By: Ashley Arax for The Dirt
While some of us may have done a little dancing to ring in 2024, one Davis-based dance company is opening the door to a new age bracket of classes—encouraging those of us in the 18-and-older crowd to bring rhythm and movement into the new year.
Mirror Image Dance Company has added four new adult-only dance options to fit most grown-up schedules.
If you have never taken a dance class before—or if a decade or more has passed since you last sported tap shoes—there are a number of options for beginners, ranging from tap, ballet, hip hop, and heels (if you are unfamiliar as I was, think: choreographed routines blending elements of dance, sensuality, and self-confidence, heels optional). On the other hand, if you can shuffle hop step in your sleep, those same classes are offered for intermediate and advanced levels.
Last month, I signed up for the Beginner’s Tap and Hip Hop classes. I hadn’t been to a dance studio since well before Save the Last Dance was released, and admittedly, I was slightly anxious.
Both instructors were so upbeat and encouraging that the anxiety soon melted away.
The classes were paced well for beginners, with options for more challenging moves if people were finding their groove.
We stacked up the eight-counts and ended up with some solid routines by the end.
Most of the time I was just trying to keep up, but I had a blast. I will definitely be going back and even plan to buy a pair of tap shoes. Beginner’s tip: socks are an option if you don’t have a pair.
Mirror Image was founded in 2009 by Marlaina Schroeder Spivey. Born to professional dancers, Marlaina became one herself and found her community in the world of competitive dance.
As a student at UC Davis, she realized there weren’t many options for competitive teams, so she started her own and grew her studio from there. Her goal is to provide a positive and affirming experience for people of all ages, levels, and backgrounds. This includes a “Pure Joy” program she created for neurodiverse children and those with developmental differences, filling a need she saw in the community.
This year, Marlaina plans to expand her offerings to include fitness classes. New students get their first class free, and if you are a UC Davis student or staff member, Mirror Image offers three free classes.
Hip Hop:
Tuesdays 8:30p—9:30p (Beginners)
Thursdays 8:30p—9:30p (Intermediate)
Ballet
Tuesdays & Thursdays 7:15p—8:30p
Saturdays 9a—10:15a
Tap
Tuesdays 7:15p—8:15p
Heels
Wednesdays 7:30p—8:30p (Beginners)
Wednesdays 8:30p—9:30p (Advanced)
Class Pass Options:
20 classes / $320
10 classes / $180
Drop In / $25
