best 11 programs in Birmingham, AL

Since its inception in 1946, RARA Recreation has remained the top provider of recreational services in Rochester, Rochester Hills, and Oakland Township. With a legacy of over 70 years, RARA Recreation has become synonymous with fun, fitness, and community spirit. Offering an incredible array of over 1,200 activities annually, RARA Recreation ensures that there's never a dull moment for you and your family. RARA Recreation is proud to offer a diverse range of programs designed to cater to the interests of all ages and abilities. From sports and day camps to dance and performing arts, the organization is committed to making fitness and recreation accessible and enjoyable. Events and activities are carefully planned to promote physical activity, creativity, and social interaction. For those seeking more specialized services, RARA Recreation also offers adaptive services, ensuring everyone can participate and enjoy the benefits of recreation. Their team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing an inclusive and supportive environment. Their focus is on building a sense of community and fostering a love of active living through their extensive offerings.

Lynn Andrews—affectionately nicknamed “Swim Nazi, Jr.”—is the proud daughter of a swimming instructor and is continuing her family’s legacy of teaching children and adults the importance of water safety. She offers group lessons, designed to help students gain the confidence they need to take the plunge in the deep end of the pool with self-sufficiency. With Lynn at the helm, her students have a supportive environment where they can build camaraderie with their peers, as well as acquire the necessary skills to become strong swimmers. The techniques she uses are highly effective in getting children out of their comfort zone and into the pool.

Jaclyn Horsley Shiflett is a Birmingham native who has had many opportunities to expand her knowledge of dance. Her teaching career began 20 years ago, and four years ago she founded The Dance Studio in Hoover, AL. Here she encourages young artists to pursue excellence in their chosen style of dance. Jaclyn specializes in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Modern, and is also trained in Hip-Hop and Tap. She has studied extensively with Monica Barnett Smith of Exclusively Ballet, alongside Wes Chapman and Roger VanFleteran of the Alabama Ballet, and has also trained at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York, The South Carolina Conservatory, STEPS, Broadway Dance Center, Pineapple London, and Birmingham-Southern College. Here she completed a double major in Dance and Business. As a performer, her favorite role was Dew Drop Fairy (Nutcracker).