In honor of our 25th birthday, we hosted an Awards Ceremony and Anniversary Gala that was open to all DU Dancers and their families. It was the biggest celebration in DU history and it was simply unforgettable. Below are some highlights!

Red Carpet Moments

Dancers and families arrived in style, dazzling in their semi-formal and formal attire. From sparkles to bow ties, the red carpet was alive, and we were LOVING the looks! Click here to check out some photos of all the glitz and glam!

A Celebration of Every Dancer

At DU, every dancer counts. That’s why every performer from the 2024–25 season was recognized during our spectacular awards ceremony. From our tiniest twirlers to our graduating seniors, each dancer took the stage and received their moment of applause. 

Special Honors

Special honors were given to our first-year dancers, 10 year dancers, graduating seniors, and our incredible legacy families who have supported DU across generations. We also recognized students celebrating 5, 15 years of dancing with us. On top of that, we inducted our NHSDA students and introduced our first ever Poppi Awards. Check out our previous blog post to learn more about Poppi the Panda!

Gifts, Prizes, and Surprises! 

Every dancer received a special gift as a keepsake of their unforgettable year, and lucky families took home exciting door prizes throughout the evening. Smiles lit up the room!

Dinner, Dancing, and DU Spirit

The celebration continued with a delicious dinner, a live DJ, and a dance floor where everyone let loose and partied the DU way, full of energy and pride!

What made this gala so special wasn’t just the glitz or glam. It was the shared memories and the deep-rooted sense of community. For 25 years, Dance Unlimited has poured into the lives of thousands of young people, and this event was a reflection of that beautiful legacy.

To our DU families, thank you for trusting us with your dancers. To our alumni, staff, and community partners, thank you for believing in our mission. And to our dancers, you are the heartbeat of DU, past, present, and future.   And we simply can’t wait to see what the future holds for Dance Unlimited and our growing dance family in the years to come! 

The post Celebrating 25 Years! appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.

That’s why we are SO excited to share the news about one of the most exciting events of the year. You’re invited to Bring-a-Friend Week on April 14th-19th! This is a FREE opportunity for families who are new to DU to explore our programs. On top of that, it’s a chance for our current dancers to share their love of dance with their most cherished besties… because dancing is always more fun with friends! 

Bring-a-Friend Week

When: April 14th-19th, 2025
Where: Dance Unlimited
Who: New Students AND Current DU Dancers and Their Friends
>>RSVP HERE

Trust us, you don’t want to miss this exciting week! We fill our studio doors with tons of new faces and open their eyes to what it’s like to dance with us. The pride our current dancers feel when they show their friends around is priceless! 

During this special week, our dedicated teachers will be working hard to give our guests the best glimpse into our amazing classes. They’ll be slightly adjusting their lesson plans to make sure that all of our guests feel welcome and inspired. Parents can expect lots of learning, laughter, and camaraderie. 

Guests do not need previous dance experience or dance attire. All levels are welcome! Athletic clothing that allows for movement and a pair of socks (or clean gym shoes for hip hop) will work great! 

Follow the steps below to get started! 

1. If you are a current student, start thinking about who you’d like to invite to join you in class! 
2. Have your friend (or their parents!) RSVP. You can also forward them any of the Bring-a-Friend emails, social posts, OR this blog article! 
3. Check-in with your friend a day or two before class. Let them know you’ll meet them in the lobby, show them where to keep their belongings, and walk them to class. 
4. Get excited! We can’t wait to welcome your friends to Dance Unlimited!

If you are a potential new family and do not have an invite from a current DU dancer, you are welcome to join in the fun too! All we ask is that you RSVP so our team can plan accordingly. The more the merrier! 

Bring-a-Friend Week at Dance Unlimited is a reminder that in the world of dance, there’s always room for one more! Every new dancer who walks into Dance Unlimited brings a unique perspective to our studio. We pride ourselves on a welcoming community for kids in Augusta and we celebrate new faces always!Bri

We look forward to welcoming YOU to the studio April 14th-19th. Get your invites out today! Let’s dance!

The post You’re Invited to Bring-a-Friend Week! appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.

