Our DUPC dancers attend multiple competitions and conventions throughout the year. They train in Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Modern, Acro, and Ballet and those of age and ability also train in Pointe. The DUPC is for dancers who want more time on stage and are ready to take their dance training to the next level in a team environment.

In addition to getting extra performance opportunities throughout the dance year, our DUPC dancers participate in community events, volunteer, and fundraise. They are role models within our studio community!

So who’s ready to meet the dancers? We asked them a few questions to help us get to know them a little better. Check out their responses below! 

Josephine T.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 10 Years

Favorite style of dance? That’s a tough question…but it’s a tie between Jazz and Contemporary

Favorite food? Chicken tenders and fries

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Taylor Swift. I love her music and I can relate to some of her songs.

Favorite TV show or movie? Coraline

What would you do with a billion dollars? I would share it with my mom and I would give some to the food bank for people in need.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Drawing

What is one of your goals for the future? To become a professional dancer and make my family proud.

Erica S.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 14 Years

Favorite style of dance? Jazz

Favorite food? Eggo Chocolatey Chip Waffles

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Mr Beast, he helps people and his chocolate candy bars are good

Favorite TV show or movie? Grandma’s Boy

What would you do with a billion dollars? Upgrade our house, put some into a SP500, some into a savings account, shopping

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Binge watching TV

What is one of your goals for the future? Not to be poor

Lucia S.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 7 Years

Favorite style of dance? Hip hop

Favorite food? Potstickers

Favorite TV show or movie? Knives Out

What would you do with a billion dollars? Take a trip to Japan

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Softball

What is one of your goals for the future? I want to be in the DU Splits Club this year!

Ruby A.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 3 years

Favorite style of dance? Tap and Modern

Favorite food? 5 cheese tortellini

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Taylor Swift, I love her music.

Favorite TV show or movie? Once Upon a Time

What would you do with a billion dollars? No idea! That’s a lot of money.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Art and playing the flute

What is one of your goals for the future? To get all three of my splits and level up my acro skills.

Nora K.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 8 years

Favorite style of dance? Acro

Favorite food? Chicken Pot Pie

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Taylor Swift – she is very talented at what she does.

Favorite TV show or movie? Girls Just Want to Have Fun

What would you do with a billion dollars? Donate it to a homeless shelter

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Drawing

What is one of your goals for the future? To do an ariel.

Kennedy G.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 11 years

Favorite style of dance? Tap

Favorite food? Bread

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Billie Eilish. Her Music

Favorite TV show or movie? The Rookie

What would you do with a billion dollars? Save for the future, give to family, and donate  to charity

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Crafting

What is one of your goals for the future? Go to LADM for fashion design.

Gabby  T.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 13 years

Favorite style of dance? Hip Hop and Jazz

Favorite food? Pasta salad

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Briar Nolet. She is a really strong all around dancer.

Favorite TV show or movie? Dance Moms

What would you do with a billion dollars? College education, dream car, and donate some to help others

What is one of your goals for the future? To go to college and get my dream job after.

Ellie R.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 2 years

Favorite style of dance? Hip Hop

Favorite food? Cinnamon Rolls

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Lizzo, I like her music.

Favorite TV show or movie? Barbie Movie

What would you do with a billion dollars? Donate it to people in need.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Basketball

What is one of your goals for the future? Become a hairdresser.

Kaitlyn O.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 7 years

Favorite style of dance? Hip Hop

Favorite food? Mac and Cheese

Favorite TV show or movie? Any movie that’s funny!

What would you do with a billion dollars? College, car.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Art

What is one of your goals for the future? Become a dance teacher.

Brylee M.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 8 years

Favorite style of dance? Modern

Favorite food? Mac and cheese

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Taylor Swift. Because she’s a great singer (I love all her songs! ) and she’s a good person.

Favorite TV show or movie? Descendants

What would you do with a billion dollars? Give some to a charity, help my parents pay off their bills, give some to Dance U to help Miss Laura for all her hard work, and save some.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Drawing

What is one of your goals for the future? To be a good person and have a good job.

Thank you, dancers, for sharing a little bit more about your life both in and out of the dance studio!

Our DUPC dancers recently competed at Turn it up Dance Challenge in Portland. Check out our Facebook page to see the awards and accolades these dancers received. 

We are SO proud of their dancing, work ethic, and sportsmanship!

