First Day, First Steps: Nurturing the Joy of Dance from the Start

The Dance Centre

As backpacks are packed, pencils sharpened, and lunchboxes labeled, there’s another important pair of shoes getting ready for the year ahead—dance shoes.

At The Dance Centre, the start of the school year brings fresh routines, new friendships, and growing independence. It also reopens the doors to the studio, where dancers stretch, twirl, skip, and explore music and movement. Whether it’s their first plié or their fiftieth time skipping across the floor, each class is a chance to build confidence, coordination, and character.

“A new dance season always brings such excitement — it’s a fresh start and a chance to learn and grow in new ways. One of my favorite parts is seeing students return with a little more confidence than the year before.”

— Alden McShan, Assistant Director at The Dance Centre

Our dancers are embraced in a nurturing environment where they feel safe to explore movement and are rewarded with success based on effort, not perfection. Dance is about more than technique—it’s about trying. Some days your dancer will bounce into the studio ready to perform for the world; other days, they may need an extra hug and a quiet moment. Both are part of the journey.

“In my classroom, I strive to create an environment that feels like a supportive, inclusive, and loving family. I want every student to feel truly seen, valued, and encouraged — to know that mistakes are not only okay, but an important part of the learning journey.”

— Grace Ann Lockridge, Lead Faculty Member

For our preschool dancers, every class is filled with tiny triumphs that build the foundation for both dance and life. While learning steps is part of the journey, we celebrate so much more—like circle time, standing in line, and waiting patiently for a turn. They learn to count music and keep rhythm, hop on one foot, skip with joy, and recognize their right from their left. Changing shoes from ballet to tap all by themselves is a big deal—and so is remembering the moves to a holiday dance! These moments may seem small, but they are mighty wins that help grow confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning through movement.

“One of my favorite things about teaching dance is watching young dancers grow throughout the season—learning new skills, building confidence, and becoming proud of who they’re becoming on and off the stage!”

— Jayci Harwood, Assistant Company Director

“I absolutely love the start of a new dance season — it’s a time filled with fresh goals, new friendships, and a contagious excitement as everyone comes together to do what they love most.”

— Grace Ann Lockridge

As we begin this new season, we encourage parents to celebrate the little wins: a brave entrance into the classroom, a remembered step, a new friend made. Our mission is to provide quality dance instruction while also giving children in Tuscaloosa a fun activity they look forward to each week—one that builds confidence, poise, and friendships. And most of all, we believe that laughter and love are just as important as pliés and pointed toes.

“Laughter is essential in my classroom — joy should be just as present as hard work.”

— Grace Ann Lockridge

We understand that for some parents, especially those new to our studio, it can be a little nerve-wracking to leave their young dancer for the first time. That’s why we offer an online observer system, allowing family members to watch their dancer’s class in real time. This thoughtful setup allows students to stay focused while families remain connected to their dancer’s journey.

“Dance teaches so much more than steps; it instills discipline, focus, and perseverance. In the classroom, I set high standards because I believe those habits will take dancers far beyond the studio — in dance and in life.”

— Alden McShan

Thank you for trusting us to help your dancer grow—not just in movement, but in mindset. Here’s to a year of tiny toes, big dreams, and lots of love.