From professional careers to personal achievements, our alumni share how their time at DU helped shape their paths and set them up for success. These stories not only celebrate their growth as dancers but also the lasting relationships we’ve built along the way. We are proud to watch our students evolve into incredible adults!

Meet our Dance Studio Alumni and check out what they are up to now!

Lindsay S.

What years did you dance at DU? 1999-2014

What are you up to now? I moved back to Maine in 2019 after college. I’m a Registered Nurse at the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care. I care for patients newly diagnosed with Head & Neck and Esophageal cancers.

Did your time at DU teach you any life lessons or help set you up for success? My time at Dance Unlimited taught me so much more than choreography, costumes and stage presence. I learned discipline and what it meant to be part of a team. I am most thankful for the friends I gained during my time at DU, many of which are now considered family. Some of my favorite life memories were during my DU days. 

What advice would you give current DU dancers? Enjoy every moment because it goes faster than you think. Support your teammates; check on them, laugh with them, get to know them. Embrace challenges and change, for that is how we grow as people and as dancers. Show your teachers how much you appreciate them. They work harder than you will ever realize. Chase your dreams and be true to yourself!

Have you stayed in touch with any dancers from DU? I sure have. Many of my friendships have only grown since our last year dancing together. We have stood by each other in weddings and many other special moments in the last 10 years. I’m now a proud Auntie of several second generation Dance Unlimited dancers and look forward to bringing my future children someday.

What’s next for you? I plan to enjoy married life with my husband and we hope to have children in the future. I would love to get myself back to Dance Unlimited for adult classes in the future. I hope to be bringing my own children to Dance Unlimited in a few years.

Dana J.

What years did you dance at DU? 2004-2008

What is your favorite memory at DU? Being backstage at competitions! 

What are you up to now? I am a stay at home, homeschooling mom of five!

Is dance still a part of your life? Dance will always be part of my life but for now, it’s just dance parties with my kids.

Did your time at DU teach you any life lessons or help set you up for success? Yes! Always do your best. And don’t forget to stretch! 

What advice would you give current DU dancers? Enjoy this time. You’ll never forget your dance friends. 

Have you stayed in touch with any dancers from DU? Not as much as I’d like but I am so thankful for social media! 

What’s next for you? In a few years, I’ll have graduated my first child! I see more time spent enjoying the people I love most.

Jessica D. 

What years did you dance at DU? 2003-2009 (And adult classes since 2013)

What is your favorite memory at DU? Dancing to Thriller at the Celtics game.

What are you up to now? I am a Stay at Home Mom.

Is dance still a part of your life? Yes! Now I am a dance mom. And I take adult classes at DU. 

Did your time at DU teach you any life lessons or help set you up for success? My time at Dance Unlimited taught me so much. It helped break me out of my shyness, taught me the importance of determination and perseverance, and introduced me to some great friends. 

What advice would you give current DU dancers? Don’t compare yourself to others, just focus on challenging yourself and being the best dancer you can be.

Have you stayed in touch with any dancers from DU? I originally met my best friend when we danced at Dance Unlimited in school and then we reconnected when we were both taking adult classes at DU. She was in my wedding and my kids call her “auntie.”

Isabella C.

How long did you dance at DU? 15 years

What is your favorite memory at DU? Dancing with Bailey Roes, we had so many good memories.

What are you up to now? I’m attending KVCC for radiology.

Is dance still a part of your life? It’s not ever since I had my knee surgery, but I wish it still was. 

Did your time at DU teach you any life lessons or help set you up for success? That no matter what happens you just have to push through it and that’s what Miss Bri taught me.

What advice would you give current DU dancers? If you can’t do something just work harder and harder till you get it, nothing is impossible. 

Have you stayed in touch with any dancers from DU? Yes! 

What’s next for you? I see myself graduated from college working at a hospital and helping people. 

Bailee R. 

What years did you dance at DU? 2009-2022

What is your favorite memory at DU? A couple of my favorite memories from my time at DU would probably have to be when my dad and I did dads and dancers for the first time. As well as, when I did my senior solo and I felt so much love before but especially after I finished my dance.

What are you up to now? I attend KVCC and study Psychology with a focus on Childhood Trauma. I currently work in childcare while continuing my college degree. 

