Studio Arts For Dancers

Studio Arts For Dancers has been Knoxville's leading dance education centre since 1990, founded by Artistic Director Lisa Hall McKee. Over 30 years, SAFD has built a reputation for developing well-rounded and technically proficient artists, thinkers, and collaborators. The studio serves 300+ students each week across programs ranging from creative movement for preschoolers through pre-professional training and adult classes.

The curriculum spans ballet, pointe, Horton, modern, tap, and jazz across all age levels. Children's and youth programmes build foundational skills and artistry, while the pre-professional programme serves serious young dancers. Adults can join Adult Ballet Fit, a fitness-focused class blending classical ballet barre with interval training and strength conditioning, taught by Lisa Hall McKee every Friday 9am–10:30am. Guest artists and master classes bring expertise from around the country, and the studio runs world-class summer intensives.

SAFD's facility spans two buildings and houses four fully equipped studios, each with floating floors, top-of-the-line marley, mirrors, barres, stereos, TVs, anatomy posters, and whiteboards. The studio includes spacious dressing rooms, lobbies, and bathrooms. Parents and siblings can observe live classes on one of three monitors in the main lobby. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and children's books and coloring activities help younger siblings stay occupied during classes.

The studio's yearly Spring Concert takes place at the historic Tennessee Theater in downtown Knoxville, where students perform in original choreography with professional costumes, props and sets—a performance opportunity that reaches beyond the studio walls. SAFD's alumni have gone on to study at prestigious conservatories including The Ailey School, NYU Tisch School of the Arts, University of Southern California, and others, and many perform with professional companies including Yin Yue Dance Company, Caterina Rago Dance Company, and the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

The faculty bring teaching and performing experience from around the world and are active members of the national dance community. SAFD's approach emphasizes technical excellence alongside creativity and individuality, delivered through qualified and engaged teachers, a time-proven syllabus for each level, and a creative, positive environment.

Classes are organized by age and level, from age 3 through adults. You'll work in one of four studios equipped with professional floors and mirrors. Lisa Hall McKee and her faculty provide modifications at every level so dancers at different experience points train together effectively. For your first Adult Ballet Fit class, you can try it free.

The faculty brings expertise and experience from around the world and are active members of the national dance community. Director and Founder Lisa Hall McKee teaches the Adult Ballet Fit class every Friday, blending classical ballet barre with fitness elements. The full-time administrative staff is available during operating hours to assist parents and students.

Classes accommodate dancers at all levels with modified options, though previous dance experience is required for adult classes.