Looking for a summer camp for your student or dancer this summer? Join Downtown Dance Conservatory in June and July for DDC Summer Series 2023. The project includes two children’s summer camps for ages 5-10, an Upper School Dance Intensive for ages 11-18 and Adult Dance Classes for ages 16 and up. The camps are open to any student in the community. To register, email azalea@ddcgadsden.com.
Housed in the Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts in downtown Gadsden, the DDC has been the heart of the local classical ballet community. The organization has collaborated, staged and hosted many productions and projects. Artistic Director Linze Rickles McRae has created a passion for dance in northeast Alabama for over 20 years. The DDC is thrilled to host these summer camps and allow more students in the community to explore the arts and dance.
Children’s summer camps will include “Enchanted Tales” and “The Science of Dance,” both focusing on the education and skills of classical ballet, free movement, rhythm studies and group learning for ages 5-10. “Enchanted Tales” on June 26 – June 29 will include storybook ballet variations and exciting activities to keep young dancers engaged. “The Science of Dance” on July 10 – July 12 will highlight the physics of dance and include science activities, creative movement and contemporary modern dance. The Upper School Dance Intensive on June 26 – 29 will focus on variation studies, Progressing Ballet Technique and modern/contemporary dance with a special guest for a master class for ages 11-18. The Director of Summer Programs Azalea McRae will be entering her third year of teaching dance at DDC this upcoming fall. She is currently pursuing a business degree at Jacksonville State University. McRae has been dancing at DDC for 18 years. She is trained in the syllabus of Royal Academy of Dance and is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique, which is a program focused on closing the gap between fitness and traditional ballet studies. The syllabus includes using exercise equipment for strength and flexibility training for all levels and will be highlighted in each of the summer programs.
“We have had so many people ask over the years, ‘Are there any classes for parents and/or adults?’ I want people of all ages and experience levels to be able to enjoy the art, benefits and fitness aspects of dance,” said McRae.
DDC will be offering Adult Dance classes in the months of June and July for ages 16 and up open to any level of experience.
“Whether you have taken dance your entire life, or just want to get some exercise and have fun, these are the classes for you!”
Classes will focus on the basics of classical ballet, barre studies, dance fitness and free movement. They will be available on select dates with some in the morning and some later in the evening.
Registration is now open for all DDC Summer Camps. Visit
www.linktree.com/downtowndanceconservatory for registration and all DDC’s other important links. Email azalea@ddcgadsden.com with questions about summer camps or details on registration.
DDC will be accepting new students for its 2023-2024 season beginning in May.
DDC is a proud project of the Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation, Inc. and is grateful for the support of the City of Gadsden and the Alabama State Council on the Arts. For more information on the DDC’s programs, visit www.culturalarts.org or email info@ddcgadsden.com.
Submitted by Downtown Dance Conservatory
DDC offering summer camp
