who we are. what we believe.
our mission:
WE BELIEVE:
That dance is the most powerful form of communication.
That every student has a voice and a story to tell, and that it is our job to empower them to discover that voice and express it - unapologetically, through movement.
In creating a safe and inspiring space, where dancers can explore, express, and create confidently, without fear of rejection.
I nurturing both the dancer and the individual - strengthening the body, challenging the mind, and building resilience of spirit.
That hard work, dedication, and discipline can - and should - exist alongside joy, passion, and creativity.
In sparking a life-long love of dance from the earliest ages and to train with intention, purpose and heart.
In meeting dancers where they are, honoring their individual journeys, and guiding them toward their personal goals.
In developing dancers a people first - strong, kind, empowered human beings, who know who they are and what they stand for.
In teaching our dancers to reach back and lift others as they rise.
In building Performers, Choreographers, Artists, Storytellers, and World-Changers.
IN DOING THINGS DIFFERENT.
And, most importantly, we believe in helping every dancer 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 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.
We foster an environment of kindness respect, and accountability. Our dancers are taught to respect, love, and cheer for other dancers, while maintaining a healthy sense of competitive spirit. We cultivate leadership, teamwork, and a lifelong love of the art of dance. We foster an environment of kindness, respect, and accountability. Dancers are taught and expected to lift others as they rise.
industry-based training
Our program mirrors the professional dance world, preparing dancers for successful careers in the industry.
- Elite Training: We focus on technical excellence and industry-style training, consisting of learning quick combos, holding mock auditions, teaching self-promotion, and encouraging industry networking. Training in this way gives dancers a competitive edge in auditions, school teams, and beyond.
- Performance Experience: Dancers regularly perform for their peers and teachers in small groups, where they build the confidence they need to handle the pressures on stage.
- Professionalism: Students develop discipline, punctuality, and teamwork, preparing them for work with directors, choreographers, and peers.
- Industry Relevance: We stay current with evolving dance styles, technology, and choreography to keep dancers adaptable and marketable.
individualized coaching
At Young Artist Space, we recognize that no two dancers are the same. Our training is tailored to each student's strengths, goals, and areas for growth. We offer personal feedback, mentorship, and development plans for all dancers!
While we do have "levels", our levels are based on mastered skills, and age is used only as a guideline. This means, you may see a variety of different age groups in all of our classes and many dancers will be in multiple "levels" for different styles of dance or technique. We believe this approach is the best way to help dancers progress quickly while also ensuring that they are mastering each skill set or genre fully.
hollistic 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.
purpose driven classes
We offer many different genres for students to choose from, and, in an effort to allow as much training in as many genres as possible, we offer many of our genre specific classes on a rotating schedule. Genres will flip-flop weekly, which allows for a ton of exposure to different genres, as well as keeps the dancers engaged and excited about every class meeting.
Every class has clear goals, structure, and intention. We train with discipline and focus, but never at the cost of creativity or joy! Dancers are challenged to push limits while feeling safe and supported.
On top of weekly classes, our dancers are offered different program pathways, providing multiple pathways for success:
- Creative Movement (ages 2-5)
- YAS Elite Elevation Program (YEEP) (training program)
- Beyond the Steps: Choreography Program (ages 10+)
- Elite Competitive Team (by audition or invitation only)
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.
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, if they choose.
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.
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!
REGISTER FOR AUDITION WEEK NOW!
Young Artist Space will hold our audition intensive week: The Workshop, June 2nd through June 5th. Company auditions will follow on June 6th. We have incredible teachers, lots of surprises, and special incentives for coming! Don't miss out!