Each spring, Kehl brings hundreds of dancers to the stage for their Dance Recital. Donned in their beautiful costumes and lipstick, they entertain friends and family in stunning performances. We invite you to become part of the Kehl Family history!