Did your time at DU teach you any life lessons or help set you up for success? Yes, dance taught me discipline and responsibility.

What advice would you give current DU dancers?. Enjoy every minute that you get to dance. Soak in the feeling of the stage lights on your face and never take it for granted. Most of all, have fun! 

What’s next for you? I am hoping to be continuing to get my PhD in Psychology and working in childcare. 

Brianna C.

What years did you dance at DU? 2005-2014

What is your favorite memory at DU? Special performances with the Performance Company, such as Celtics pre-games and our Disney trip my senior years. I also loved competitions, and Rizzo weekends! 

What are you up to now? Teaching at DU of course! And I am the director of the Dance Unlimited Performance Company and our Elite competition team! Passing on the passion of dance! 

Is dance still a part of your life? Besides teaching at DU, my two girls dance at DU, one on the Elite competition team (age 8) and other is in Kinderdance and getting ready to compete for her first time in a few months! 

Did your time at DU teach you any life lessons or help set you up for success? Of course it did. It pretty much built who I am as a person and dance teacher! 

What advice would you give current DU dancers? Live in these moments, it comes to an end too fast! But don’t forget that dancing is hard work, so put your best effort forward every time you step into the studio! 

Have you stayed in touch with any dancers from DU? My current closet friends I met at DU! I am in touch with my entire graduating class! I was in 3 of their weddings, and am “auntie” to my best friend’s daughter, whom I met at DU! 

What’s next for you? Not going far! Staying right here at DU and leading our Performance and Competition team! 

Abigayle W. 

What years did you dance at DU? 2002-2017

What is your favorite memory at DU? Disney in 2014, and the NYC trip!

What are you up to now? I am an LCPC-C, and work in a public school setting as an outpatient mental health clinician!

Is dance still a part of your life? A huge part! Getting to come back and teach here at DU is another big part of my career, and I’m so thankful that dance will forever be with me! 

Did your time at DU teach you any life lessons or help set you up for success? DU gave me the lessons of resiliency, hard work,  and how I could work toward any goal I set for myself. I learned time management, determination, and the value in being surrounded by some of the very best friends and adults! 

What advice would you give current DU dancers? These times go by so fast, and soon it’ll all be memories. Soak in the everyday moments; enjoy them! Remember why you dance and let the artistry be what pushes you in every single class. Feel the love from your friends and teachers, and let the studio be a place that feels like home! You only get these moments once, and they could be some of your favorites to look back on. So be kind, make life-long best friends, have fun, work hard, and enjoy this journey- we are SO lucky to be part of it with you! 

Have you stayed in touch with any dancers from DU? Yes! Some of my best friends are DU alum! And I get the privilege of working with some of them too- like Mrs. Bri, Miss Kiara and Miss Brooke! My DU friends are some of the most fun- we dance, laugh, and get to be our truest selves around each other! 

What’s next for you? This is a great question! Regardless of where I see myself in my career, I know I’ll be dancing! I am thankful to have some of the best students and work with amazing teachers here at DU. I see myself growing alongside them all! 

As you can see, we’ve taught some pretty special dancers over the years. From chasing big dreams to making an impact in their communities, these alumni have incredible stories to tell. Best of all, most of them have made lifelong friendships during their time at the studio. It makes us feel so warm and full of joy to know that we’ve made such a positive impact on their lives. 

Thanks for joining us for our first ever Dance Studio Alumni feature. We hope to feature many more DU alumni as the years go on!

To get more involved and DU and experience more performance opportunities, learn more about our Dance Unlimited Performance Company here!

The post Where Are They Now? appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.

Congratulations to our dancers!

For some of our students, this was their very first performance on stage! We hope you enjoyed your time in the spotlight! For our seasoned performers, we hope you cherished the moment and felt proud of your work. From our tiniest tutus to our Performance Company members, we want to congratulate all our performers on a job well done. Your courage, confidence, and poise truly shined! 

Dancing for a Cause

We are especially proud to share the impact our dancers made beyond the stage. Across our ticket sales, donations, and bake sale, we were able to raise a grand total of $1,445 for Darby’s Dancers. For those who aren’t yet familiar, Darby’s Dancers is an adaptive dance class for children with disabilities. To learn more about this amazing program, visit our website here! 

