The Dance Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1975. Our programs celebrate the creative spirit and potential in all of us. The Dance Foundation is grounded in the belief that dance is for everybody. This drives our mission: To make dance education accessible to everybody–igniting curiosity, inspiring creativity, and building confidence in an inclusive community. We build skills, creativity, confidence, and community through three interconnected programs: Dance PARTNERS Bringing dance into schools and community organizations, engaging and impacting students who are very young, have disabilities or learning differences, or need academic support. Studio CLASSES Dance classes for all ages and abilities, from playful beginnings with live music to advanced study. We nurture a creative community, build strong technique, and encourage lifelong exploration. Tuition assistance is available. Space RENTAL Our state-of-the-art studios in downtown Homewood serve as a creative hub for artists to teach, rehearse, perform and gather. The Dance Foundation reaches 15,000 individuals each year through these programs, which are based on a nurturing, inclusive and skill-building philosophy. We have a volunteer board of directors and a volunteer support organization, the Children’s Arts Guild. We own our facility and earn an average of 70% of our annual budget through fees for services. Remaining funds are secured through a diverse collection of sources – local, state and federal government, foundations, corporations and individuals. We have a rich history in collaborating with area school systems and community service organizations.
External link for The Dance Foundation
1715 27th Court South
Birmingham, Alabama 35209, US
Ruins thankful for these supporters who keep us moving!
EVERY BODY DANCE! We are grateful to all of our Community Dance PARTNERS supporters and sponsors for making the 2025-2026 school season possible - and we keep on dancing through the summer. We continue to bring Movement to Music classes to the community in June and July -encouraging consistency in skill building and exploring artistry.
EVERY BODY DANCE! We are grateful to all of our Community Dance PARTNERS supporters and sponsors for making the 2025-2026 school season possible - and we keep on dancing through the summer. We continue to bring Movement to Music classes to the community in June and July -encouraging consistency in skill building and exploring artistry.
Dance Foundation Program Director Blakely Cottle was presented with Samford’s Medallion Award - a high honor recognizing individuals whose lives of service are shaping our community in meaningful ways. Blakely Cottle exemplifies the spirit of the award through her service and impact in this community. Blakely has been with The Dance Foundation for 23 years. Her leadership and creativity ensure that dance remains accessible to all—regardless of age, ability or socioeconomic status. She oversees programs for age two through second grade, crafting inclusive curricula that foster confidence, creativity and joy in young learners. “I love getting to work with kids from all over the Birmingham community and seeing them experience dance for the first time,” Blakely said. “Seeing each little one unafraid to move and create dances of their own is such a heartwarming experience. “When I was 3 I started with ballet class, but it was not the right fit for me at all. It was a very structured class with a lot of time spent at the barre—absolutely the last thing the 3-year-old me wanted to do. I love that now I get to teach young dancers and really allow them to embrace movement and tell creative stories and make their introduction to dance a joyful experience.” Her expertise includes working with students with disabilities, and her proficiency in American Sign Language reflects her dedication to creating environments where every child can thrive. Cottle recalled the joy of seeing children with disabilities achieve milestones. “I have seen 9-year-olds jump for the first time in dance class and witnessed their absolute joy in the moment,” she said. “I have seen students take their first steps in dance class and everyone in the class cheering them on. I have seen children in wheelchairs holding colorful scarves and laughing uncontrollably as they perform for their friends.” “I’ve seen so many amazing moments, and I love having some small part in their journey in dance and helping create the space for that moment to happen.” Congratulations, Blakely!
Congratulations to The Children’s Arts Guild on a stunning Luncheon & Fashion Show benefiting The Dance Foundation. We are deeply grateful to the Guild’s leadership, members, and sustainers whose dedication has raised over $1 million for our mission since 1979. Thank you for championing access to dance education in the Birmingham community! Pictured left to right: Heidi Gunter, Development Director, The Dance Foundation Melissa Donaldson, Fashion Show Co-Chair, Children's Arts Guild Julie Hart, Fashion Show Chair, Children's Arts Guild Laura Bartlett, President, Children's Arts Guild 2025-2026 Diane Litsey, Executive Director, The Dance Foundation Elizabeth Melancon, Vice President, Children's Arts Guild Therese Laeger, Artistic Director, The Dance Foundation
We are so grateful to celebrate milestones at The Bell Center in our Dance PARTNERS program! Thank you for the incredible work you do every day to uplift children and families in our community.
Every day at The Bell Center, children are celebrating milestones. Whether it’s first smiles, first sounds, or first steps—big or small, each one represents potential. Behind every milestone is a community of supporters who care. You can be a part of helping more children reach their milestones, support The Bell Center today: https://lnkd.in/ex8zZENj https://lnkd.in/ej45rUDq
Meet our 2025–2026 Board of Directors! We are deeply grateful to these dedicated leaders who share their time, talent, and passion to strengthen our mission: teaching the art of dance to all — inspiring creativity, curiosity, and confidence. Thank you for guiding and championing The Dance Foundation as we step into another exciting year together!
We are honored to receive continued operating support from the Alabama State Council on the Arts for our 2025–2026 season! This investment helps us expand access to dance, support artists, and strengthen our role as a creative home in the community. Thank you, ASCA, for championing the arts across Alabama!
JUST ANNOUNCED: $3.7 million in arts grants to strengthen Alabama's creative communities! The arts in Alabama are more than just an expression of creativity; they are a driver of innovation and economic growth, an inspiration for students and lifelong learners, and a cultivator of cross-sector collaboration and community engagement. That’s why the Alabama State Council on the Arts is investing $3,769,280 in grants to 176 organizations, supporting a wide range of arts initiatives, from local theater productions and public art murals to cultural festivals and education-based touring programs. http://bit.ly/47MSe6i
We are beyond grateful to The Children's Arts Guild (CAG) for their ongoing support of our Dance PARTNERS programs - teaching dance to students in preschools, social service agencies and elementary schools across Birmingham. In 2025, the CAG set a new record for fundraising at their fashion show and luncheon held annually in March. The hard work and dedication of the CAG members and the generosity of individual and corporate sponsors makes Dance for Every Body possible! We are excited to kick off a new season of fundraising and fashion this September! Pictured left to right: Julie Hart, CAG '25 Fashion Show Co-Chair Laura Bartlett, CAG '25 Vice President Kendall Hagood, CAG '25 President Eleanor Tolbert, CAG '25 Fashion Show Chair Heidi Gunter, TDF Development Director Thank you Children's Arts Guild!
We are thrilled to celebrate our 50th Anniversary with a free, all ages community dance party at The Edge on August 16th from 5-7pm. Enjoy dancing on the lawn, Movement to Music demonstrations for our youngest dancers, and learn more about the impact of our work in the community. A heartfelt thank-you to our generous sponsors for making this celebration possible! A lead anonymous donor Bham Now Homewood Arts Council Homewood Chamber of Commerce Alabama State Council on the Arts Buffalo Rock Company Thomas Waters Baba Java Coffee https://lnkd.in/dXP3ZqsX