By Hannah Zwemer
Now that I’ve written a few blogs and you’ve seen my name in the newsletters sent to your inbox every month, I thought it might be fun to introduce myself! A “meet the blogger/member spotlight” moment; a little sneak peek into my life outside of Studio K and a bit more about why I love this place so much that I offered to write about it!
Searching for the best adult dance classes Orlando has to offer? Look no further than Studio K. There is so much to appreciate about our cozy space: different class offerings every month; insanely affordable prices; and (my personal favorite) a supportive, judgment-free, comfortable environment. Seriously – this is a dance studio unlike any other.
Check out our schedule and find a class that speaks to you. We’d love to see you on the floor!
Discovering a Lifelong Love: Hannah’s Early Years
I was a little over three when my parents enrolled me in my first dance class. A constantly moving, frequently distracted and babbly toddler, the first thing to ever stop me in my tracks and capture my full attention was a recording of The Nutcracker. I have no memory of this, but if my present response to witnessing dance or any other kind of performance is indicative of my earliest experiences, I can’t say that I’m surprised.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been mesmerized by movement – obsessed with the way the music runs through my limbs and momentarily quiets my mind. Growing up, dancing was the only time I felt like I could truly let loose and relax; the only two hours of every day when both my mind and my body were calm and present.
I was sixteen when I decided that my calling was to parade down Main Street, USA and so, when it came time to choose a college major, I pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Dance and moved to Orlando a few months after graduation. While I may not have achieved my dream the way I pictured it, I’m forever grateful for the years I spent in Entertainment and my everlasting love of dance.
Finding a Home With the Studio K Family
We’ve talked about it here on the blog before, but finding outlets and opportunities to dance as an adult is tough. This is especially true when it’s not connected to a source of income…or if you didn’t necessarily grow up as a “theatre kid,” like me. I’ve shown up to many an open call for local musical theatre productions only to blurt out that I’m solely interested in an ensemble role because all I want to do is dance.
What’s also tough (and arguably much more so) is finding an environment that supports and uplifts every single body that walks through the doors. For as freeing, liberating, and accessible as movement should be, most dance studios are singed with the scent of competition and operate under the belief that dancing is only valuable if and when you fit the mold and look the part.
I’ve been dancing for the better part of twenty years. I have attended numerous classes in numerous studios, taken countless workshops, and auditioned for more events than I could count, and Studio K stands out above it all. From the moment I first walked through the doors, there was a tangible difference in the energy that palpated through the space; one that I’d never felt in the traditional dance studio space before. A kind of energy that’s hard to put your finger on and even harder to describe in words.
Maybe it was Kristin’s friendly smile, or discovering Bella (our studio pup rescue baby) watching over class, or the comforting scent of a candle burning, or the ambient mood lighting. Or maybe it was something simpler: an environment that truly and unequivocally welcomed and rallied behind every person who entered. I may never know what exactly “it” is, but I do know that it sure is hard to find.
Studio K: Where Passion Thrives in a Safe Space
In my personal life, I’m feeling at a bit of a crossroads of sorts. While I currently make a living ghostwriting website copy for various home service providers – and indeed enjoy the opportunity to help local businesses increase traffic and optimize their online presence – I’m also curious about what else is out there. What else makes me tick, what else fires up even my most protected passions. And though there is so much I don’t know, I do know that safety and support are paramount to a successful self-discovery journey.
That’s what makes places like Studio K so special: the harmonious blend between feeling safe, held…and the freedom to explore new ideas, new classes, new passions. For instance, growing up, my favorite classes were the ones like Lyrical and Contemporary that combined the beautiful, long, flowing lines found in traditional ballet with the hard edges and awkward postures often seen in modern techniques. Hey, what can I say – I love a good Graham contraction amidst an otherwise light and lifted piece; the stark dynamic change makes it interesting.
But upon my relatively recent return to taking classes regularly, I’ve been intentional about taking classes outside my comfort zone. Polynesian/Hips Fitness has challenged my brain/body connection whenever I attempt a Fa’arapu (traditional hip circles) in time with the rapid drumbeats; the “I’m Just Ken” Musical Theatre Workshop gave me an opportunity to work a bit more on my acting skills in conjunction with fun footwork; and Burlesque Groove has helped me explore a sexy confidence I’d never dug deep enough to reach before.
What Are You Waiting For? The Floor Is Yours!
I could go on, but I’ll leave you with this: you’ll never regret taking a chance when you’re exploring your interests and pursuing your passions.
And if you’re interested in taking affordable adult dance classes in the Orlando area, Studio K is absolutely the place to go. Visit our class schedule to see which one might be a good fit for you today! We’d love to see you strut your stuff under that disco ball and I'd love to meet you in class! :-)
Visit Hannah's website and learn more about her work here!
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