Kind Words From a Parent’s Perspective

We’re also thrilled to share this beautiful testimonial from one of our dance families. Morgan highlights what the Nutcracker experience meant to her this year:

“Where some little girls struggle to find a place where they fit, you give girls like mine a place they feel they belong. My daughter has always struggled with motor skills since she was born, and has struggled in sports and other activities because of it. Dance gives her a place that goes at her pace, teaches her grace and even if she isn’t the strongest dancer there she has a sense of belonging to something. You give her and so many others a reason to dress up, build their self confidence and have a purpose they may not have ever had. So thank you <3”

~Morgan, DU Parent

Thank you, Morgan for your kind words. We absolutely love hearing about the difference we make in a child’s confidence. 

Pictures From The Show! 

During the Rehearsal Process, we knew that our production was going to be a magical show that needed to be captured! Mark and Dee Walker took hundreds of pictures at Dress Rehearsal and they are stunning! Below are links to several albums on Facebook, but for a quicker glimpse, scroll down to the end of this post! Thank you Mark and Dee for your beautiful photography! 

• • Album 1
  • Album 2
  • Album 3
  • Album 4
  • Album 5
  • Album 6

Click here to view BACKSTAGE FOOTAGE of the performance by the team at Keeping Pace Video Production.

A Heartfelt Thank You! 

As we reflect on the amazing performance, we want to send a heartfelt thank you to our dancers, their families, and our amazing staff. Your dedication, support, and love for the art of dance are what make this studio such a special place. Producing the Nutcracker has been a long-time bucket list item for Ms. Laura, and this year’s performance was a dream come true!

The post A Nutcracker To Remember appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.

About The Show

The Nutcracker is a classical ballet that has become one of the most beloved and iconic holiday traditions worldwide. It features music from the Russian composer Tchaikovsky and tells the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a magical nutcracker doll from her godfather on Christmas Eve. That night, the Nutcracker comes to life, leading Clara on an enchanting holiday adventure.    

Our show on December 14th will be a unique adaptation, featuring selections from the original, while also incorporating numbers from various dance genres. Our recreational and company students have been rehearsing since September and they can’t wait to debut their routines! 

A New Performance Opportunity

In previous years, most of our students got one formal performance opportunity at our year-end Spring Recital. This year’s 25th anniversary special performance gives them two formal performances on stage, which we believe is incredibly valuable for building a child’s confidence! They learn to work through those pre-performance jitters, face their fears, and trust themselves. The excitement they share along the way truly makes it very special for everyone involved.   

Holiday Fun for The Whole Family

In addition to teaching kids valuable skills, this performance will create sweet holiday memories for our dancers. We know how special the holidays can be for children, and there’s something extra magical about the excitement of a holiday show. There’s an undeniable warmth that comes with being a part of something bigger than ourselves during this time of year. The twinkling lights, the familiar music, a spectacular growing tree, the costumes, and the joy of watching our students shine on stage—it’s a memory you’ll cherish as a family for years to come.

How To See The Show

We hope you’ll join us for a spectacular performance! See the show details and ticket information below! 

THE NUTCRACKER: Symphony of Dance
December 14th, 2024 | 2pm
Viles Auditorium at Cony High School
Purchase tickets here!

The post Have you heard about our special holiday performance? appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.

So today, we’re giving YOU the scoop on each of our incredible teachers and staff members. We asked them a few fun questions, so you can get a little taste of who they are, inside and outside of the studio. Grab your favorite flavor and dig into this special blog post – we promise you’ll love getting to know the people who make our dance family so special!

Here’s the Scoop on our fearless leader, founder, and executive director, Mrs. Laura!

As a dancer since the age of 3, Laura always dreamed of owning her own dance studio. Laura has taught thousands of children in her career over the last 35 years.  She opened the doors of Dance Unlimited in April 2000 and loves seeing the dancers and families every week. 

Mrs. Laura loves to travel, especially to see her children in Ft. Myers, Boston, and Long Island.
Mrs. Laura has 3 golden retrievers – Ollie, Maple, and Marley.
Mrs. Laura loves summer, and going to the beach.
Mrs. Laura’s favorite ice cream flavor is peppermint. 

