The world of competition dance is rapidly growing in popularity. It is obvious in the media with shows like Dance Moms, So You Think You Can Dance, and Abby’s Ultimate Dance Challenge. This realm of dance thrives when you are working your way through grade school, but what happens when you turn 18? It is either move off to Los Angeles and try to make it on one of these shows, or give it up.
As a competitive dancer my entire life, for me, this realization was devastating at 18-years-old. I did not know if I wanted to take the chance moving to a new city in the pursuit of a dance career and give up a college education in the process. In the end, and with a little push from my parents, I chose to give up dance and obtain an education in journalism at Arizona State University. Although, what I did not know when I came to Arizona, was all the amazing opportunities to continue my dancing around the Phoenix area.
Phoenix is an up-and-coming city for the dance community. There is a flourishing amount of choreographers, dancers, and studios, all trying to enlighten Phoenicians on the wonders of dance. Studios offering open classes for those 18-and-up are Bender Performing Arts Center, Metropolitan Arts Institute, Ballet Arizona, Epik Dance Company, and the newly opened studio Switch Performing Arts Center.
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The classes at these studios range from 10 to 20 dollars, and cover all styles including ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, lyrical and hip hop. The prices are relatively manageable for college students and seem to be well worth it.
“I was so surprised to see the classes offered for people my age. It is hard because I danced my whole life but stopped when I came to ASU,” said Alexa Scafaria, a 21-year-old, nursing major. “For most people who play sports in high school it can continue in college with intramurals, but it’s not the same for dancers. The open classes are so fun and give me the chance to do something I fell in love with so long ago.”
Scafaria is not alone in her love for dance and surprise in the classes offered. Katie Smith, an engineering major at ASU, also danced in grade school and had to stop after high school ended.
“I just took a dance class at Switch in Phoenix. It just opened this summer and is specifically for those 18 and up who just want to continue their dancing. I took a contemporary class and it was amazing… Seriously it was exactly what I have been missing,”said Smith.
As the dance world continues to flourish and grow , so will the opportunities to dance around the Valley. This growth means new chances to dance for those of us who had to give dance up their senior year of high school. It is a new and exciting time for the arts community here in Phoenix.
Smith thinks the opportunities are endless. “I only wish I knew about all these classes sooner, but I definitely can’t wait to get back in the swing of things.”