Alabama Dance Works opened its doors as the Patti Rutland Jazz Dance Center in 2013 with a vision of fostering the love of dance among children. Alabama Dance Works is a home for all students, from the serious dancer to students who wish to dance purely for the enjoyment and recreation. It is our mission to provide the highest quality dance education and performance experiences for our students while building creative minds, healthy bodies and happy hearts!
​
At Alabama Dance Works we welcome all students, and feel that each dancer can find the proper fit for them within our studio. Our various programs allow each student to find the commitment level that is right for them, while still learning and growing as a dancer. ADW prides itself on having a qualified faculty that provides excellent training, while creating a family atmosphere.
We simply provide an unparalleled learning experience. Our teachers love to dance and it shows! Our innovation in programming, diverse faculty and expansive financial aid opportunities make Alabama Dance Works the area’s most comprehensive dance studio!
OUR CLASS OFFERINGS
Ballet
Ballet Technique classes are the foundation for dance training. It focuses on developing a solid emphasis of understanding correct body placement, proper use of turn out, coordination of the upper body, and use of arms. We follow the Cecchetti Method in our curriculum.
Acrobatic Arts
Acrobatic Arts is a professional curriculum for acrobatic dance. This program is designed to promote excellence in flexibility, strength​, balance, limbering, tumbling, basic contortion, and partner/group stunting for dancers. All of our Acro Teachers are certified in Module 1 Acrobatic Arts.
​
​
​
Hip Hop
Hip hop is a high-energy class that infuses the latest styles of street dancing, breaking, popping, and locking. Classes will encourage students to step outside of the box by bringing their own individual style and personality to the movements. Our Hip Hop curriculum was created by our very own, Ryan Wagstaff.
Jazz
Jazz class will focus on learning proper dance technique such as isolations of the body, improving performance quality and developing complex rhythms and patterns. Our curriculum is based off the Gus Giordano Jazz technique
​
​
Pointe
Pointe classes are designed for students who wish to further their study of classical ballet. Students will utilize their ballet technique while focusing on strengthening the feet and ankles. Our pre-pointe work was designed by Lisa Howell B.PHTY, a physiotherapist for dancers, and it is furthered by Vicki Atard, former principal with the Austrailian Ballet.
(teacher recommendation only)
Contemporary
Contemporary blends creativity and artistry of modern dance with the athletic technique found in Jazz Ballet. Our classes integrate these traditional disciplines, fusing them with current commercial styles. This class also explores improvisation techniques , movement acquisition and cultivating personal style.
Tap
Tap classes are designed to develop rhythm, style and sound. Students will learn a variety of tap styles from Broadway to Rhythm tap. Exercises focus on building flexibility of the knee and ankles, coordination, and speed of movement. At our core, we teach the Al Gilbert Technique.
​
Modern
At ADW, we teach the Horton Modern Technique. This class will consist of studies to stretch and strengthen different areas of the body. Many of the studies will include flat backs, primitive squat, lateral stretches, release swings, leg swings, deep lunges, and T positions.
Therapeutic Dance
Our Therapeutic Dance classes teach movement and technique to students of all ages with physical and mental disabilities. We believe that dance is for everyone. Our classes assist in development of self-esteem, confidence, and awareness, while creating a space for body positivity and physical fitness.