Here’s the Scoop on our Faculty and Staff!

Mrs. Angie
Mrs. Angie has been on staff at Dance Unlimited for the past 16 years. She teaches jazz, tap, and hip-hop to dancers of all ages. 

Mrs. Angie has a sweet dog named Parker
Mrs. Angie had one of her front teeth knocked out in college.
Mrs. Angie is learning to play golf.
Mrs. Angie’s favorite ice cream flavor is chocolate chip. 

Mrs. Bri
Mrs. Bri began her dance journey right here at DU at the age of 10. Mrs. Bri teaches jazz, hip hop, modern, acro, tap, and future stars.  She is also the Director of the Dance Unlimited Performance Company.

Mrs. Bri really enjoys cooking.
Mrs. Bri loves milk.
Mrs. Bri loves to go camping with her family.
Mrs. Bri’s favorite ice cream flavor is apple crisp from John’s in Liberty!

Mrs. Ashlee
Mrs. Ashlee teaches the Preschool, Kinderdance, and Combo classes in the DU Stargazers program. She loves to see those dancers grow throughout their years at the studio.

Mrs. Ashlee loves shoes!
Mrs. Ashlee’s favorite TV series is The Office.
Mrs. Ashlee has 8 chickens!
Mrs. Ashlee’s favorite ice cream flavor is coffee! 

Mrs. Jessica

Mrs. Jessica began dancing at the age of 3. Jessica is beginning her 6th year teaching ballet and tap in the Stargazers program at Dance Unlimited.

Mrs. Jessica enjoys landscaping and gardening flowers.
Mrs. Jessica’s favorite place to be is the ocean.
Mrs. Jessica loves to cook and try new recipes.
Mrs. Jessica’s favorite ice cream flavor is Gifford’s Peanut Butter Pie.

Miss Kiara

Miss Kiara started dancing at DU when she was 5. She now teaches jazz, hip hop, modern, acro, and tap.

Miss Kiara’s favorite TV show is Glee.
Miss Kiara’s favorite artists are Miley Cyrus and Tame Impala.
Miss Kiara loves to play Pickleball.
Miss Kiara’s favorite ice cream flavor is moose tracks!

Miss Abigayle
Miss Abigayle danced at DU for 15 years. She now teaches preschool, kinderdance, ballet, tap, jazz, and modern. 

Miss Abigayle’s favorite movie is Mamma Mia.
Miss Abigayle has a cat named Lulu.
Miss Abigayle loves to roller skate.
Miss Abigayle loves strawberry ice cream. 

Mrs. Marie
Mrs. Marie is a master ballet instructor and has been teaching for over 40 years!  She is certified by the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow, Russia and American Ballet Theatre, New York City.  She has lived and performed all around the world!

Mrs. Marie’s favorite ballet role is Myrtha in Giselle.
Mrs. Marie has a college degree in English.
Mrs. Marie’s last professional ballet performance was in 2006 at the Mariott Theater in Utah.
Mrs. Marie’s favorite ice cream is vanilla bean. 

Miss Hannah
Miss Hannah earned her BFA in dance studies from Dean College in 2021. She has danced as a professional NBA dancer, and performed in music videos and live shows with many artists!

Miss Hannah’s favorite color is pink.
Miss Hannah’s favorite way to vacation is camping.
Miss Hannah loves traveling to Florida or anywhere new!
Miss Hanna’s favorite candy is anything chocolate. 

Mrs. Cassandra

Mrs. Cassandra loves all holidays, but her favorite is Halloween.
Mrs. Cassandra loves to read.
Mrs. Cassandra has been on stage at a Salt-N-Pepa & Vanilla Ice concert.
Mrs. Cassandra’s favorite ice cream flavor is peanut butter.

Mrs. Desiree

Mrs. Desiree loves making homemade Halloween costumes.
Mrs. Desiree loves old movies and silent films.
Mrs. Desiree loves the ocean and camping.
Mrs. Desiree’s favorite ice cream flavor is black raspberry with rainbow sprinkles. 

Miss Brooke

Miss Brooke has a 3 year old dog named Otis.
Miss Brooke’s favorite color is yellow.
Miss Brooke loves to sing and take her dog hiking.
Miss Brooke’s favorite ice cream is chocolate. 

