The heartbeat of The Dancer Project, located in East Nashville, began when our Artistic Director, Jennifer Foster-Drake, had a vision for the dance world to be a more inviting, accessible, open, healthy, and inclusive environment. Art is the fabric of society. It inspires, creates community, and innovation.
Unfortunately, with every company Mrs. Drake was a part of, something was missing. The art she loved became overly commercialized and therefore intangible for a large portion of society to see live performances. It created challenges for many artists who may not have been the perfect "this" or the right "that".
Unfortunately, with every company Mrs. Drake was a part of, something was missing. The art she loved became overly commercialized and therefore intangible for a large portion of society to see live performances. It created challenges for many artists who may not have been the perfect "this" or the right "that".
Services
The Dancer Project Youth Ensemble launched in the Spring of 2019. With 10 youth cast members, we raised funds for our scholarship program and went into communities that lacked art and performed. Dependent on enrollment and roles casted, your child may not be required to attend every Saturday or for the entire length of rehearsal, but we do suggest blocking out the time on the chance they are needed for the full rehearsal.
Our Performance Training Track Division classes are for dancers that are looking to call The Dancer Project their home dance studio for dance training. This is open to dancers ages 3 - 18. This division includes Creative Movement and Pre-Ballet classes and then is broken up into two subdivisions the "Lower Level Division" (Levels 1-3) and the "Upper Level Division" (Intro to Level 4, Levels 4, & 5).
Reviews (8)
Brandon Thornberry
Nov 17, 2021
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Our daughter has danced with several different ballet schools over the last 7 years, and her experience here at The Dancer Project Conservatory has been her (and our) favorite. She loves the challenge and training in the correct technique. She comes home energized because it is equal parts challenging and FUN. Ms. Drake has such a great way of engaging with the students and you can tell she cares very much for their holistic development. Would highly, highly recommend and feel lucky to have this place in our community!
Alexa Hulsey
Nov 04, 2021
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I’ve been taking ballet with Jen at the Dancer Project since 2017. I was one of TDP’s first adult community students, and it’s been a joy to participate in the growth of this very special community of artists. With Jen’s guidance and encouragement, I’ve grown from a hesitant beginner to performing on stage en pointe. I started dance in my 40s, and TDP has given me opportunities I never dreamed I'd have. Everyone is welcomed and celebrated at TDP. I'm so grateful for this place and I cherish my time in class with Jen and my fellow dancers. The Dancer Project is joyful, inclusive, and a
Iselin Honey Bee
Oct 30, 2021
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I started taking classes at The Dancer Project in 2019. Both professional and welcoming, it is a blessing to the dance scene in Nashville. I am happy to have found classes that challenge me and offer me an opportunity to grow as an artist , that are also fun. Wether you have loved dance from an early age and want to strengthen your skills or have never danced before and want to start exploring the world of dance , this is the place !!! 😄
Maria Rexhammar
Oct 29, 2021
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My daughter has been dancing ballet with the Dancer Project for over 3 years now. My daughter has developed a deep love for dance since she started. Ms Jen is a great teacher and she is incredibly inclusive and supportive. It's been a pleasure watching my daughter and her fellow dancers develop throughout the years, and to be part of the Dancer Project community.
Jessica Kurtzman
Oct 27, 2021
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My daughter has danced at a few different places in a couple of cities and hands-down, TDPC has been the best by a mile. Jen has built a studio which meshes a warm, nurturing environment with the highest quality of instruction. Every dancer is respected, included and cared about. Everyone has the opportunity, through hard work and dedication, to move up and to learn throughout the year. Jen individualizes lessons when necessary and is so giving with her time and talents, not to mention there are laughs frequently in the dance studio. And if you are reading this review, and have experienced dancing
Ruby Love Hannah
Oct 20, 2021
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Mrs Jen is amazing! I have been dancing there for 4 years now and never looked back. This is where I have taken little milestones such as wearing my first tutu to big milestones such as my first time en pointe! Everyone truly is a family here and no matter your strengths or weaknesses you are loved. Despite all the fun we have it is also a very professional dance environment all the way from the classes to the costumes. Everyone has bad days and that doesn’t exclude anyone here. But the best part is no matter the struggle we dance and love each other through it.
Arley Worley
Oct 19, 2021
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My daughter has been dancing with Jen at TDPC for over 2 years & she absolutely loves it! She has learned and grown so much at this studio- but more importantly she always leaves with a smile on her face & can’t wait to go back for her next class. She wants to be there whenever the doors are open. Jen is so gifted at building a dancer’s skill set, while also making their experience so much fun. It’s truly a home away from home for my kiddo, and knowing that is a gift to me as a parent!
Ivy Elrod
Oct 16, 2021
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We are current students at TDP. My daughter has been studying here for 3 years and is thrilled with the opportunity to learn rigorous classical ballet technique and perform onstage with fellow pre-professional and professional dancers. I myself am a retired professional dancer and have loved taking drop-in technique classes as well. Ms Jen is a fantastic teacher and cares deeply for her students. The studio has also done an amazing job keeping kiddos safe during these Covid times with firm distancing protocols, stringent cleaning practices and Zoom options as well. I’ve studied at many studios
