Alius Dance School integrates the Elemental Body Alignment System and other cross-training methods into classical dance instruction for Jacksonville and surrounding areas. Classes are available for all ages and include ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, musical theater, flamenco, and modern dance. The studio also hosts group fitness classes such as yoga, pilates, and Zumba.
All About Ballroom is a dance studio specializing in group and private ballroom dance classes for the greater Jacksonville area. The studio’s classes include waltz, foxtrot, salsa, tango, and merengue. Couples can also learn wedding dance choreography. The three wedding dance packages can be customized to accommodate both traditional and non-traditional weddings.
All-Starz Dance Studio specializes in children’s dance education for the greater Jacksonville area. The studio keeps class sizes small and arranges community dance performances throughout the year. Recitals are free for family and friends to attend. Owner Cindy Brown has taught dance for over 30 years, including as a dance team coach for Clay High School and Fleming Island High School.
Asbury Arts Center teaches dance, music, taekwondo, tumbling, and art for children in the greater Jacksonville area. Dance students can choose from ballet, jazz, tap, modern, hip-hop, and baton twirling. All dance classes perform in an annual recital. Students who are selected for the center’s dance company participate in conventions, workshops, competitions, and community performances.
Located in Jacksonville, Ballroom Dance Academy offers various programs to dancers of various levels and styles. It provides private sessions targeted at couples and singles, promoting an easy and enjoyable environment by adjusting its teaching methods and programs based on the client's individual requirements. It also creates simple and elegant routines for wedding dances. Additionally, the business supports group lessons that cater to beginners and advanced learners, teaching different topics and styles every month. Ballroom Dance Academy allows rentals of its 5,000-square-foot ballroom space.
Buddy Sherwood School of Dance has over 60 years of history training dance students in the Jacksonville Metro area. Programs include tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop for both recreational and competitive dancing. Owner Luann Fair leads the school with the help of her daughter Allie Fair, an award-winning choreographer.
Callahan Dance Academy offers dance training for all ages of students in the greater Jacksonville area. The school has served the surrounding community since 1980. Classes are available in tap, jazz, hip-hop, clogging, ballet, lyrical, and recreational gymnastics. Owner and director Terri Vaughn began training in dance at a young age and has performed both locally and nationally.
Dance Theater of Jacksonville offers dance instruction for students two years old through adulthood. Classes include tap, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and musical theater. Students can also participate in dance competitions, public performances, and an annual recital. Dance Theater of Jacksonville is highly recommended for its professional instructors.
Flamenco Perspective offers Spanish dance and flamenco education for students in the Jacksonville Metro area. Students of all ages can also participate in the classical castanet program. The school is part of Ponte Vedra Ballet and Dance Company and the Fusion Performing Arts Academy. Director Dawn Wolf started the Ponte Vedra Ballet and Dance Company in 2003, specializing in proper technique and injury prevention.
Monarch Ballroom & Dance Studio provides the Jacksonville area with private lessons, group classes, and dance parties in a wide variety of dance styles. Founders Chris and Krista Thomas have over 20 years of experience in dance instruction. The studio emphasizes fitness and holistic wellness.
River City Fine Arts Academy promotes fine arts training with a studio based in the historic downtown of Jacksonville. The studio supports dancers at any age and level through classes and private lessons. Since 2007, founder Mayra Fernandez has also led and choreographed F13RCE Dance Theatre, an experimental performing arts company for dancers in middle school and high school.
Switzerland Dance School provides well-rounded dance education for children in the greater Jacksonville area. Adult ballet and tap classes are available in addition to the full range of children’s programs. Former students have performed in professional dance companies both locally and nationally, taught in dance studios and schools, and traveled internationally for dance ministry. Families praise Switzerland Dance School as a supportive community that builds up the confidence of its students.