Just like the perfect ice cream sundae, our dance studio is made complete by the special blend of people who make it so extraordinary. Our talented faculty and staff bring so much to our students, from passion, care, and creativity. We hope this blog post gave you a little taste of the wonderful people who make DU the best place to dance in Augusta. If you see our staff at the studio, don’t hesitate to introduce yourself! We love making connections with our dance families. 

It’s not too late to join us for our 2024/25 Dance Classes! Enrollment is open in most classes. Click here to view the schedule and register online today! 

The post Get the Scoop on our 2024/25 Faculty and Staff! appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.

Navigating the world of dance studio life can sometimes feel like a whirlwind! But here at DU, our goal is to make your job as easy and stress-free as possible. That’s why we put together this reliable roadmap for finding information and staying in-the-know. Let’s make this journey a little easier together!

The DU Dance Parent Toolkit

Use the following communication tools for all your DU needs throughout the season! Here we breakdown each tool and what it is used most for. When you’re looking for something specific, this guide will help you know where to check first. 

• • DU Parent Portal: This is where you can take care of all your class enrollments and event registration. You can also access your account info and take care of payments.
  • DU Mobile App: For ease of access, we also offer a mobile app. Simply log into your parent portal and stay logged in on your phone. Inside the mobile app, it’s super easy to access your account and you can even opt-in for push notifications.
    • Apple Store
    • Google Play Store

• • DU Website: The most comprehensive resource for information is our website. You can find info about our weekly classes, DUPC, birthday parties, special events, adaptive dance classes, summer camps, and our Spring Recital. You can also meet our Faculty and access our full Studio Blog, complete with TONS of educational content for dancers and tips for dance parents.
  • Email Communication: We send out seasonal updates and reminders via email periodically throughout the year. We also send monthly newsletters and weekly check-ins. Keep an eye on your inbox, especially during recital season! Be sure to save our studio email (info@dance-u.com) and feel free to reach out via email with any questions you may have!
  • Occasional Text Notifications: We reserve text communication for urgent updates including but not limited to studio closures and winter weather updates.
  • In-Studio TV: While your dancer is in class, feel free to check out our Lobby TV which includes all important updates for current customers.
  • Front Desk: Our front desk is staffed and ready to help you with anything you might need! You can reach us at (207) 623-0821 or stop by the studio if you prefer to come see us in-person. Front Desk Hours are Monday-Thursday 3pm-9pm & Saturday 9am-12pm.
  • Social Media Channels: Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram! We share studio updates, events, and best of all, pictures and videos. You may catch a glimpse of your dancer in class having the time of their life!
  • Online Dancewear Store: Click here to view our dress code, complete with requirements for each class and level. Click here to access our online store.

Now THAT is a full list of resources! We’ve worked hard to create systems and clear communication channels to keep our dance parents feeling updated every step of the way. Screenshot and save this list, but know that our team is always here to answer questions as well! 

We are looking forward to another AMAZING year of dance! It’s not too late to join us in our 2024/25 Weekly Dance Classes! Click here to view the schedule and register online today! 

The post The Dance Parent Toolkit appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.

Below is our run-down of the various Dance Programs we offer!

When your child begins their dance journey:

In their beginning years, all DU dancers start in either our Future Stars (ages 1-3), Stargazers (ages 3-7), or Rising Stars (ages 7-11) programs. These programs are divided by age group, so regardless of when your child begins dancing, they’ll be dancing alongside their peers. 

In these formative years, skill level is largely based on child development landmarks. Keeping dancers grouped by age ensures that we are working within their developmentally appropriate motor skills and learning speeds. Class offerings differ based on age group, but all three programs will give your dancer a strong foundation through play-based, imaginative learning! 

When your child progresses beyond their beginning years:

Once a child moves beyond our Rising Star Program, intermediate dancers have two options for where they’d like to take their training next: Shining Stars or Shooting Stars.

• • Shining Stars (Intermediate Performance Company): For dancers who wish for more performance opportunities throughout the year and a higher commitment level. Participation in this program is by audition only. Auditions are open to dancers 6+.
  • Shooting Stars: For dancers who want to continue receiving excellent training without the added commitment of joining our DUPC competitive team. All classes culminate in a year-end recital performance.

