Mobile Bay Dance Academy Inc.

Mobile Bay Dance Academy opened in the summer of 2005 and is celebrating its 22nd anniversary. The studio is dedicated to teaching students in a structured and exciting learning environment, focusing on the development of students, their dance technique, and their education. MBDA provides a constructive yet encouraging atmosphere that builds high self-esteem and a love of dance. No matter what stage of dance, students are expected to be their best but are always accepted for who they are.

MBDA operates two main ways: the MBDA2U program brings dance classes directly to schools and daycares throughout Mobile County, and classes also take place at the studio location on Old Shell Road. For the last two decades, the academy has been dedicated to bringing the art of dance directly to young learners in a manner that is both accessible and convenient. Classes take place either during regular school hours or directly after school at partner institutions. Students who graduate from preschool or change schools that do not offer the program can continue dancing at the studio location.

The studio offers classes for ages 2 and up, with programmes ranging from preschool Ballet & Tap through to advanced Ballet & Pointe for ages 12 and up. Class formats vary by age and level: preschool classes (ages 2–5) typically combine two styles in one hour; older students (ages 7 and up) take Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Lyrical combinations; and students aged 12 and up in the Dance Elite programme study Ballet & Pointe, Tap, Character, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Lyrical over two-hour sessions. Tap classes emphasise speed, clarity, and percussive technique including wings, pullbacks, and syncopation. Lyrical is taught as a combination of ballet and jazz techniques, where dancers learn to use motion and emotion to interpret their performance through music and movement. Jazz & Hip-Hop classes combine contemporary and hip-hop styles with warm-up, movement across the floor, and choreographed routines.

Teachers at MBDA bring substantial experience and dedication. Miss Jenny has been with the academy since 2007 and brings over 20 years of dance teaching experience, specialising in creating warm, welcoming environments for preschool dancers. Miss Madelyn began her own dance journey at age four through the MBDA2U program and is a University of South Alabama graduate. Miss Lexie joined in 2013 and is pursuing a nursing degree while teaching and choreographing. Miss Juli began at age six with Mobile Bay Dance Academy and is studying Education at Spring Hill College. Miss Marion, a University of South Alabama student, focuses on helping every child feel welcome and confident. Miss Caroline grew up dancing with MBDA and specialises in helping the youngest dancers feel comfortable and encouraged. Miss Grace trained for 14 years and competed at regional and national levels before joining the staff in 2021; she is pursuing an Education degree at the University of Alabama. Miss Sadie discovered her love of dance at age two with MBDA and is a University of South Alabama graduate.

The studio runs an annual rehearsals and recitals programme. Classes begin on Wednesday, September 9, and a 2026–2027 calendar and detailed class schedule are available. The academy also operates an online dancewear store.

Classes are age-grouped and structured around ballet foundations with tap, jazz, lyrical, and hip-hop added as students progress. Preschool classes introduce young students to dance terminology and body awareness in a playful environment; older students work on technique through barre work, centre-floor exercises, and across-the-floor combinations. Many classes take place at partner schools and daycares, making dance convenient for families.

The teaching staff includes Miss Jenny (20+ years experience, with MBDA since 2007), Miss Madelyn (MBDA graduate, University of South Alabama graduate), Miss Lexie (with MBDA since 2013, pursuing nursing degree at University of South Alabama), Miss Juli (MBDA student from age six, studying Education at Spring Hill College), Miss Marion (University of South Alabama student), Miss Caroline (MBDA dancer throughout childhood), Miss Grace (14 years of competitive training at regional and national levels, joined MBDA in 2021, pursuing Education degree at University of Alabama), and Miss Sadie (MBDA dancer from age two, University of South Alabama graduate).

Classes begin at age 2 with preschool programmes that introduce dance in a warm, playful environment focused on body awareness and classroom etiquette rather than advanced technique.