Inspiring creativity and curiosity through dance

The Dance Foundation

Founded in 1975, The Dance Foundation is a nonprofit in Homewood whose services reach far and wide in the Homewood and Birmingham communities. The Studio Program provides tuition-based dance classes for children to adults in a variety of dance styles including creative movement, ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop, tap and musical theater with live piano music as an essential and unique element for most classes.

The Community In Motion program is at the heart of The Dance Foundation’s mission, with classes for students throughout Homewood and Birmingham at dozens of schools and social service agencies such as the The Bell Center, Homewood High School, YWCA and many others. Through this program, dance is used to build coordination and motor skills, inspire creativity and curiosity and enhance academic learning.

The Dance Foundation’s summer programming includes weekly classes that run June 5-Aug. 5 (no classes July 1-7) and are led by professionally-trained teaching artists with live piano accompaniment for classes through first grade. Summer is a wonderful time to introduce any age student to dance to find out if they have interest in pursuing dance for the upcoming school year.

In addition to weekly classes, five creative half-day camps are offered for students entering 4K through highschool. Each camp is led by professionally-trained teaching artists.

“Beauty and the Beast,” “Cinderella” and “Jack and the Beanstalk” are some of the fairytales that will inspire daily adventures in the Once Upon a Fairytale camp for 4K and

5K campers. Explore the day’s tale through dance, arts and crafts, music and storytelling. This is a great introduction to day camp for your little one, complete with a tea party on the last day.

► 9 a.m. to noon

► 4K: June 13-15, June 20-22 and July 18-20; 5K: June 5-9, June 12-16 and July 10-14

Once Upon a Ballet is the perfect camp for your budding ballerina or ballerino! Campers will discover the familiar folktales of ballet, learn classical dance steps, watch short clips from famous ballets, make costume pieces, explore the use of props and dance along with the traditional music of “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Nutcracker,” and others!

► First through third grade

► 9 a.m. to noon

► June 12-16, July 17-21

Visit a world limited only by your imagination in the Adventures in Enchanted Lands camp. Create your own mermaid story, search for dragon’s eggs, and design your own fairy wings. Each day is an adventure with magical creatures and enchanted activities. Campers explore each day’s theme through dance, art and drama classes.

► First through third grade

WHERE: 1715 27th Court S., Birmingham

WHEN: June 5-Aug. 5 (no classes July 1-7)

CALL: 205-870-0073

WEB: thedance foundation.org

► 9 a.m. to noon

► June 19-23, July 10-14

The Dance Exploration camp is a great first, second or tenth experience in dance! Experience a variety of dance styles including ballet, modern dance, hip hop, musical theater and others. Campers will also learn about rhythm, applying stage makeup, costume design and more!

► Third through sixth grade

► 9 a.m. to noon

► June 19-23

The Dance Workshop is for intermediate to advanced level dance students who desire to perform! Campers will participate in a daily technique class and rehearsal of choreography. They will perform in a showing for family and friends at the end of the week, and perform again during the upcoming dance season at The Dance Foundation. Campers must have at least 3 consecutive years of recent dance training.

► Sixth through 12th grade

► 12:30-4 p.m.

► July 24-27