Ballet, hip hop & line dancing. New dance studio opens in Forsyth to shake things up
Dust off your dancing shoes, Forsyth. It’s time to shimmy, shake and leap for joy because a new dance studio is shaking things up in town.
Georgia Dance Lab, located at 448 Cabiness Road, celebrated its grand opening this month with an array of classes, from ballet to hip hop and here’s the best part: there will be classes for all age groups, even adults.
Because kids can’t have all the fun, right?
“By hosting classes for youth and adults, we can create an even bigger community and showcase the importance of staying active, being a part of the arts and expressing oneself without feeling judged,” said Makenzie Collier, owner, instructor and choreographer of the new business. “Georgia Dance Lab is a welcoming space and we invite anyone and everyone to come dance with us.”
Homegrown talent
Collier has quite an impressive resumé, as she began her career with a talent agency that paved the way to dance on television shows like “Senior Year,” “Insatiable” and “The Vampire Diaries.” She has also performed with Kanye West, Tevin Campbell, Ashanti, Kelly Clarkson and more.
She has danced in the bright lights of Atlanta and felt the hustle, but now, she has come back to her hometown to provide high-quality training and inclusive programming.
“As someone who knows firsthand the challenges of finding quality dance training in Forsyth, I’m committed to creating a space where local dancers can grow, learn and thrive without having to leave their community,” she said.
Collier staffed her studio with a regionally and nationally award-winning team of people who are passionate about serving the people of Forsyth and Middle Georgia.
So, what dance training classes are offered at the studio? Well, a few may surprise you.
Class is in session
Here’s what Georgia Dance Lab offers:
Infants and toddlers: Me and My Shadow (12 months-3 yr old), Tiny 2’s Ballet/Tap Combo (1.5 yr old - 2.5 yrs old), Preschool Ballet/Tap Combo (3-4 yr old), Mini Ballet/Tap Combo (5-6 yr old), Mini Hip Hop (5-6 yr old) and Mini Jazz (5-6 yr old).
Minis and juniors: Petite Ballet/Tap Combo (7-8 yr old), Mini/Petite Musical Theatre (5-8 yr old), Mini/Petite Tumbling (5-8 yr old), Petite Ballet/Tap Combo (7-8 yr old), Petite Jazz or Hip Hop (7-8 yr old), Junior Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap or Hip Hop (9-12 yr old), Junior Tumbling (9-12 yr old), Junior Musical Theatre (9-12 yr old).
Teens: Teen Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Ballet, Musical Theatre, Tumbling and Jazz (13-15 yr old) as well as Senior Tumbling, Musical Theatre, Jazz and Contemporary (16-19 yr old).
Georgia Dance Lab will also offer line dancing classes and low impact “Forever Young Fitness” classes for 50+ adults. Plus, “Shining Star” classes for special needs children and adults will be available.
“We believe that everyone deserves the chance to dance,” Collier said. “Whether you’re an aspiring pro or looking for a fun way to stay active, Georgia Dance Lab is dedicated to helping you reach your full potential.”
Georgia Dance Lab will even be available for birthday parties and small events. Pricing ranges from $50 to $65 a class, but does not include registration, recital or costume fees.
For more information, visit the Georgia Dance Lab website, email georgiadancelab@gmail.com or call (478) 394-7024. You can also follow the studio on Facebook.
Are you excited about this new dance studio? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com
