Section City, AL, might not be the first place you think of when it comes to dance, but this vibrant community is home to studios that blend classical grace with urban energy. Whether you’re a pirouette perfectionist or a hip-hop head, these studios are turning heads and training the next generation of dancers.
1. Elevé Dance Collective
Where ballet meets innovation. Elevé is known for its rigorous classical training, but their fusion classes—like "Ballet-Hop"—combine pliés with popping for a fresh twist. Their youth company recently went viral for a Nutcracker remix set to Southern hip-hop beats.
2. Rhythmix Studio
A hip-hop haven founded by former ATL backup dancer Marco "Stepz" Rivera. Rhythmix offers breakdancing battles, choreography labs, and even ballet basics for b-boys/b-girls looking to expand their versatility. Don’t miss their annual "808s & Arabesques" showcase.
3. Pointe South Academy
Traditional ballet reigns here, but their new "Street to Studio" program invites hip-hop dancers to learn how lyrical movement can elevate their flow. Fun fact: Their director danced with the Alabama Ballet before opening the studio in 2020.
4. The Cypher Spot
This raw, freestyle-focused space is all about hip-hop culture—think cyphers, graffiti art walls, and DJ-led sessions. But their collab with Elevé for "Swan Cypher" (yes, tutus meets timbs) sold out last winter.
5. Grace & Grind Dance Co.
The newest studio on the scene, co-founded by a Juilliard grad and a Section City hip-hop legend. Their tagline? "From adagio to and bounce." Try their hybrid adult class—it’s part barre, part bounce.
"Dance here isn’t about boxes—it’s about bridges," says Stepz of Rhythmix. "Kids who start in tutus end up in sneakers, and vice versa. That’s the magic."
Why It Matters: Section City’s studios prove dance isn’t binary. As genres blend, so do communities—with recitals now featuring tiaras and durags side by side. Whether you’re prepping for competition or just craving creativity, there’s a studio waiting to match your rhythm.
