Rejoice School of Ballet

For families across Tennessee looking for an enriching and welcoming dance experience, Rejoice School of Ballet in Nashville stands as a beacon of artistic and community engagement. More than just a dance studio, Rejoice is a non-profit organization deeply committed to making high-quality ballet instruction accessible to all, regardless of background, race, sex, or ability. Located in the vibrant heart of Nashville, this esteemed institution fosters a love for dance in young people while simultaneously building confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of belonging. It’s a place where aspiring dancers, from beginners to those with pre-professional aspirations, can truly flourish.

Rejoice School of Ballet is renowned for its inclusive philosophy, a rarity in the world of classical dance. They actively embrace diversity, ensuring that every child feels celebrated and empowered to pursue their passion for movement. This commitment is reflected in their diverse student body, which includes approximately 50% African American, 31% Caucasian, 8.5% Biracial, and 2% Hispanic students, with about 7% choosing not to disclose their background. Such a rich tapestry of students creates a unique and enriching environment, fostering understanding and authentic friendships. Beyond traditional ballet, Rejoice also offers a variety of dance styles, catering to broad interests and talents, and even provides classes specifically designed for boys and children with special abilities. This comprehensive approach underscores their dedication to providing a dance home for everyone.

A true testament to their quality and impact, Rejoice School of Ballet has garnered widespread praise from local parents who have seen their children not only master dance techniques but also grow in confidence and joy. The school's mission, "Motivated by Christ's love, Rejoice School of Ballet empowers youth to realize their potential by training, nurturing and celebrating dancers from diverse racial, socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds," resonates deeply within the community. It’s a place where talent is cultivated, potential is realized, and the transformative power of dance is experienced by all who walk through its doors.

Rejoice School of Ballet's main studio is conveniently located at 2300 Ridgecrest Dr, Nashville, TN 37216, USA. This East Nashville address places it within a dynamic and easily accessible part of the city, making it a feasible destination for families residing in East Nashville, as well as those coming from Antioch, North Nashville, and other surrounding areas within Middle Tennessee. The location is selected to be practical for community members, minimizing travel burdens and allowing for consistent participation in dance programs.

The studio's accessibility is further enhanced by its presence in a residential-friendly area, often providing easier parking solutions compared to more densely commercial zones. While specific public transport routes directly to the door might vary, Nashville's broader transit network can offer connections to the general vicinity. For families driving, the location off major thoroughfares in East Nashville ensures relatively straightforward navigation. Beyond the main studio, Rejoice School of Ballet also extends its reach through partner locations at Smith Springs Community Center in Antioch and Hadley Park Community Center in North Nashville. This multi-location strategy is a deliberate effort to remove geographical barriers, ensuring that quality dance education is within reach for more children across diverse neighborhoods in Nashville.

The ease of access to Rejoice School of Ballet's various locations means that more local children can participate in their programs without significant logistical challenges for their families. This commitment to accessibility is a cornerstone of their mission, allowing a wider range of the community to benefit from the physical, emotional, and artistic development that dance provides. Whether you're in the immediate East Nashville area or coming from another part of the greater Nashville region, Rejoice strives to be a convenient and welcoming destination for aspiring dancers.

Services Offered:

• Classical ballet instruction (beginning, pointe, and professional levels)
• Tap dance classes
• Modern dance classes
• African dance classes
• Other various dance styles, accommodating diverse interests
• Classes specifically designed for boys
• Classes tailored for children with special abilities
• Summer dance intensives for deeper immersion and accelerated learning
• Performance opportunities, including annual recitals and youth ensemble showcases
• Partnerships for potential performance opportunities with the Nashville Ballet (e.g., The Nutcracker youth cast auditions)
• Sliding scale tuition, making dance education affordable based on household income (as low as $16-$17 per month)
• Need-based scholarships available for families facing financial hardship
• Provision of free dancewear and costumes to enrolled students, removing additional financial barriers
• Mentorship and positive youth development programs integrated into dance education
• "Read to Me, Dance with Me" interactive story-time for younger children (18 months to 8 years), encouraging creative movement and reading.

