The Dance Foundation’s programs spark creative thinking, encourage collaboration and build confidence in the lives of children, teens and adults in our community.
We dance with 2000+ students of all ages and abilities in our studios and at more than 20 social service agencies, child care centers and schools throughout Birmingham. Our dance classes and performances inspire all involved – the growing toddler, the child who is homeless, disadvantaged or at-risk, the child who has special needs, and the inquisitive teen. The Dance Foundation is also home to dozens of artists and arts organizations for classes, workshops, rehearsals and performances. Creativity and collaboration are at the heart of our mission. The Dance Foundation. A Place of Discovery.
Our programs include:
Community Partnership Program
Studio Use for community artists and organizations
Dance and Acting classes for all ages
summer camps
The Dance Foundation was founded in 1975 by Jennie Robertson, Virginia Samford Donovan, and Mary Conyers Cooper. Today, our work continues to embody our founding mission of providing opportunities for students of all ages and abilities to learn through the power of dance and the arts.
What began in the mid-70’s as age and developmentally appropriate dance classes for small groups of young children and those with challenges has flourished into something extraordinary. The Dance Foundation is an organization now serving more than 2,000 students each week. The Dance Foundation has a professional staff of dancers and musicians to share our mission. Less than 10% of our budget is for management and administration. Programs are provided virtually every day, year-round.
As a not-for-profit dance education organization, The Dance Foundation is able to provide unique, creative programs and services through the strong partnership of professional staff, a committed board of directors and a diverse collection of supporters.
“Dance is a celebration of life,
a widening of horizons, an exercise in communication,
an exploration into self-awareness.
Through this discipline all the arts come into focus.
Let us journey together.”
– Jennie Robertson, Founder