Beyond Ballet: 5 Alternate Dance Classes for Atlanta’s Small Set

So they think they can dance? If you are looking for something beyond the barre, read on for five alternate dance classes where kids can get their groove on.

Children’s Jazz/ Hip-Hop
Studio Dionne is a well-known and much loved studio that offers a variety of dance classes for kiddos from the age of 2½ and up. Here you will find dance classes in all sorts of varieties: ballet, modern, tap and even musical theater. Check out the Jazz and Hip-hop combo where kiddos (7 and up) will be busting a move with a mix of African, Latin, hip-hop and jazz styles!

The Inside Scoop
If one of your tots is more of a singer and a strummer then a mover and a groover, Studio Dionne has plenty of music classes to explore, too!

524 Plasters Avenue, www.studiodionne.com

Athletic Movement for Boys
Have a little boy who loves to dance, but scoffs at the idea of tutus and pink shoes? Well, this class at Good Moves Dance Studio was specially designed for boys! This one combines athletic training with the creative nature of dance. Perfect for developing strength, discipline, fostering creativity and, of course, introducing dance.

The Inside Scoop
Tucked away in Inman Park, Good Moves is not just a dance studio, but a non-profit dance organization on a mission to bring dance to individuals and communities. This unique program introduces your kiddo not just to dance, but to a creative community of artists.

1015 Edgewood Ave NE, www.goodmoves.org 

Ballroom and Latin for Kids
Does your tot have the ballroom bug? Look no further then Academy Ballroom’s kids classes. Offered several times a week, this vibrant studio teaches that there is more to Ballroom and Latin classes than lots of spins and sequence. We’ve all heard that dance develops strength, coordination and confidence, but Ballroom dance has the added bonus of teaching tots a skill they can show off for a lifetime.

The Inside Scoop
Remember all those weddings and special events where you were begrudging the fact you never learned to slow dance beyond the “hold and sway”? Sign your little ones up now, and they’ll give you a big thank you later!

800 Miami Circle, Suite 140, www.academyballroomatl.com

Acrobatic Dance
Does your kiddo crave cartwheels? The Acrobatic Dance class offered at Foot Notes Dance Studio may be perfect for your tiny dancer. Recall those super fun floor routines during the Olympics? This is similar! It is a high energy performing art that focusses on basic tumbling and movement.  Kiddos can start as early as age 4 and beginners are welcome.

The Inside Scoop
Parents can’t say enough good things about the instructors here. The words, warm, friendly and family are thrown about freely. Foot Notes is well worth checking out, especially if your little one is on the shy side.

2500 Old Alabama Road, Roswell, www.footnotesdance.net

Creative Movement
Tap, ballet, or jazz? Not sure? Sometimes the tiniest twinkle toes just need to get grooving. Enter the Dan & Company studios and their Creative Movement class.  Designed for 3 and 4 years old, this class is all about movement and fun. No pressure here, just a relaxed place for your little one to let go and twirl around with scarfs and lummi sticks. Kiddos will get the chance to perform in one recital, and get this—the costumes are provided!

The Inside Scoop
If your little one loves to boogie, why not consider a dance themed birthday party? Dan & Company studios put on fun and original birthday parties. Parties last two hours, with two dance instructors and of course, tons of music and dance.

5523 Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd, Dunwoody, www.danandcompany.com

These classes not a fit? Click here for our list of other ballet and dance studios we love for the littles, or here some spots where they can learn an Irish jig!

—Candice Rose

Photos courtesy of Good Moves, Studio Dionne, and Footnotes Dance Studio via Facebook, kellyv and KCBalletMedia on Creative Commons via Flickr