Reitz Union Dance Studio

For University of Florida students and recognized student organizations in Gainesville, the J. Wayne Reitz Union stands as the vibrant heart of campus life, offering a multitude of resources and spaces. Among these invaluable amenities are the Reitz Union Dance Studios, dedicated facilities designed to support and foster the diverse world of dance and movement. While not a traditional public "dance hall" with open classes for the general public, these studios serve as a crucial hub for the UF community, providing the ideal environment for practice, rehearsal, and artistic development.

The Reitz Union Dance Studios are specifically tailored to meet the needs of dancers, offering purpose-built spaces where students and groups can hone their skills. These studios play a vital role in the university's vibrant extracurricular scene, allowing numerous dance clubs, performance groups, and individual students to bring their creative visions to life. The availability of such dedicated spaces on campus underscores the University of Florida's commitment to supporting the holistic development of its students, encouraging physical activity, artistic expression, and community building.

The atmosphere within the Reitz Union is always buzzing with activity, and the dance studios are no exception. They are places of focused energy, where dedication and passion for dance are palpable. From rigorous ballet practices to energetic hip-hop rehearsals, these studios witness countless hours of hard work and artistic exploration. The fact that they are consistently in high demand speaks volumes about their quality and their importance to the UF dance community.

While access is primarily reserved for current UF students and student organizations, the presence of these professional-grade studios within the Reitz Union contributes significantly to the overall cultural richness of the Gainesville campus. They cultivate an environment where emerging talent can flourish, and where the joy of movement can be freely expressed and perfected. For anyone connected to the University of Florida, understanding the role and availability of these dance studios is key to tapping into a vital resource for artistic and physical well-being.

The Reitz Union Dance Studio is located on the Lower Level of the J. Wayne Reitz Student Union, at 655 Reitz Union Drive, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA. This central location on the University of Florida campus makes it an extremely convenient spot for UF students and members of student organizations.

Accessibility to the Reitz Union is generally straightforward. For those arriving by car, parking is available at the Bookstore/Welcome Center Parking Garage (Garage XII), situated at the corner of Museum Road and Reitz Union Drive. Additional parking can be found at Garage 5 on Gale Lemerand Drive. Both are unrestricted pay facilities operated by UF's Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS), accessible to all visitors and UF community members. Street parking, such as along Alden Rd, may also be an option for some visitors, as noted in reviews.

The Reitz Union building itself is designed to be accessible, with features that cater to individuals with varying mobility needs. Once inside the Union, the dance studios are located on the Lower Level, which is typically accessible via stairs and elevators. The central campus location also means it's often within walking or biking distance for many students living on or near campus, further enhancing its accessibility for its primary users.

The Reitz Union Dance Studios are dedicated spaces primarily serving the University of Florida's student body and recognized student organizations. While they do not offer a public schedule of diverse dance classes like a private studio, their services revolve around providing essential infrastructure for dance and movement activities within the university community. Key services include:

• Dance Rehearsal Space: The core service provided is dedicated studio space for dance rehearsals. The Reitz Union is outfitted with two dance studios on the Lower Level specifically for this purpose.
• Equipped Facilities: Each studio is designed with dancers in mind, featuring slip-resistant floors (often Marley flooring, though not explicitly stated for Reitz, this is standard for dance studios to prevent injury), mirrored walls for visual feedback, and built-in sound systems for music.
• Reservation System: UF students and student organizations can reserve these spaces through the Reitz Union Office of Event Services. Usage is typically limited to two reservation blocks per group per week, with additional blocks available if unreserved closer to the date.
• Support for Student Organizations: The studios are a vital resource for numerous UF dance clubs and performance groups, facilitating their practices, choreographic development, and preparations for campus performances.
• Flexible Use: While primarily for dance, the spaces are suitable for various movement-based activities that require an open floor, mirrors, and sound.
• Event Services Support: The Office of Event Services provides guidance and oversight for reservations, ensuring fair and organized access to the studios.

It's important to note that these studios are not typically open for individual drop-in use without a reservation, nor do they generally offer structured dance classes for the public. Their purpose is to provide a professional practice environment for the UF community's dance endeavors.

The Reitz Union Dance Studios, while specialized in their primary function, offer several notable features and highlights that make them a valuable resource for the University of Florida community:

• Purpose-Built Dance Environment: The studios are designed specifically for dance, featuring slip-resistant floors that reduce the risk of injury and enhance performance. This professional flooring is crucial for various dance styles.
• Mirrored Walls: Essential for dancers, the mirrored walls allow for immediate visual feedback on technique, alignment, and choreography, aiding in rapid improvement and precision.
• Built-In Sound Systems: Each studio is equipped with an integrated sound system, providing clear audio for music during rehearsals and classes, without the need for external equipment.
• Dedicated Rehearsal Space: In a bustling university environment, having dedicated, reservable spaces for dance rehearsals is a significant advantage, ensuring dance groups and individuals have consistent access to appropriate facilities.
• Central Campus Location: Situated within the J. Wayne Reitz Union, the studios are easily accessible for students living on campus or commuting, and are surrounded by other student services and amenities.
• Clean and Well-Maintained: As part of the Reitz Union, the studios are maintained to a high standard, offering a clean and safe environment for all users.
• Support for Student Life: These studios are a testament to UF's commitment to supporting student extracurricular activities, fostering creativity, physical activity, and community among its diverse student population.
• Accessibility for UF Community: While restricted to current UF students and recognized organizations, this dedicated access ensures that the university's vibrant dance scene has the necessary resources to thrive.

For inquiries regarding the Reitz Union Dance Studio, including reservation policies, availability, or other related questions, individuals within the University of Florida community can reach out to the Reitz Union Event Services:

Address: Reitz Student Union, 655 Reitz Union Drive Lower Level, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA

Phone: (352) 392-1649

Mobile Phone: +1 352-392-1649

It is advisable for current UF students and student organization representatives to contact the Reitz Union Office of Event Services directly to understand the specific reservation procedures, usage policies, and any associated fees. This will ensure accurate and up-to-date information for planning dance rehearsals or events.

For locals in Gainesville who are part of the University of Florida community—whether they are current students, faculty, or members of registered student organizations—the Reitz Union Dance Studios are an incredibly suitable and invaluable resource. While not a commercial "dance hall" open to the general public for classes, their existence and purpose are profoundly beneficial to the UF and, by extension, the broader Gainesville artistic scene.

These dedicated studios provide a professional and accessible environment crucial for the countless dance groups, clubs, and individual students who contribute to the vibrant cultural life on campus. For students seeking a space to practice ballet, jazz, hip-hop, or any other form of movement, having slip-resistant floors, mirrored walls, and built-in sound systems within the convenience of the Reitz Union is a significant advantage. This eliminates the need to seek off-campus facilities, making it easier for students to pursue their artistic passions while managing their academic schedules.

The structured reservation system ensures fair access, and the central location within the Reitz Union, coupled with accessible parking options, makes it practical for regular use. For parents of UF students involved in dance, the knowledge that their children have access to high-quality, safe, and well-maintained practice spaces within the university's main student hub offers considerable peace of mind.

In essence, the Reitz Union Dance Studios serve as an indispensable "point of interest" for the University of Florida community, fostering talent, promoting physical activity, and enriching campus life. For any local Floridian connected to UF with a passion for dance, these studios are a premier destination for honing skills and expressing creativity.

Reitz Union Dance Studio

Reitz Student Union, 655 Reitz Union Drive LowerLevel, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA