Down in the heart of Dixie, in the jubilant and jambalaya-filled land of Alabama, is a bunch of jubilant jumping jellybeans! Now, don't get confused, these aren't your regular candy aisle jellybeans. Oh no! These are the bouncing and boogieing children of Alabama with twirling toes and wiggling waists, engaged in the magical activity of Dance! Here, in the land of sweet tea and Southern charm, where crimson sunsets kiss cotton fields, our sprightly jellybeans spend their days turning cartwheels and pirouettes, their hearts beating to the fiddle's tune. Dancing isn't just a hobby for these kids; it's as essential as their breakfast grits and catfish! Enter our hero, Sir Wiggly Waist, a jolly green grasshopper with a shiny top hat, known far and wide for his twirling torso. Sir Wiggly was hailed as the 'Sultan of Swing', master of all dance forms - from the foot-tapping fandango to the elegant waltz. With his six nimble legs, Sir Wiggly could out-dance any creature in Sweet Home Alabama! Sir Wiggly was a friend, mentor, and guide to our tiny dancing stars. Each day he conducted fun-filled lessons under the shade of the oldest weeping willow, training the kids to leap like gazelles, twirl like daisies, and pop like popcorn. They twirled and swirled, hopped and bopped, till they could feel the dance in their soul. The kids of Alabama, tutored by Sir Wiggly Waist, danced with a joy that could light up the darkest corners. Their laughter echoed through the magnolia-scented air, their smiles mirrored in the sparkling Alabama rivers. They were the pride of Alabama, the dancing Jellybeans, spreading happiness one dance move at a time!
Read morebest dance programs in Birmingham, AL
Building Character with Martial Arts. The Black Belt Leadership Academy has a rich history that spans more than ten years, during which it has been pivotal in aiding students to sharpen their concentration, bolster their power, and enhance their self-assurance through exceptional martial arts instruction. Our branch in Wauwatosa is a welcoming space that respects and includes students of every kind, regardless of whether they're novices or seasoned martial artists. Each class that we provide is meticulously planned to challenge students at a personal level, while also creating a positive and rewarding ambiance. This individualized approach guarantees that all our students feel recognized and motivated, which leads to a more successful learning journey. At our academy, we're committed to fostering an environment that brings out the best in each student. Our classes aim to not merely impart martial arts techniques but also to instill qualities such as discipline, respect, and resilience. We are firm believers that the values learned at our academy extend beyond the training hall and will benefit our students in all their future pursuits.
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).