aodlogogs.jpg
About Us

The Art of Dance provides high quality, professional instruction in Ballroom, Latin, Social and Country & Western dancing.

Kathleen Kendrick, owner and manager of The Art of Dance, has over 24 years of experience as a professional ballroom dancer and studio manager.

Whether you are preparing for a wedding or special event, want to learn how to "hold-your-own" in social situations, or aspire to be a ballroom dance competitor, The Art of Dance can help you reach your goals.

The Art of Dance has recently closed it's physical studio location, but offers private lessons, workshops and classes at various locations throughout the community.

KatProfilePic.jpg

Kathleen
Kendrick

Kathleen Kendrick - Owner / Instructor

Kathleen began teaching ballroom dance at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Tacoma, WA in 1988, at the age of 17.  During her 13 year tenure with the Fred Astaire Dance Studios organization, Kathleen won numerous awards as a Top Teacher, Professional and Pro/Am Competitor and Top Studio Manager, including National Manager of the Year. (2 Years)  Kathleen purchased the Fred Astaire Dance Studio franchise in Toledo, OH in 1996 and successfully operated it until 2001 when she left the franchised structure to pursue different methods for sharing her craft as an independent teacher.

In 2004, Kathleen moved to McKinney, TX and began building her clientele base with hopes of opening a studio and planting permanent roots.  With the support and encouragement of her students, in 2005, Kathleen opened The Art of Dance with the goal of making dance lessons fun and affordable for all ages.  In 2005, Kathleen also created the Marriage Enrichment Through Dance program which has become a very popular course for couples only and is taught both in-studio and at churches and organizations around the area.

While Kathleen teaches all levels and styles of Ballroom, Latin and Country dance, she has a gift for working with brand new students and enjoys this aspect of her job the most.

The Art of Dance Offers Instruction in the Following Dances:

Ballroom DancesLatin & Rhythm Dances
Foxtrot Rumba
WaltzCha Cha
TangoEast Coast Swing
Viennese WaltzWest Coast Swing
QuickstepBolero

Samba

Country & WesternMambo
Two-StepMerengue
Country WaltzSalsa
West Coast SwingJive
Country Cha ChaPaso Doble

Foxtrot - Foxtrot is a smooth, progressive dance characterized by long, continuous flowing movements across the dance floor. The Level One Foxtrot, is a simple combination of walks and chasses ideal for social dancing and often taught to beginner dance students to help them learn how to move with a partner.  Foxtrot is a very versatile dance that can be danced to a variety of music and through the levels, a great amount of variety is taught, as well as body movement, control and balance, ultimately leading to Continuity Styling. 

Waltz - The Waltz is a beautiful, classic dance that is designed to turn and progress around the room.  In the Level One class, you will learn the basic movements, and as you progress through the levels, Rise & Fall, Sway and proper footwork will be introduced.  Through a series of left turns, right turns and progressive steps, you will learn to dance a beautiful Waltz around the room!

Tango - A very dramatic dance, Tango is considered one of most romantic dances of all.  Movements consist primarily of walking movements that have a stalking or "cat-like" flair.  Characteristic of the Tango are slinking motions, staccato movements, quick foot flicks and sharp head snaps into promenade position.  The Tango is a great dance to learn to help sharpen your partnership skills.

Rumba -  The Rumba (also spelled Rhumba) is known as the “Dance of Love”.  It is characterized by it's distinctive hip movements and passionate style. The sultry nature of the Rumba helps the dancer to physically express emotion and desire.  Although a Latin dance, the Rumba is well suited for non-Latin music as well, and is a perfect dance to learn for any "Slow-Dancing" situation.

Cha Cha - The Cha Cha is a sexy, Latin dance with a catch-me-if-you-can, flirtatious style. Incorporating triple-steps and rock steps, the Cha Cha is lively and up-tempo.

East Coast Swing - A fun, energetic and versatile dance.  The East Coast Swing, typically taught at The Art of Dance with a triple-time rythm, consists of Triple-Steps, Rock Steps and a large variety of Underarm Turns and Spinning Movements.  You will learn turns right away in the Level One session and continue to add exciting variety throughout the Levels!

Double-Time Swing - This is a version of East Coast Swing that is very closely related to the Jitterbug.  If you want to have a lot of fun with this 30's/40's energetic throwback dance, this is the class for you!  You are sure to have a great time....and get some exercise, too!