Many young people dream of becoming dancers when they grow up, but what if you're already grown and are just coming to the realization that dance is your passion? It's never too late to start, and while selecting a dance studio for lessons or even choosing a dance style to train in might seem like a daunting task, it's the start of an exciting journey that will nourish your mind, body, and soul.
Some dance styles, such as classical ballet, require professional training to master. However, if you can't afford or don't have time to take classes, consider immersing yourself in as much dance-related content as possible. Watch dance videos, tutorials on YouTube, and read anatomy books to learn about proper alignment. You should also exercise regularly to improve your stamina and strength.
The average cost of wedding dance lessons in the United States is roughly $75-$150 per hour and can be up to $2,500 for packages of 10-20 sessions. The exact pricing will vary based on the city you live in, the studio, and potentially even the style of dance you're learning for your wedding.
If your child is taking dance lessons, and you're using the dance school as an after-school child care alternative to daycare, then you may be able to write off up to $3,000 of the expense as a tax credit. In some cases, adult dance classes taken at an accredited post-secondary institution may also qualify for a tax deduction.
A good dance lesson plan should have a focus or intention, a clear set of skills that the students will be developing, and methods for having students achieve those outcomes. Typically, you draw up a lesson plan chart that breaks down the class into sections, indicating what you plan to do at each stage of instruction.
The shoes you need depend on the dance style. Ballet or tap classes require properly fitted ballet or tap shoes. Jazz classes sometimes require jazz shoes, but bare feet or foot thongs may be acceptable, which are also used for contemporary or lyrical dance classes. Ballroom dancers need an appropriate heeled shoe. Musical theater dancers may wear tap, character, or jazz shoes depending on the piece.
For a choreographed wedding dance, you can typically purchase a package of 10-20 classes where you learn your dance over several weeks. However, if you're on a budget, you might consider taking three to five classes to learn your steps.
For ballroom dance shoes you can either wear a heel or a sneaker that hugs your foot nicely. Ideally, you should opt for shoes that have smooth, thin soles and low heels for optimal comfort.
Kids can start formal dance lessons at three to four years old. Many dance schools have "kinderdance" programs where children have the opportunity to learn the basics of ballet. At five to six years of age, children can begin studying other forms of dance, such as jazz, tap, or musical theater.
You should begin taking dance lessons at least a month before your wedding to ensure there's sufficient time for an instructor to choreograph your dance and for you to learn it. However, you need to book the lessons well before this date.
In many cases, private dance lessons are worthwhile for individuals who want to accelerate their progress with the personalized attention of an instructor. However, it's beneficial to participate in group lessons simultaneously because there are skills you can't learn individually, such as teamwork.
You generally don't need to tip a dance instructor for private lessons, unless you want to because they've gone above and beyond in some capacity. However, most dance instructors charge high rates so they're making an excellent wage without tips.
Dance studios in the United States are required by law to have a license from the ASCAP and BMI which enables the use of copyrighted music in classes. Without this license, a studio faces a hefty fine per song.
You may be able to wear leggings to some dance lessons. However, some classes have strict dress policies so you should double-check about the proper attire for your lesson ahead of time. While leggings may be appropriate for ballroom or contemporary lessons, they won't be acceptable for a classical ballet class.
Yes, many football players are taking dance lessons because the transferable skills they gain can help them on the field. Pittsburg Steelers player Steve McLendon is quoted as saying, "It's harder than anything else I do," when asked about his ballet training.
It's never too late to start dance training, regardless of your age. Many studios offer ballroom dance classes for adults at all levels, including beginners. As long as your physical fitness level enables you to dance, there's always time to learn.
Some of the best ways to warm up your body before a dance lesson are taking a brisk walk or doing jumping jacks, lunges, and push-ups. These exercises will get your muscles moving and your blood pumping so you're ready to start dancing when you arrive at the studio.
Dance lessons involve learning dance steps for the purpose of improving your technique or preparing for a performance. Dance therapy uses dance movements as a means to express emotions, potentially enhancing your self-esteem and mental health, and improving your body's motor functions.
