Academy of Ballet and Jazz Makes Dancing Fun in Tuscaloosa

Professional dancing doesn’t have to be a chore. Instead, dancing could be a healthy and fun way to stay fit and an excellent tool for learning to set goals. At least that’s what Susu Hale Prout, of the Academy of Ballet and Jazz, says.

Susu is the owner, artistic director, and company co-director of the Academy of Ballet and Jazz (ABJ), located in Northport, Alabama. Having acquired a love for dance since she was two years old, Susu has developed her dance skills throughout the years by becoming professionally involved in companies such as the Tuscaloosa Community Dancers, starting her own ballet studio (ABJ), and continuing her dance education through extensive workshops at places such as the Alabama Ballet and the Broadway Dance Center (BDC) in New. York City. With a BFA in ballet from Texas Christian University, Susu has developed an extensive dance curriculum whose foundational principles cross the span of all ages and stages. So, no matter one’s dance level or age, she encourages everyone who has the desire to learn dance to get involved and learn how fun dancing can be.

But what about those who aren’t really count for dance? When asked about signs to look for when assessing whether or not someone is “dance material”, instead Susu gave me a few key pointers of what dance is really about. She explained that dance:

1.) is excellent activity

2.) enhances musicality

3.) creatively frees you

4.) promotes longevity and health

5.) encourages dedication to a goal

It seems that these five reasons alone are good enough for concluding that taking a dance class could be a real plus in anyone’s life, regardless of age or dance ability.

With such an inspiring teacher as Susu Hale Prout, many students have gone on to attend dance schools and become professional dancers while others can now simply claim that dance class has been one of the most physically challenging, yet emotionally rewarding activities they’ve ever embarked on. ABJ proves that getting involved in dance can only add to one’s life. Apparently, Susu’s main goal is to ensure that the emphasis in her dance program is to instill the love of dance. Though her core curriculum is extensive, foundational, and impressive by measure, Susu remains adamant that instilling a love for the art of dance (despite today’s techno-vibe “microwave” culture) is of utmost importance.

Although she focuses on ballet technique as a foundational building block for her program, ABJ offers a variety of classes in different styles of dance. Susu says: “We have all styles of dance. We also feel like ballet is the basis for all dance forms. Therefore we really encourage it, as far as the technique. We encourage them to take a ballet class so they understand technique. It makes it easier.” Building on ballet as the core, ABJ also offers jazz, tap, and tumbling combos, as well as hip hop.

Most of all, Susu says, “…we want to keep the joy of dance for their inspiration, so we try to keep it fun too… We love to dance and want every dancer to feel important no matter what their level or age. When they walk int eh door I want them to feel inspired and want to dance and love to dance.”

ABJ is located on 3695 Watermelon Road, Northport, Alabama 35473. For more information about the Academy of Ballet and Jazz, please contact Ms. Sus Hale Prout by calling 752-5124. You may also visit their website at www.danceabj.com