If you are looking for an inspiring dance program, this is the place for you! Dancing Divas and Dudes believes that dance improves many fundamental foundations: from math (putting patterns together, counting and retaining) to giving presentations (listening to the music, smiling, remembering the steps, being aware of your peers and being in front of an audience). Students truly celebrate the art of dance at Dancing Divas and Dudes. Building on three generations of dance schools in Texas, this inspiring program shares teaching techniques and dance styles amassed during the last 90 years. Founder Julie Swift coupled her expertise in dance with her mother and grandmother’s teaching ideas to create this unique, evolving program that is taught at preschools as well as two studios on the UWS and UES. In the studios— complete with raised wood floors and full-length mirrors— children of all ages receive quality instruction and individual attention from Julie. Classes for the younger set combine ballet, tumbling and tap, while the older set may also study jazz. Julie has taught for the children’s programs at both Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway. Parents say that along with learning new moves and techniques, their children gain self-esteem, body awareness and a sense of accomplishment that fosters overall learning and development. Dancers are able to remember their well choreographed dances independently, and students gain stage presence and confidence by performing throughout the year, including at an annual recital.