When your child becomes an advanced dancer:

After the intermediate level, we offer two options for advanced dancers to become well-rounded performers and dance technicians: Allstars (Advanced Performance Company) and Superstar (Elite Performance Company). Both by audition only, these programs include extensive hours of weekly training in all dance styles. Members perform in community events and compete at several regional competitions. At the elite level, dancers can be considered for solos, duets, trios, and group routines.

Our goal is to make our program progression easy and stress-free for our dance families to understand. Over the years, we’ve found that many dancers get excited and look forward to moving up in level. That’s why we created a streamlined approach to level placement that we implement at V.I.P. Week in May. 

During VIP Week, dancers are automatically enrolled in the upcoming dance year to secure their space in the program  Just a few weeks later, each dancer receives a personalized recommendation form for the upcoming year’s classes and our class schedule. Recommendation Forms are filled out by their teacher, which ensures that everyone gets placed in the perfect level. Click here to learn more about V.I.P Week!

We can’t wait to watch your child progress through our programs during the 2024/25 School Year! We are currently enrolling in Fall Dance Classes, but classes are filling fast! Click here to view the schedule and save your child’s spot today! 

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A Few Highlights from Recital 2024: Elevate

• 3 Shows of Incredible Dancing! From our tiny dancers taking their very first steps on stage, to our advanced dancers showcasing their technique progress from the year, there were so many fabulous moments. Whether your child was working on building confidence or building skills, we should all be so proud. 
• Congratulations to Natalie Brown, the recipient of our 2024 Cynthia Sproul “Dancing Heart” Memorial Scholarship! This special award was created to honor the memory of Mrs. Laura’s mother, Cynthia, who lost her battle with cancer on May 22, 2021. Ava Marchand and Hope Zuis (co-recipients in 2023) helped present the award on stage with Mrs. Laura.
• Did you catch our 2024 Digital Program Yearbook? Click here to view and download our full line-up of cast members and dancers as another keepsake from this year’s recital!
• Coming soon – Recital Videos! We hope to have all the recital videos edited and to you by late July – early August. Keep an eye on your inboxes! 

Thank you to…

• All of our dedicated dance parents. Without your countless hours of support, our 2024 Dance Recital would not have been possible. Thank you for supporting your dancer’s goals and supporting our mission! 
• Our Spotlight Sponsors: Beale’s Plumbing, Gallant Therapy Services, General Concrete Cutting Services, Hasenfus Family Dental, KDT Towing and Repair, Steve’s Welding
• Our Star Sponsors: The Bouchard Family, College Carryout, Comprehensive Land Technologies, Inc., The Gunshop, LLC, Gosline Insurance Group, Hair Emporium, K&A Property Services, Lajoie Brothers Construction, The Nener Plante Family, Nickerson Construction Services, Ottos on the River, The Turcotte Family, The Roderick Family, The Rood/Chen Family, Timeless Treasures, Vallee Harwood & Blouin Real Estate

If your child had a total blast at recital and wants to keep the fun going, it’s not too late to join us for Summer Dance at the studio! Here’s what we’ve got going on for the remainder of the summer:

Dance Camps & Technique Classes
Click Here to Learn More and Register! 

• Princess Camp (Ages 3-5): August 12th & 13th
• Bluey’s Dance Mania (Ages 4-7): August 5th-8th
• Dancy Nancy (Ages 4-7): August 5th-8th
• Sea Dogs Dance Camp (Ages 6-18): August 19th-23rd
• Triple Threat Experience (Ages 7-14): July 29th – August 1st

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In honor of this milestone, we are so excited to announce a brand new initiative! Drumroll please… Introducing our Legacy Families!

After 25 years, we’ve been lucky enough to touch the lives of countless young dancers who have grown up to become adults, members of the Augusta community, and even parents! When a DU alumni makes the choice to bring their very own children to the studio, we feel honored, grateful, and elated to teach the next generation. 

So of course, we wanted to do something special for those who have shown us loyalty and treasured relationships across multiple generations! Today on the blog, we’re featuring a few of our Legacy Families – families that grew up dancing at DU and now have children of their own enrolled at the studio too! Read on to learn more about them!

