Studio Arts For Dancers

Emma has led masterclasses at Belmont University, Salt Contemporary Dance, New Dialect Summer Intensives, and Groundworks Dance Theater. She has also assisted Banning Bouldin in creative processes for Salt Contemporary Dance, Groudworks Dance Theater, Springboard Danse Montreal, and The Julliard School Summer Intensive.

Each summer SAFD offers classes for dancers of all ages and levels with SAFD faculty and guest teachers from around the country. Additionally, SAFD has brought in well-renowned teachers from around the world including Alicia Graf Mack, Anna Maria Holmes, Frederick Davis, Tracie Stansfield, Joy Davis, Marlayna Locklear, Danah Bella, Takia A. Faniyi, Helen Starr, Valery Lantratov, Dan Joyce, Sergei Chytokov, Joulia Mouiseeva, Daniel Chait and many others.

At the Intermediate I level, class tempo increases as students strengthen their ability to process and retain material quickly. Emphasis is placed on mastering technique while deepening their understanding of movement through anatomy and physiology. Artistic expression, improvisation, and creative process are integral to each class, supporting a well-rounded and expressive dancer.

Advanced dancers serve as role models within the studio, demonstrating commitment, consistency, and a strong work ethic. Classes emphasize continued growth in anatomy, physiology, and injury prevention, while exploring a variety of modern and contemporary techniques. Dancers also study classical ballet variations to refine their artistry and performance quality.

In Level VI, students continue to expand their technical abilities, anatomical understanding, and artistic expression in dynamic, fast-paced classes. As choreography becomes more complex, dancers strengthen their retention, adaptability, and overall technique. Exposure to various modern styles and diverse ballet approaches broadens their training and prepares them for advanced performance opportunities.

At the Intermediate II level, dancers explore a wide range of contemporary, modern, and ballet techniques while deepening their understanding of anatomy, physiology, and injury prevention. Classes incorporate various modern styles and contemporary approaches, alongside continued study of classical ballet variations. This well-rounded training supports both technical growth and artistic development.

In Level V, students deepen their understanding of technique, terminology, anatomy, and artistic expression through high-energy, fast-paced classes. As steps and combinations become more advanced, dancers sharpen their retention, processing, and performance skills. Partnering, improvisation, and creative process may also be introduced to support a well-rounded dance education.

Classes are offered in classical ballet, pointe, variations, contemporary, Horton technique, jazz, and tap. All classes Level V through Advanced attend ballet class three days per week with the option of attending additional classes in modern, tap and jazz. Horton technique is offered only to Intermediate and Advanced dancers.

Level IV marks a significant progression in both the physical and mental demands of dance training, with increased expectations in technical skill and artistic growth. Students focus on retaining exercises and combinations across classes while refining individual technique, terminology, and performance quality. This level introduces more advanced sequencing in preparation for the pre-professional program.

In Level II, dancers build on foundational technique by learning new terminology, refining individual skills, and applying them in combinations and exercises. Classes also include improvisation and spatial awareness to support well-rounded development.

Level III dancers advance their technique, terminology, and artistic expression while exploring more complex variations of skills learned in earlier levels. Classes focus on longer combinations, directional changes, and expansive movement through space to enhance memory, coordination, and performance quality.

At age 8, dancers begin the Level I syllabus in ballet, modern, and tap, building a strong foundation in technique, terminology, and artistic expression. Each subsequent level introduces greater physical and mental challenges, with higher expectations for technical growth and performance quality. Jazz classes become available starting at age 11.

Our youth classes are designed to spark a love for ballet, modern, and tap while building strong motor skills, musicality, and movement awareness. Age-appropriate technique is introduced through creative exercises, improvisation, and engaging props like scarves, ribbons, tambourines, and hula hoops. Each class incorporates storytelling, with highlights from beloved ballets like The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty, and culminates in a special performance at SAFD’s annual spring showcase at the Tennessee Theatre. Classes include Pre-Ballet, Pre-Modern, and Pre-Tap.

Age 5 students are introduced to foundational ballet technique and terminology while developing a love for movement. Class begins with floor exercises to build strength and flexibility, followed by center work and traveling steps performed on the diagonal and in a circle—without the use of ballet barres. Props such as ribbon rings, tambourines, and hula hoops are used to enhance musicality, coordination, and spatial awareness. Dancers will gain an understanding of specific steps. All students will have the opportunity to participate in SAFD’s annual spring performance at the Tennessee Theatre.

Our sweet age 3-4 ballet class is the perfect first step into the world of dance! Little movers will build strength, coordination, and musicality through fun floor exercises, center work, and imaginative traveling steps—all without the pressure of the barre. With colorful props like ribbons, scarves, hoops, and tambourines, dancers stay engaged while learning rhythm, classroom etiquette, and a love for ballet. Every class is filled with smiles, music, and movement—and it all leads up to a heartwarming in-studio spring performance!

STUDIO ARTS faculty are well-versed and highly experienced in each technique that they teach, giving our students a strong foundation of classical training in modern, ballet, Horton, tap, and jazz or inspiring a love for and appreciation of dance in our creative movement classes.

STUDIO ARTS faculty are well-versed and highly experienced in each technique that they teach, giving our students a strong foundation of classical training in modern, ballet, Horton, tap, and jazz or inspiring a love for and appreciation of dance in our creative movement classes.

STUDIO ARTS faculty are well-versed and highly experienced in each technique that they teach, giving our students a strong foundation of classical training in modern, ballet, Horton, tap, and jazz or inspiring a love for and appreciation of dance in our creative movement classes.

STUDIO ARTS faculty are well-versed and highly experienced in each technique that they teach, giving our students a strong foundation of classical training in modern, ballet, Horton, tap, and jazz or inspiring a love for and appreciation of dance in our creative movement classes.

STUDIO ARTS faculty are well-versed and highly experienced in each technique that they teach, giving our students a strong foundation of classical training in modern, ballet, Horton, tap, and jazz or inspiring a love for and appreciation of dance in our creative movement classes.

Open classes for adults from all backgrounds. Classes focus on technique and functional strength training.

Classes including ballet, pointe, modern, Horton, tap, and jazz prepare dancers with advanced technical training.

Master classes offer students and adults the opportunity to take one or several classes with guest teachers.

Through ballet, modern, tap, and jazz classes, students develop strong movement awareness, musicality and technique.

Children learn basic ballet and gross motor skills while developing a love of and excitement for ballet and movement play.

Hula hoops, ribbons, and wands foster a love of movement and dance in our creative movement classes. Moving through space to inspiring music and learning the basics of dance class to build the foundation of understanding for our young dancers.

Keep your body moving with SAFD's fan favorite, Adult Ballet Fit Class! Taught by Director and Founder, Lisa Hall McKee, this class blends Classical Ballet Barre with fitness elements such as interval training, strength conditioning, and mobility exercises. Inviting ages 18+, This class has helped adults in our community maintain their fitness, increase their mobility, improve their stamina, and reclaim their love of dance!