So You Think You Can Dance?

Click to view image

So You Think You Can Dance?

The Arts Taking Center Stage This Spring

By Matt Malatesta

With the advent of reality television shows like So You Think You Can Dance?, America's Best Dance Crew and America's Got Talent, the world of dance at the local level for high schoolers and youths has exploded. Dare we even say Dance Moms.

"With those shows, dance has become so popular over the past several years," Kristan Ballard of Boni's Studio said. "It has brought a new found respect and awareness for the art form of dance. It has inspired so many kids and parents to take dance very seriously and to pursue the art."

Much like competitive cheerleading has become a mainstream sport for girls, so has dance. VYPE projects over 10,000 high school females in Houston participate in dance, from drill teams at the high school level to regional dance companies throughout the city. Add in middle schoolers and youth, and the numbers are astounding.

"We have seen a increase in guys participating in dance as well," Ballard said. "It a great cross-training activity for multi-sport athletes to gain flexibility and strength. You see several swimmers, soccer players, football players, track and field kids, gymnasts and cheerleaders train in dance these days."

The competition season in the dance community resets this spring and Houston will hosts dozens of events on different levels. Dance companies such as Boni's, The Woodlands Dance Force, Becky's School of Dance, Masters Upper Level Dance, Hintze Dance Center, Lake Houston and North Harris Performing Art Centers and In-Step Dance are just a few of Houston's local program that participate in these events.

"The competition teams are girls who are very dedicated to their craft," Ballard said. "It also translates to their academics. When you put so much hard work into one part of your life, it's only natural to do so in their school work."

The end game for these refined artists often come in the form of college scholarships, the opportunity to train on New York's Broadway or other professional shows or major in dance and pay it forward in an instructional career.