If your child is interested in joining the DUPC, please save the date for our upcoming auditions on June 2, 2024. We’re always looking for hardworking, passionate dancers to join us. Visit our website to learn more and RSVP.

The post Meet Our DUPC Dancers! appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.

When it comes to signing your child up for activities, we know you’ve got tons of options! We may be biased, but we think dance is one of the best activities in Augusta. We’d love to tell you about what your child gains when you sign them up for one of our weekly dance classes at Dance Unlimited! 

5 Surprising Benefits of Dancing With Us This Fall:

1. Creativity

While dancing is incredibly athletic, it is primarily a performing art. Our students learn how to express ideas and emotions while making music come to life. In a typical school day, most students use their logical and analytical skills disproportionately to their artistic, emotional, or imaginative skills. We love watching our students flex their creative muscles in our classes!

2. Social Skills

Dance friends are the best friends! Many of our students can thank DU for giving them some of their closest friendships. Spending time with family at home is important, but after-school activities are one of the best ways for kids to make friends and become social butterflies. Sign your child up for dance class and they may even meet their greatest life-long friend! 

3. Discipline

One of the biggest jobs of educators and parents is to teach children how to be productive and responsible members of society. They learn this by following through on commitments, following rules, and learning how to work hard in order to meet their goals. Dance class teaches them all of those skills! They make a commitment to their class and use teamwork to perfect their dance for recital. They become responsible for their dress code, costumes, and remembering their recital choreography. AND they work hard to perfect their skills in class. 

4. Confidence

Each and every year, we see dance work wonders for our students’ self esteem and confidence. Moving your body and performing in front of other can feel vulnerable, so pushing through fears and insecurities can really help a child learn how to step out of their comfort zone. Not to mention performing on stage, which will light your child up in ways you’ve never seen before! By signing your child up for dance class, you’re giving them a confidence boost that will trickle into whatever they tackle next.

5. Stress Relief

After long days at school, kids need a chance to get up and moving! That’s why participating in activities in Augusta is so important. Joining us as we dance and groove to our favorite tunes will be a sure way for your child to release endorphins every single week. We have loads of fun in class, which goes a long way during a child’s school week. 

So what are you waiting for? The benefits of our weekly dance classes are endless! When it comes to activities in Augusta, we’re the best option for your child this Fall! We are currently accepting enrollment for our 2023/24 Dance Season, but classes are filling fast! Don’t wait to register! Click here to view the class schedule and save your child’s spot online. 

We’re kicking things off on September 11th, will we see you there?! We can’t wait to dance with your child this school year and watch as they grow, learn, and soar at our studio! 

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We’ve been busy welcoming LOTS of new faces to the studio. We know that trying a new activity can be nerve-wracking. One of our goals at Dance Unlimited is to make dancing at our studio an enjoyable experience for your WHOLE family. 

In that spirit, we wanted to pass on our top tips for new Dance Unlimited families. We want you to know exactly what to expect when you arrive at the studio. Find even MORE advice for new dance families HERE. 

We recommend reading through these tips before you arrive and also taking a few minutes to discuss logistics with your child. Children of all ages (adults too!) feel more confident and empowered when they know what to expect. 

Top Tips for NEW Dance Unlimited Families: 

Tip #1

Plan to drop off and pick up your dancer. We kindly ask that all students age 7 and under have a parent or guardian bring them into the building, especially all of our new students!  Our studio lobby is open for studio business and closed as a waiting area. Our staff and the welcome committee will make sure everyone knows where to go!

Tip #2

Prep the dance bag! Your dancer should have a designated bag for their dance items. After changing into their dance shoes, they can place their personal items in their bag. Dancers will bring their dance bags into the studio. Please put your child’s name on EVERYTHING (inside dance shoes with a permanent marker is best!).

Tip #3

After getting ready for class, dancers will wait for their teacher outside the classroom door. Our teachers will open the studio doors and ask their dancers to line up. The dancers will enter the studio together. Let the fun begin!

This might all feel a little overwhelming but in just a few weeks BOTH you and your child will have the routine down. If you have any questions about classes or what to expect, you can always send us a message. We are happy to help! We also recommend following us on Facebook. Show your child some pictures from the studio and browse through our old posts. 

Our teachers are already seeing students make huge strides in their technique and begin to form friendships with their classmates. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has in store! Registration is OPEN in classes with availability. If you haven’t registered for dance classes yet, it’s not too late! 

View the schedule and register HERE. 

We recommend registering soon as many of our popular classes WILL fill. We don’t want your family to miss out on any of the exciting things we have in the works for our 23rd dance season! 

