YAS! WE ARE OPEN!! SIGN UP TODAY! LOCATED AT GREYSTONE CENTRE-HWY 280
about young artist space
MISSION STATEMENT
At Young Artist Space, we provide a safe and healthy environment where dancers can explore, express, and develop their own unique styles. We believe that dance is a powerful form of communication, and our mission is to equip dancers with the tools and confidence to tell their stories and express their emotions through movement.
At YAS, we do things different. We utilize an industry-based approach to dance training. This approach is designed to help dancers reach their full potential by creating an engaging, fun, and challenging atmosphere that best prepares them for professional dance careers. This approach ensures that dancers are not only engaged but also excited to grow and evolve.
We are committed to fostering a positive, inspiring environment where every dancer feels valued and is encouraged to discover their own individual artistic voice. Our team doesn't just train performers - we also build future choreographers, offering dancers the chance to experience the creative process from every perspective.
At YAS, we focus on each dancer's personal journey. We help them uncover what makes them unique, what ignites their passion, and we help them to achieve their goals within the dance industry. We believe in creating a balanced, holistic dance education that develops both the body and the mind. Our training not only builds technical skill but also mental resilience - a vital skill for all dancers navigating the challenges and rejections that come along with a career in dance.
We are proud to offer a top-tier, first-of-its kind program that stands out in Birmingham. At Young Artist Space, our focus is will always be on helping dancers find, love, and embrace the artist within themselves!
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
COMMUNITY:
At our studio, we foster a welcoming and supportive environment where staff, families, and dancers are committed to healthy growth and positive, uplifting experiences. We expect everyone—staff, dancers, and families—to actively contribute to this atmosphere, and we will not accept anything less.
We do not view our program as "recreational." While some dancers may dance purely for the love of it, we consider dance to be an art form, and everyone in our studio is treated as an artist. While we hope to inspire some toward a professional career, it’s not a requirement. Our studio is one family, united by our shared love for artistic expression through dance.
PURPOSEFUL TRAINING:
Our program mirrors the professional dance world, preparing dancers for successful careers in the industry.
- Elite Training: We focus on technical excellence and audition-style training, teaching quick choreography across genres to build versatility and confidence. This gives dancers a competitive edge in auditions, school teams, and beyond.
- Industry Preparation: Beyond technique, we offer classes with guest speakers covering topics such as industry tips/secrets, how to build and effective and safe social media platform, how to create a dance resume, marketing strategies, networking advice, and other essential career skills.
PROGRAM PATHWAYS:
We offer four distinct programs, providing multiple pathways for success:
- Creative Movement (ages 2-5)
- YAS Elite Elevation Program (YEEP) (ages 6-13+)
- Beyond the Steps: Choreography Program (ages 10+)
- Elite Competitive Team (by audition/invitation)
Unlike traditional studios, class placement is based on technical skill, with age as a secondary factor. This ensures dancers progress quickly and efficiently, without missing key skills while fostering relationships across all age groups. Our staff carefully
monitors growth, provides feedback, and helps set individual goals.
Our choreography program provides an innovative and enriching opportunity for dancers to be able to see dance from all perspectives.
HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT
At YAS, we emphasize the Mind-Body Connection, teaching dancers how mental state affects their performance.
- We utilize methods such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques to enhance focus, emotional balance, and well-being.
We build Mental Resilience through visualization, self-compassion, and goal setting, helping dancers manage stress and competition with confidence.
We encourage Emotional Expression & Creativity, creating a safe space for dancers to tell their stories through movement.
We focus on Stress Management, by teaching relaxation, time management, and staying actively involved in open communication with our students to prevent burnout and balance training demands.
- Through small groups, class time, and individual meetings, we teach dancers how to thrive in high-pressure environments.
We offer our Competition Readiness class which focuses strictly on mental health and resilience, integrating these methods into our daily training.
OPPORTUNITIES:
MASTER CLASSES & GUEST SPEAKERS:
- We bring in industry professionals throughout the year for guest lectures, master classes, and intensives, open to all students in our program—not just our competitive team.
CONVENTIONS:
- All students can join our competitive team at conventions to expand their training, build industry connections, and experience what it is like being on in the competitive program. They can also purchase team swag to represent our studio while there.
OUTSIDE TRAINING:
- We support and encourage students to seek additional training opportunities, even beyond our studio.
- Competitive team members are expected to train outside as well, including master classes at other studios.
- We believe extra training builds stronger dancers and actively provide additional opportunities.
COMMUNICATION:
We maintain open communication with parents and students, providing regular evaluations to track progress and guide growth.
- Students receive clear goals and steps for advancement, with frequent assessments to ensure proper class placement for optimal development.
- Our open-door policy allows parents to discuss their child’s progress and explore the best opportunities for their dance journey.
GALA SHOWCASE
Instead of a traditional recital, we host an end-of-the season Gala, modeled after National Convention Showcases. This provides a dynamic platform for students to showcase their growth & is more engaging for both performers & audiences than a typical recital.
What to Expect:
- Enjoy dinner and drinks with family and friends while being entertained with a show by our phenomenal YAS program dancers!
- This is a formal event where guests as well as dancers have the opportunity to wear their best and feel special and appreciated.
- Photo Booths, Awards, Silent Auctions, Scholarships, Improv Competitions... Maybe a Parent Dance Off?
- Most importantly... we will crown the Young Artist Space Dancer of the Year!
YOUNG ARTIST SPACE PROGRAMS
AGES: 2 TO 5
Designed for our youngest dancers, where we foster a positive and encouraging learning environment while providing purposeful and intentional training.
Explore our Creative Movements page to discover more!
AGES: 6+
The Young Artist Elite Elevation Program consists of two programs: the Mini YEEP Program for our Level One Students (typical age: 6 to 8) and the YEEP Program for our Level Two & Three Students (ages 8 and up).
This program is designed for dancers who are not quite ready for our competitive team or who prefer to not compete. It provides the same elite level instruction that we offer to our competitive students, without the time commitment. Additionally, this is where our dance program begins its level-based instruction and placements.
To learn more, visit our YEEP Program page!
Ages: 7+ (AUDITION ONLY)
Our award-winning, elite-level competitive team is comprised of our most skilled and dedicated dancers. These dancers typically aspire to become professionals in the dance industry. They train multiple days per week and travel to compete. Our team includes several National Dancers of the Year as well as nominees for this prestigious title.
We are incredibly proud of them and invite you to visit our Competitive Team page to learn more!
AGES: 10+ (ALL DANCERS WELCOME)
Young Artist Space proudly offers one of the most innovative and unique programs in Birmingham, our Choreography Program, known as "Beyond the Steps". This program is designed to provide students with an additional pathway to pursue careers in the dance world. It is open to all students, regardless of their placement in our competitive program, and is also available to the public.
Our goal is to cultivate the artist within anyone who has an interest in the creative process. We believe this program will be extremely rewarding for all who invest their time in it, and we are excited to watch it grow.
Visit our Choreography Program page to learn more!
