For 50 years and counting, The Dance Foundation is a not-for-profit organization bringing the joy of dance to students throughout the Greater Birmingham area.
Celebrating *** years of
learning to dance
learning through dance
building confidence
igniting curiosity
inspiring creativity
dance for everyone
exploration and discovery
community and collaboration
moving together
For 50 years, The Dance Foundation has been bringing the joy of dance to students of all ages throughout the Greater Birmingham area.
Dance is the universal language that connects us.
The Dance Foundation is a place where everyone can embrace the art of dance. Whether you’ve had years of the finest dance training available or just beginning. Whether you are two or eighty-two years old. Whether you are differently-abled or fully-abled. Here, you can dance. Feel joy. Gain confidence. Be creative.
You belong at The Dance Foundation, where we celebrate the dancer in every body and the dance in every movement.
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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!
cameras and phones and androids, oh my! Save the date for EUREKA, featuring students in our Dance Artist Program at the Alabama Theatre on Saturday, May 2nd.
!eureka
May 2, 2026
6:00 PM
Alabama Theatre
The performance is free to attend; no tickets required.
The performance is made possible, in part, by The Alabama State Council on the Arts and National Endowmnet for the Arts.
‼️ Our adult HIP HOP class has a NEW day and time! Join us at 9:15 to get your Tuesdays started!!!
Session 5 starts Monday! Dance Class = physical movement, mental focus, emotional expression, and connection with others. Find a class and register today! DM us with questions.
We enjoyed a beautiful performance in our theatre last night, presented by the students in our spring Ballet Repertory class. They dedicated themselves to learning eight classical ballet variations over the past semester. Each dancer had the opportunity to perform their favorite variation, along with one chosen by their teacher, Ms. Jackie, for an audience of family and friends. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and inspired by their commitment to growing as dancers. ✨