The post What to Expect When You Arrive at Dance Unlimited appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.

Finding the perfect summer activity for your child is about more than just giving them a chance to play! It’s their 3 months of a free schedule and the ability to let loose without the added pressures of the school year. We adore the amount of positivity and carefree energy that we see in our students during the summer, which is precisely why we see summer dance as SO beneficial for them!

Dancing through the summer is great for kids of all ages, and we can’t wait to share the many reasons why! 

7 Perks to Dancing Over the Summer:

Perks for little ones…

Even our tiniest dancers get a chance to dance during the summer! From Twirling Twos and Preschool Dance, to Princess and Fairytale Camps, we’ve got just what your preschooler needs to have a sensational time this summer! Here’s what they’ll gain from dancing with us:

1. A Great Way to Stay Social
Preschoolers need constant socialization and opportunities to put their social skills to the test! Taking turns, personal space, and being kind are all things we’ll be practicing this summer.

2. A Chance to Use Their Imagination
At our 2-day Princess Camp and 4-day Fairytale Camp, your little one’s summer days will be transformed into magical adventures! They’ll tiptoe through our ballroom, sing to their favorite Disney tunes, and explore the world of their wildest dreams!

3. A Refreshing Learning Environment
Visiting the studio over the summer for classes or camps reminds your child what a learning environment looks and feels like while they’re taking a break from preschool! We keep it exciting, and engaging while keeping their bodies and minds hard at work! 

Perks for older dancers…

For kids ages 6+, (and our DUPC dancers), we’ve got technique classes galore this summer! Divided up by levels that correspond with your dancer’s school year class level, we’ve got everything you need to keep your training moving full speed ahead!

1. Keeping Up With Skills All Year Round!
Our students make SO much progress during the school year and we hate seeing them lose it after not dancing for 3 months. We’ll be doing technique drills, strengthening our bodies, and building muscle memory in classes this summer!

2. Heightened Focus
Summer gives your child a chance to really hone in on their dance skills without the added stress of the school year. Our summer students are always more focused and engaged without their busy schedules and homework stress! 

3. Intensive Experiences
Every summer we offer 3 Summer Camps that are jam-packed with amazing training! Our Diva Camp, Shooting Star Camp, and All Star Experience camp will help your dancer take their dancing to the next level!

4. A Leg up for DUPC Auditions
While dancing over the summer is required for our DUPC Dancers, it’s also a great way to really tighten up your skills before auditioning. We KNOW you’ll be ready for all the exciting things the DUPC has in store after training with us for the summer!

Are you ready to join us on the dance floor this summer?! We can’t wait to dive in and get moving! Click here to view the schedule and save your child’s spot today!

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If you’re coming off of a year spent mostly at home, it may be difficult to know if your child is ready for in-person activities once again. You may have questions about returning, and we’re here to ease your worries! 

How To Know If Your Child Is Ready for Summer Dance Camps:

1. They Understand How to Stay Safe With Others

During this strange time, you may be wondering if it is safe to send your little one to social activities. In our experience, our dance students have adapted SO well. As long as your child is comfortable wearing a mask, refraining from touching others, and keeping a distance, they are ready to join us! 

We also strongly encourage talking to your child about handwashing and best hygiene practices, but we’ll remind them along the way as well. Check out the rest of our COVID-19 safety procedures here! 

2. They Have a BIG Imagination! 

If your little one is obsessed with fairytale adventures and whimsical stories, they belong at our 2021 Summer Dance Camps! Separated by age, we’re offering two magical camp options this summer for kids ages 3-7.

Princess Camp: Ages 3-5
July 8-9 & August 3-4
Does your child LOVE to get dressed up and feel like royalty?! Polish off those tiaras and waltz over to our Royal Dance Hall for ballet class, creative movement, crafts, and a snack in the banquet hall! 

Fairytale Camp: Ages 5-7
July 12-15 & August 9-12
Has your little one memorized the words to ALL their favorite fairytale music? It’s time for us to put some dance moves to those tunes as we delightfully journey through ballet and creative movement classes!

3. They Are Missing Their Friends

For those families who didn’t feel comfortable returning to the studio this Fall, we’ve missed you so much! If your comfort levels have changed and your child misses playtime with friends, our camps are perfect for their summer calendars! Connecting with others, dancing their hearts out, and expressing themselves is what our Summer Camp experience is ALL about! 

