Business Details
11 Years
experience
Professional Dance Training for All Ages
Founded in 2015 by Artistic Director Jennifer Foster-Drake, The Dancer Project is a nonprofit dance community dedicated to making performing arts accessible and inclusive for all ages and skill levels. Our mission focuses on preserving, producing, and promoting dance through professional training programs, community outreach performances, and performance opportunities for both youth and adults. We offer structured pre-professional training divisions, flexible drop-in classes, and specialized programs like our Youth Ensemble and Adult Community Collaborator initiatives.With over 36 years of combined dance expertise from our leadership team, we provide affordable ballet, contemporary, and creative movement instruction while serving underserved communities through free performances. Our studio fosters a welcoming environment where individuals of all backgrounds can develop technical skills, artistic expression, and community connections through dance.
Services
Ballet Classes
Contemporary Dance
Creative Movement
Pre-Pointe/Pointe
Youth Ensemble
Adult Classes
Community Performances
Performance Training
Drop-In Sessions
Private Coaching
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We offer pre-professional training with performance opportunities twice yearly
- Our inclusive programs welcome dancers aged 1 to adult at all skill levels
- We provide community outreach performances in underserved areas
- Our directors have 36+ combined years of professional dance experience
- Flexible drop-in classes accommodate busy schedules and varying commitments
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program offers structured training from creative movement to pre-professional levels. Students develop proper technique, posture, and musicality while learning classical repertoire. Classes include barre work, center combinations, and across-the-floor progressions tailored to each skill level.
Youth Ensemble
This advanced program provides mentorship and performance opportunities for committed young dancers. Participants receive individual coaching, potential solo work, and experience company-style rehearsals while contributing to community outreach performances throughout the season.
Adult Classes
Designed for adult learners of all experience levels, these classes focus on technical development and artistic expression. Participants gain strength, flexibility, and confidence while preparing for performance opportunities in classical and contemporary works.
Creative Movement
Introduces foundational dance concepts to children aged 3-4 through playful, imaginative activities. Students develop coordination, musicality, and social skills while exploring basic dance elements in a fun, supportive environment.
Community Performances
Our nonprofit initiative brings live dance performances to underserved communities lacking access to performing arts. We partner with local organizations to present classical and contemporary works while fostering cultural engagement through educational outreach.
People
Jennifer Foster-Drake
Artistic Director
Professional dancer with 36 years of training and 21+ years teaching experience. Former Cincinnati Ballet principal artist and guest choreographer who founded The Dancer Project to create inclusive dance opportunities.
Amanda Foster-Drake
Co-Director
Began dancing at age 35 and transitioned from martial arts background. Manages lower division classes and stage operations while promoting community engagement through accessible dance programs.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We offer programs for children starting at age 1 through adult classes, with specialized tracks for youth performers and community collaborators.
Do you require prior dance experience?
No prior experience needed. Our inclusive programs welcome all skill levels from beginners to advanced dancers in both structured and drop-in formats.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Performance Training Division students participate in two annual productions. Youth Ensemble and Adult Community Collaborators also receive multiple performance chances throughout the season.
What dance styles do you teach?
Our curriculum includes ballet, contemporary, pre-pointe/pointe, creative movement, and variations. We focus on classical technique with modern artistic expression.
How do class registrations work?
Performance Division requires annual commitment with monthly auto-pay. Drop-in classes need pre-registration and payment per session with flexible scheduling options available.
Do you offer community outreach programs?
Yes, our nonprofit mission includes free performances at underserved locations like assisted living facilities and community centers across Middle Tennessee.