Features / Highlights:

• Inclusive and Diverse Community: Rejoice School of Ballet is widely celebrated for its unwavering commitment to inclusivity, welcoming students of all races, sexes, and abilities. This creates a remarkably diverse and supportive environment where every child feels valued and has the opportunity to shine. Their demographic breakdown includes approximately 50% African American students, showcasing a significant commitment to diversity within classical ballet.
• High-Quality, Comprehensive Instruction: Despite being a non-profit with affordable tuition, Rejoice offers exceptionally high-quality instruction across various dance disciplines. From beginning ballet to pointe and pre-professional tracks, along with tap, modern, and African dance, students receive thorough and professional training. The dedicated volunteer teachers, though with varied styles, are committed to fostering growth.
• Affordable and Accessible Programs: A cornerstone of Rejoice's mission is to remove financial barriers to dance education. They offer a unique sliding scale tuition model, with rates as low as $16-$17 per month for families at the lowest income levels. Furthermore, they provide free dancewear and costumes, and offer need-based scholarships, ensuring that economic circumstances do not prevent a child from pursuing their passion.
• Strong Community and Professional Partnerships: Rejoice School of Ballet boasts impressive affiliations that enhance student opportunities. They are linked with the Nashville Ballet, providing students with audition opportunities for professional productions like "The Nutcracker," as evidenced by students performing with the cast on multiple occasions. They also have a partnership with Belmont University, which offers volunteer and work-study opportunities for Belmont students and provides access to performance venues like Belmont's Troutt Theater.
• Holistic Child Development: Beyond technical dance training, Rejoice focuses on the holistic development of its students. Parents report that their children grow in confidence, discipline, leadership skills, teamwork, and self-worth. The nurturing environment and positive mentorship contribute significantly to students becoming "brighter lights" after each season.
• Adaptability and Support: The school demonstrated impressive adaptability, as seen during the pandemic when they offered both safe in-person and Zoom classes. This flexibility ensures continuity of learning and prioritizes student well-being. Their willingness to accommodate various needs underscores their student-centered approach.
• Variety of Dance Styles and Programs: Rejoice offers a broad spectrum of classes, including classical ballet, pointe, tap, modern, and African dance, catering to diverse interests and skill levels. They also provide specialized classes for boys and children with special abilities, along with engaging summer intensives, ensuring there's something for every aspiring dancer.
• Performing Opportunities: Students have consistent opportunities to showcase their skills in annual spring recitals and through the Rejoice Youth Ensemble. These performances not only build confidence but also provide invaluable stage experience in various venues across Middle Tennessee, including collaborations with local musicians.

Contact Information:

Address: 2300 Ridgecrest Dr, Nashville, TN 37216, USA

Phone: (615) 208-9744

For Tennessee families, Rejoice School of Ballet represents a truly invaluable local resource. It stands apart not only for its high-caliber dance instruction but, more importantly, for its profound commitment to making the art of ballet accessible and inclusive for every child in our community. In a city as vibrant and diverse as Nashville, Rejoice embodies the spirit of opportunity, ensuring that financial status, background, or physical ability are never barriers to experiencing the joy and discipline of dance. Parents consistently express their gratitude for an organization that offers top-tier training while simultaneously nurturing a child's character, self-esteem, and sense of belonging.

The unique combination of classical ballet training, a variety of other engaging dance styles, and invaluable partnerships with institutions like the Nashville Ballet and Belmont University, provides students with unparalleled opportunities right here at home. From performing in "The Nutcracker" to receiving instruction from dedicated, experienced teachers, children at Rejoice are given a foundation that extends far beyond the dance studio. The sliding scale tuition and provision of free dancewear further highlight Rejoice's dedication to supporting local families, making high-quality arts education a reality for many who might otherwise miss out. This school is more than a place to learn dance steps; it’s a place where young people from all walks of life grow, find confidence, build lasting friendships, and truly shine. Rejoice School of Ballet is truly a gem in the Nashville community, fostering a love for the arts and developing well-rounded individuals for the future of Tennessee.

Rejoice School of Ballet

2300 Ridgecrest Dr, Nashville, TN 37216, USA