4. They Love to Get Up and MOVE!

Is your child bouncing off the walls at home? Do they love being active and getting their energy out? Send them our way this summer! Packed with movement activities, engaging crafts, and dance foundations, summer camps are a great way to stay active. We promise they’ll be ready for a nap once they head back your way!

So, are you in?! If you checked off most of these signs, your child is ready to join us at our 2021 Summer Dance Camps! Our campers will come home each day with a few new dance steps to show off at home, a special memory with their dance friends, and their favorite fairytale dream coming to life! 

We can’t wait to see you there! Space is limited due to social distancing guidelines. Save your child’s spot today! 

P.S. Are you looking for summer fun for you older dancers too? Check out our Shooting Star Camp and All Star Experience Camp for dancers ages 8+ who want to take their training to the next level this summer!

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What’s not to LOVE about a holiday filled with tons of hearts and treats?! Celebrating Valentine’s Day is fun for the littles AND a special day for mom and dad too! How do you like to spread the love each year with your family? Enjoy our list of at-home Valentine’s actives and let us know if you give any of our ideas a try! 

4 Ways to Celebrate L.O.V.E. At Home This Valentines Day:

L is for Local Shops and Restaurants

Here at Dance Unlimited, we love supporting our fellow local small businesses! Most of us LOVE to fill our Valentines Day with sweet treats, yummy food, and some lovely flowers for our family. This year, during a difficult time for small businesses, get your Valentines goodies from one of these local gems:

• Augusta Florist or Berry and Berry Floral – Flowers for your special someone!
• Bagel Mainea – Fresh bagels for breakfast!
• Wicked Whoopies – Whoopie pies!
• Augusta Seafood Inc. or Sandy Point Seafood – For a fresh seafood dinner!
• Sweet Chilli Thai, or State Lunch   – A lovely dinner and cocktails to go! 

O is for Organizing a Virtual Craft Party

Crafting is a Valentine’s staple for the little ones! If you can’t get together with friends or exchange Valentines like normal, hop on zoom and complete a craft with friends and family. The kids will LOVE showing off their creations. Check out this list of TONS of simple Valentines crafts for kids! 

V is for Valentine’s Games At Home

Those games from elementary school Valentine’s parties are SO fun! Why not have a family game night at home?! The kids will be ecstatic. We’ve rounded up two great lists with plenty of at-home game ideas here:

• 7 Valentine’s Games for Kids to Play At-Home – Great for younger ones!
• 37 Best Valentine’s Games – Some games with at-home items, and some with links to buy awesome materials! 

E is for Enjoying an At-Home Date Night

Hey dance moms and dads, YOU deserve a date night, ESPECIALLY on Valentine’s Day! Don’t let the pandemic stop you! 

• Have a paint night.  Check Facebook for free links or click here for Paint Kits
• Have a fondu night!   Chocolate Fountain
• Create an at-home theatre night.  Check out all the Broadway shows on Netflix and Disney!

We hope this list of at-home Valentine’s activities makes your celebration a little more love-ly! Have anything to add? We are always looking for more ways to celebrate with the kiddos!

Spending Valentine’s Day with kids and family can really spread the love all around! Here at DU, we LOVE to dance and we love our students, so celebrating Valentine’s Day with them each year fills our hearts to the max! Happy Valentine’s Day, DU families! 

Still looking to join us for the 2020/2021 dance year? The deadline to register and perform in the recital is Feb. 28. Check out the schedule here. 

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Have you checked out our studio’s mission statement? Through everything we do, our dance classes inspire confidence, embrace compassion, and build community. We take those firm values right into the classroom, so today we’re showing you how!

Apart from dance technique, what exactly is your child gaining when you sign them up for dance? Check out our Top 4 Benefits of Dance Class!

1. Confidence

For those of us who grew up dancing, we all know how powerful dance can be during those formative years. Dance just has a way of inspiring people to break out of their shells! It’s really easy to get lost in the music and let go of whatever insecurity is holding you back.

When you move your body, you love your body. We’ve seen this hold true time and time again. Especially for our teens and pre-teens whose bodies are changing, it is SO important to stay active and discover what amazing things your body is capable of. At dance class, your body does the talking without the interference of personal doubt or negative thought patterns, inspiring unwavering self-confidence that stays with you for a lifetime!

2. Independence

This one is particularly evident in our preschool dance program! We offer parent-and-child classes for students as young as one, but our independent classes start at age three. At such a young age, dance class may be the first time your child has been separated from their caregiver. 

