Become a More Well-Rounded Dancer Through Cultural Immersion

Step into the transformative world of West African dance with Miko in this immersive series that enhances your artistry both on and off the dance floor. This full-bodied experience goes beyond technique to connect you with the rich traditions, stories, and spirit of West African culture.

How This Class Develops Well-Rounded Dancers:

• Expand your movement vocabulary through groundedness and circular patterns
• Deepen your rhythmic awareness with live drumming accompaniment
• Strengthen your artistic expression through cultural storytelling
• Build community connections that enhance your dance journey

Each session dives deep into the origins, meanings, and customs behind traditional rhythms, creating an authentic experience that develops both technical versatility and cultural understanding. The emphasis on intention, community, and self-expression enriches your artistic voice while introducing new pathways of movement.

Unlike dance forms that prioritize linear frameworks, West African dance invites you to embrace a circular, communal experience that activates mind, body, and soul—making you more adaptable across all dance disciplines and more connected to the cultural foundations of movement arts.

What to Bring & Wear:

• Loose-fitting, breathable clothing that allows free movement
• Women are encouraged to invest in a lappa (traditional wrap skirt), not required
• Water, an open heart, and your full energy

Join us on this unique cultural journey that will expand your horizons as a dancer and as a person.

FIND YOUR RHYTHM: ART OF VIII SCHOOL OF DANCE OPEN HOUSE Saturday, May 30 | 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Step into the sanctuary of self-discovery at Art of VIII School of Dance, where adults of all experience levels are invited to awaken their bodies and spirits through the transformative power of dance.

Our Open House showcases our CORE dance curriculum—Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Hip Hop, and West African—the foundational styles that build strong, versatile dancers and nourish the soul.

WHY THESE CORE STYLES MATTER:

BALLET: The foundation of all dance disciplines, ballet teaches proper alignment, balance, and grace. Its structured technique builds body awareness and creates a physical vocabulary that enhances every other style you'll ever learn. If you've always been curious but thought it was “too late”—it's not. It never is.

MODERN: Embrace freedom of movement and authentic expression through this grounded, organic style. Modern dance teaches you to work with your body rather than against it, developing strength, flexibility, and a deeper emotional connection to movement.

JAZZ: Energetic, syncopated, and full of personality—jazz builds coordination, musicality, and performance confidence. It's the style that makes you feel like you're performing even when no one's watching.

CONTEMPORARY: A beautifully fluid blend of ballet, modern, and jazz, contemporary dance creates space for personal interpretation and storytelling. This evolving style helps you discover your own artistic voice—and gives it somewhere powerful to go.

TAP: Tap isn't just footwork—it's percussion, rhythm, and pure joy made physical. Whether you're brand new to the sound of your own feet keeping time or you once had tap shoes and left them behind, this style reconnects you to music in a way nothing else can. Your body becomes the instrument.

HIP HOP: Rooted in culture, community, and creative expression, Hip Hop is one of the most liberating styles you'll ever experience. It meets you exactly where you are—no “right” body type, no perfect technique required. Just movement, music, and the freedom to be unapologetically yourself.

WEST AFRICAN: Ancient in its roots and electric in its energy, West African dance is a full-body celebration of life, lineage, and community. Driven by live drumming traditions and grounded in powerful, rhythmic movement, this style reconnects you to something primal and profound. It's not just dance—it's a homecoming.

DURING THE OPEN HOUSE:

• Experience mini-classes in all seven styles
• Move with our passionate, encouraging instructors
• Discover how these foundational styles support your long-term dance journey
• Ask questions about our approach to adult dance education
• Secure your spot in our upcoming season

Whether you're dancing for the very first time, returning after years away, or simply craving a space that finally feels like yours—Art of VIII School of Dance welcomes you exactly as you are.

No special attire required. Just wear comfortable clothing you can move in, and bring your curiosity. Everything else, we've got covered.

Art of VIII School of Dance: Where every dancer gets as many chances as it takes.

Elevate Your Technique with Adult Ballet Series II

If you've completed our introductory Adult Ballet Series I or have prior dance experience but want a refresher, Adult Ballet Series II is the perfect next step. Over eight weeks, take your technique to the next level by focusing on center floor and across-the-floor progressions.

After establishing core competencies like proper turnout, poised arms, and balance at the barre, it’s time to keep momentum moving through dancing combinations. Improve stability and confidence through increasingly complex center practice. Master petite and grand allegro jumps requiring control and precision. Progress across-the-floor patterns that keep you on your toes, literally, with quick direction changes and spirals.

You’ll also elevate artistry and versatility by dancing to varied musical styles and tempos. Build your dance IQ by learning new vocabulary for step nuances. And most of all, have fun feeling that satisfying full-body burn that only ballet provides!

Whether you completed Ballet Series I or are returning after a hiatus, this series allows you to brush up on fundamentals while being appropriately challenged. Reconnect with your technique around encouraging community free of judgement. Continually progress at your level by registering for Adult Ballet Series II today!

Rediscover Your Inner Performer Through the Joy of Jazz

Remember watching dancers command the stage with effortless confidence, sensational kicks, and show-stopping style? That could be you. Our 10-week Jazz Series I welcomes adult dancers—whether you're starting fresh or returning after years away—into a judgment-free space where you can explore the high-energy, captivating world of jazz dance.

Why Adults Love Jazz Dance

Jazz dance isn't just about technique—it's about feeling alive in your body and celebrating your personality through movement. You'll discover:

• Pure Joy: Dancing to beloved show tunes and iconic pop songs that make you smile
• Visible Progress: Landing leaps, nailing turns, and surprising yourself with new abilities
• Confidence Building: Finding your inner performer in a supportive adult community
• Stress Relief: Leaving each class energized, uplifted, and proud of what you've accomplished

What You'll Experience

Starting from where you are, we'll guide you through:

• Fundamental jazz vocabulary including isolations, turns, kicks, and leaps
• Cross-floor combinations that build fluidity and spatial confidence
• Rhythmic progressions that connect you to music's pulse and energy
• Choreography set to unforgettable tunes that ignite your inner star

More Than Movement

Beyond learning steps, you'll enjoy:

• Improved physical fitness as you burn calories and build strength
• Mental health benefits through creative expression and stress reduction
• A welcoming community of adults on similar journeys
• The satisfying stretch of increasing flexibility and capability

A Safe Space for Adult Dancers

We understand the courage it takes to walk into a dance studio as an adult. Whether you danced years ago or you're brand new, Jazz Series I meets you exactly where you are. There's no judgment here—only encouragement, expert guidance, and the joy of moving to music you love.

What to Bring:

• Form-fitting, breathable clothing
• Jazz shoes or clean sneakers
• Willingness to surprise yourself
• Permission to have fun

Take a chance on yourself. Your inner star is waiting.