Dance was a big part of Kaitlin Payne’s life when she was growing up in Fayetteville, TN, but after graduating from college and starting her career as an engineer, she was afraid that her dancing days were in her past until she talked about dance with her boyfriend’s mother who said, “ You need to get back in that. You would love dancing again. I think there are adult classes somewhere around town.”
So the next week, Kaitlin Googled “adult dance classes Birmingham” and found The Dance Foundation.
“I just love to dance. I always have. I started taking adult dance classes, hoping to get back into something I enjoyed and move with a purpose. I work in software, sitting at a desk all day, so I need a creative outlet and opportunities to move. Dance takes my mind off other things and helps me stay in shape. And at The Dance Foundation, I found exactly what I was looking for.”
Kaitlin says the instructors tailor the physical challenge for each student.
“The instructors do such a great job. They understand that our goals might be different, and they ask how we want to be corrected. They really listen and put us at ease. Melissa Turnage says, ‘We’re here. The rest of the world is outside. We’re not striving for perfection. We’re not going to audition for a ballet.’ It feels like a nice balance. It can be very challenging, but if you say, ‘I’ve had enough today, and I’m doing all I can to be here,’ they’re like, ‘Okay. You have a good time.’ They will push you if you want them to or take it easy on you when that’s what you need.”
In addition to finding a creative outlet and an enjoyable exercise program, Kaitlin found social connections she’d been missing.
“Making friends and genuine connections with people who have similar interests is incredibly challenging as an adult. I work with a lot of men in engineering, and I needed a social outlet like I had in high school and college. I didn’t realize how big of a hole that left. I thought I might meet some people at The Dance Foundation, but the friendships I made have been more than I could have expected. There is just something about the relationships you build while dancing. We see each other every week, and it’s very raw when we’re there because we’re just all trying our best. Dance builds a unique bond. Two years ago, I didn’t know any of these people. But last weekend, five of us from the dance class went to a jewelry store and helped one of the girls pick out her engagement ring. I can’t believe the friendships I’ve made in such a short amount of time.”
Kaitlin feels that the adult dance classes at The Dance Foundation have had a real impact on every aspect of her life.
“My dance classes are grounding. I might be worried about a work email that I should have sent. But then, I go to dance and I’m surrounded by such a wonderful support system from the students that I’ve come to know and the teachers, and nobody cares. We’re all just there to have a good time, and it lifts a weight off my shoulders. I do a Tuesday ballet class with Heidi Gunter in the middle of the day. It’s the perfect lunch break because you can push it all out, and then I feel very productive when I go back to work. I do an evening class on Wednesday nights, and then I sleep very well because my mind is clear and I’m exhausted from tap. Dance helps you keep things in perspective. And I love that they have classes for everybody. I have friends who are like, ‘I’m glad you’re getting to do that, but I didn’t dance as a kid, so I’m not sure if that’s for me.’ I tell them, ‘Girl, there is an adult beginner class. You don’t have to hop into the intermediate or advanced.”
Kaitlin also values the larger impact that The Dance Foundation has in the community.
”I loved learning about the work that The Dance Foundation does in schools, because those kids need the same benefits I feel when I go back to work. Providing that for children in a learning environment is truly incredible. The Dance Foundation is not your typical dance studio. When my friends and I attended the 50th anniversary celebration, we all agreed that we love being able to give our money to something like this. It’s a win-win. It’s not like you’re giving money to some exercise gym or paying just to get something. Here, you know that you’re benefiting and your contribution is filling a huge gap in the community.
Find out More
The Dance Foundation offers adult dance classes for all ages and abilities. Would you like to learn about adult classes at The Dance Foundation? Call us at (205) 870-0073 or register for adult dance classes online.