This time apart from you is SO valuable to a child’s development. They learn to make their own choices, try new things, and explore their own limits! You will watch as your child grows into their own, tiny human being right before your eyes. Fair warning, it’s pretty magical!

3. Coordination

During dance class, we use both small and large muscle groups! Leaping across the floor encourage gross motor skill development, while learning how to point our toes during that leap is a fine motor skill. Most importantly, in dance we are developing both sets of motor skills with every step. Our bodies are focusing on a million things at once, which is why dancers are some of the most coordinated people you’ll meet!

4. Social Skills & Compassion for Others

A dance class is special because it operates like a sports team, but loves like a family. In other words, we build a sense of community in our classes. Each individual is able to shine, while supporting and caring for their fellow dancers. 

From learning how to take turns across the floor, performing their recital dance in groups, or cheering on a student when they struggle with a skill, it’s all part of our mission! Everyone is welcome in our giant DU family! 

With all that in mind, our dance parents are able to rest easy while signing their child up for a formative, valuable dance experience. Many of our students grow up dancing at our studio. Watching them continue to shine year after year is the MOST rewarding part of our job!

Experience these benefits for yourself this Fall in our 2020/2021 Dance Classes! We are still accepting enrollment in some classes, so hurry to our website and view the schedule today. Voted the best dance studio in Augusta since 2001, it’s more than just dance at DU! 

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With uncertainty about schools, daycare, and activities, we know our dance parents have a lot of difficult decisions ahead. As we prepare to open up our doors for another season of spectacular dance classes in Augusta, one thing is becoming very clear: preparation is key. Things will look a little different for our kids this Fall, but with preparation and clear guidelines, we are confident that our children can adapt!

Preparing for a safe return to dance classes is our top priority. Our dance floors have been taped off into socially distant personal squares for each dancer to move within. Class sizes are now smaller to allow for proper distancing. We are staying 6-feet away from our students and reminding them to use hand sanitizer often. Our facilities are cleaner and more organized than ever before so every child knows exactly how to stay safe. 

We couldn’t work ANY of our magic without the continued support of our fabulous dance parents. Today on the blog, we are sharing what YOU can do to help your child stay safe this fall. 

How to Prepare Your Child for a Safe Return to Dance: 

1. Teach Your Child about Germs and Best Hygiene Practices

This one is especially important for our tiniest dancers! It’s never too early to teach them about germs and how they are spread. Reminding your child to cover their mouth when coughing and sneezing, showing them how to properly wash their hands, and telling them to keep their hands away from their mouth/face goes a long way when returning to dance classes! 

2. Practice Social Distancing At Home

Amongst our teachers at Dance Unlimited, we often joke about how dancers have been “preparing” for a socially distant lifestyle for the entirety of their training! It’s true, dancers are EXPERTS at spatial awareness and maintaining spacing while moving through the room. 

Show your child what 6 feet looks like. Ask them to place their stuffed animals 6 feet apart and teach them some dance moves. Skip across your backyard while staying socially distant. Most importantly, show them how to speak to others without breaking that 6-foot barrier. All of this will help them feel confident and comfortable heading back to dance. 

3. Send Your Child to The Studio Ready To Go!

Prior to COVID-19 craziness, our dance families were always welcome to use our dressing rooms to change into dance clothes and store their belongings. However, to reduce the number of shared surfaces and germ spreading, the more you can show up completely ready to go, the better.

If your child is enrolled in just one class, we ask that you come to the studio fully dressed with nothing but essential items. For all other students, pack your dance bag with shoes and water only. Be sure to eat your snacks before entering our space and come prepared and on-time to class! 

4. Staying Positive During This Uncertain Time!

Parents are the most important impact on a child’s attitude and readiness to adapt to new circumstances. We love our dance parents and are SO thankful for your continued support of your child and our studio. We know you have a lot on your plate right now. Reminding yourself to stay positive and excited for what’s ahead while in front of your child may be difficult during stressful times, but we know it will go a long way once your child heads into class! 

We are SO excited for another great year of dance classes in Augusta. If you’re ready for a safe, fun, and socially distant return to dance, be sure to check out our Fall Dance Schedule. With smaller class sizes, don’t forget to save your child’s spot and register today!  

Once again, the safety of our dance families and staff is our number one priority. We are thankful for the opportunity to continue dancing and we are committed to doing so safely. We can’t wait for a great year!

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