More Than Just Great Dancing is a studio membership program that helps studios strive for the highest standards. When we found out about it, we just knew we had to become a member, because that is what we’re all about at DU. We’ve been going above and beyond for over two decades. 

But just how does DU go above the line and beyond the ballet barre? Here is a list of initiatives and achievements that we’re proud to say make our studio more than just an awesome place to dance. 

1. Darby’s Dancers

We’re so excited to share the news about one of our newest programs, Darby’s Dancers! This adaptive dance class for ages 11-18 is designed for children with special needs. Darby’s Dancers is a nationally recognized non-profit program that promotes creativity, self-confidence, and inclusion for everyone. DU is a safe place for all children to dance and grow, which is why we’re thrilled to be hosting this class on Thursdays at 7pm.  Register your child here! 

2. NHSDA

Dance Unlimited is a proud member of the National Dance Education Organization and hosts one of Maine’s only chapters of the National Honor Society of Dance Arts. This unique opportunity gives our dancers the chance to be nationally recognized for their artistic merit. All high school-aged DU students are encouraged to apply for induction. Read our past blog post here to learn about our most recent inductees! 

3. A Focus on Leadership

Here at DU, we are proud to share that several members of our faculty are actually alumni of the studio. We have a long-standing history of not only watching children grow up at DU, but also seeing them go on to teach the next generation of dancers. This lineage is powerful because it shows our youngest dancers that becoming as good as our amazing faculty is both accessible and admirable! 

4. Acrobatic Arts Certified

On top of offering dance technique classes, we also offer acrobatics on our schedule! More importantly, our acro teachers are certified with Acrobatic Arts, an internationally acclaimed training program. Acrobatic Arts emphasizes safety, anatomy, and proper skill progressions. We make sure to offer only the best and safest programs to our beloved students! 

5. Events Open To All

While most dance studios only offer weekly classes that run on the school year schedule, we take it a step further in an effort to bring our Augusta community together. We host events that are open to the public all year round such as holiday celebrations, tea parties, and camps. It’s important to us that we extend our reach to all families, even if you’re unable to join us for the full school year! 

6. Mommy Movers

Did you know that in addition to our Adult Dance Classes, we also offer a low-impact dance fitness class geared towards moms of babies and toddlers? Happening each week on Thursdays at 9:30am, this class can be taken by moms who are expecting, wearing a carrier, or accompanied by a toddler workout buddy under the age of 5. We offer drop-in rates, so head to our events calendar to register today! 

7. All-Inclusive Tuition

And last but not least, is our all-inclusive tuition.  Our tuition system means that parents don’t have to worry about costume payments during the holidays, or forgetting to order their child’s recital t-shirt, program or DVD. All of these items and more are included with your tuition! For our parents, that means just sitting back and paying one monthly tuition payment.  Then, watch your child come out with their “gifts” throughout the year!  

As you can see, we exemplify what it means to offer more than just great dancing! We’re proud to become an official MTJGD member because it’s our mission to not build great dancers, but even greater young people. We take a holistic approach to dance education and we bring the Augusta community together in powerful ways!

We are grateful for the many families who have been loyal members of our studio. Thanks for sharing your special moments with us throughout the years. Here’s to many more to come! 

The post DU Goes Above the Line and Beyond the Barre! appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.

In January, we hosted our 2nd annual NHSDA Induction Ceremony, where we congratulated three graduating seniors with membership to our Dance Unlimited Chapter! Their outstanding leadership, community service, academic achievement, and excellence in dance over the years have made us proud to call them our students. Enjoy some photos from the ceremony on our Facebook page. 

Join us in learning more about our 3 newest NHSDA Inductees and congratulating them on their incredible achievements! 

Madeline Clay

High School: Gardiner Area High School
Achievements and Awards: NHS, Honors Student
Sports: Track
Years as a DU Dancer: 5

What do you love about DU? Dance U has become a second home for me. It is somewhere safe for all dancers to come and be themselves while doing something they love. The staff have made sure that every dancer that comes through the doors is happy and healthy. I came to a recital before I moved to Maine and I knew from watching the dances that DU was where I wanted to be.

What advice do you have for younger dancers? Cherish your time at DU!

What is your favorite dance memory? Attending NUVO in Boston! 

Kiara Henry

High School: Cony High School
Achievements and Awards: High Honors Student, MVP for Volleyball and Soccer
Sports/Clubs: Soccer, Volleyball, Lacrosse, Basketball, Spanish Club
Years as a DU Dancer: 15

What do you love about DU? They’ve taught me so much about dance and much more.  There’s nothing I love more about DU than the family you grow to be a part of. Best friends and bonds between people that last a lifetime. Everyone is just amazing, I couldn’t ask for a better dance family. 

What advice do you have for younger dancers? Always dance your hearts out and never wish to skip ahead to next year. This year really taught me that everything could be taken away from us so quickly, you never know when your last performance could be. Time goes by way too fast.

What are your favorite dance memories? Meeting some of my best friends, the beach trip we took last summer, the Boston trip to NUVO, and #DUME. 

Madeline Levesque

High School: Cony High School
Achievements and Awards: NHS, Soccer Captain, Teammate of the Year (Soccer), KVAC All Academic Award
Sports: Soccer, Tennis, Chizzle Wizzle
Years as a DU Dancer: 11 Years

What do you love about DU? Dance Unlimited has been my safe space since I started. It has provided me with opportunities and bonds I wouldn’t have found anywhere else. The instructors are happy to see you succeed and help you every step of the way. DU has taught me much more than just dance. I have learned how to be a good role model, serve my community, uplift others and to never give up.

What advice do you have for younger dancers? Confidence is half the battle in becoming a good dancer. The key is to let go and focus on how you feel while dancing and not how you look. Technique comes with practice but passion comes with confidence.

What are your favorite dance memories? Dance Camp, Team Trip to Disney, and Attending NUVO in Boston

We are sending a HUGE round of applause to our 3 newest members of NHSDA (Dance Unlimited Chapter)! It has been such a pleasure to watch you grow up at DU and we can’t wait to see what the future holds. These young women exemplify the values of NHSDA and of Dance Unlimited. They are amazing role models for our students.

Congratulations on your many amazing accomplishments. Bravo Dancers! We are SO proud!

All DU high school dancers ages are encouraged to apply for membership to NHSDA. Keep your eyes peeled for more information this spring!

The post Congratulations to our New NHSDA Inductees! appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.