Meet our Legacy Families

Legacy Family: Ashlee Dixon, mom of Charlotte (age 8) and Oliver Dixon (age 6)
When were you a student at DU? I began in 2001 when the studio opened and danced until I graduated high school in 2005.
What is your favorite DU Memory from when you were a dancer here? Dancing at the Celtics and gaining my pointe shoes my senior year.
How long have your children been dancing at DU? 7 and 5 years
What made you choose DU for your child? I knew it would enhance their passion and love for dance. Dance U was always going to be where my children danced.
What has changed at the studio since you were a child? The variety of dance styles taught at the studio and the DU performance company.
What has stayed the same?
The family dynamic and feel while being at the studio. The teamwork that you see from everyone no matter the role.
Does your child take your dance advice? Yes, I think she does. I mean I know things have changed since I danced. However the basics have not, I tell them to do their best, work hard, have fun, smile, and soak in all the knowledge they are learning from their instructors.
What is your favorite thing about being a dance parent? I love still being a part of the Dance U Family and seeing dance through my children’s eyes.

Legacy Family: Baileigh Poulin, mom of Chloe Poulin (age 4)
When were you a student at DU? I started in 2007 and danced through 2014. I stayed and danced for an additional year after I graduated high school.
What is your favorite DU Memory from when you were a dancer here? Meeting my best friends!
How long has your child been dancing at DU? 3 Years
What has been your child’s favorite memory at DU? Dancing on the big stage.
What is the best part of being a 2nd Generation family at DU? Seeing all of the alumni with their children, and watching my baby’s love for dance grow.
What is your go-to song for at-home dance parties with your child? Chloe will break out and dance to any and all songs!
Does your child take your dance advice? Yes
What is your favorite thing about being a dance parent? Knowing my child is loved every time she walks through the doors. 

Legacy Family: Jessica DeStefano, mom of Sophia (age 3)
When were you a student at DU? 2002. I started dancing at Dance Unlimited in 6th grade (after switching from another studio) and stayed until I graduated high school in 2009. And then when I graduated from college, I immediately returned to take adult classes and teach.
What is your favorite DU Memory from when you were a dancer here? Dancing to Thriller at the opening of a Boston Celtics game
How long have your children been dancing at DU? 3 years
What made you choose DU for your child? We never considered any other options. I knew Sophia would love being a part of the Dance Unlimited family as much as I have. I have so much trust in Mrs. Laura and the rest of the DU staff to give her the best dance education possible.
What is the best part of being a 2nd Generation family at DU? The Dance Unlimited studio felt like home to me for so long and I have so many amazing memories there. It’s amazing to relive those memories with my daughter.
What has changed at the studio since you were a child? So much! When I first started dancing at Dance Unlimited it was a tiny studio on Water St. and Mrs. Laura was the only teacher.
What has stayed the same? The love. Love for dance and for every dancer at the studio.
What is your go-to song for at-home dance parties with your child? The Moana and Encanto soundtracks. 

Legacy Family: Stephanie Robinson, mom of Eleanor (age 5)
When were you a student at DU? 2001-2006
What is your favorite DU Memory from when you were a dancer here? I vividly remember dancing to Justin Timberlake, all decked out in a glittery outfit on stage! Somehow I still remember some of the moves!
What made you choose DU for your child? I wanted my daughter to have the opportunity to gain a love for Dance, just like I did.  I knew DU was the best place from experience! 
What is the best part of being a 2nd Generation family at DU? I know she’s in good hands! It’s surreal to have her dance at the same place I did as a child! I love seeing her enjoy dance the way i always have!
What is your go-to song for at-home dance parties with your child? Ironically, Justin Timberlake- “I got this feeling”!
Does your child take your dance advice? Depends on the day but overall I’d say yes! She has been consistent all year and was so brave on stage!
What’s your favorite thing about being a dance parent? Seeing my child stay consistent and progress at something she works hard at week after week! Seeing her shine on stage is the cherry on top!

We cherish the relationships that we’ve built with these families over the years! It is impactful to hear how DU has been woven into their treasured memories as a family! We hope you enjoyed hearing from DU Alumni as much as we did!

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