A Dance Company Like No Other: Ballet Afrique
by Margaret Haule

Chyna Smith-Lott had an idea. Having always had a passion for dance, she wanted something that went beyond the high school drill team or dance sequences of the cheerleading team. She wanted a dance companywhere different dance styles were taught with a focus on African originated styles as well as traditional styles of ballet, Afrojazz, liturgical dance, hip hop, tap dance, and most of all African dance incorporating all styles of the Diaspora.

Having grown up in East Austin and having taught dance in Austin schools for over ten years, she always felt like something was missing. "I danced with several different dance companies," Smith-Lott says. It was not until she started teaching at the TexasEmpowermentAcademy and was given more flexibility that she was able to try out her idea before she finally put her idea into action by starting Austin's African Contemporary Dance Studio. An opportunity she remains grateful for to this day. "The principal gave me free reign, and I tried to emphasize black culture so the kids were learning more than just dance styles but also the history and culture behind it."

Ballet Afrique is like no other. With programs for every single age group, Smith-Lott has a comprehensive way of approaching dance. In the summer camp for kids, students will learn cultural lessons, cooking and nutrition, fitness, dance history and of course dance, but she doesn't stop there. "They will learn about marketing, budgeting, and time management too. We will do everything from the beginning to the end." This active participation is causing many people to take notice. A mother of small children herself, she will include a class for a well deserved bunch. With an upcoming September studio grand opening, the studio will have a "Mommy and Me" class for mothers and babies which has sparked a great deal of excitement for parents looking for activities for their children particularly babies.

If the community's ever ceasing interest in this dance company is an indicator that she made the right decision in forming this dance company, Smith-Lott feels blessed. "I was told that I wouldn't be able to dance with just two dancers initially and that I would get discouraged, but it has been great." Smith-Lott still receives phone calls from enthusiastic dancers and dance instructors who want to participate and continues to receive positive feedback from people who are happy that she started the dance studio. From what started as an idea from a former athlete who had a passion for dance, has now bloomed into a studio soon to open on Airport and Manor where Afrodance styles will now have a home. Ballet Afrique is like no other.

For further information, contact Chyna Smith-Lott at
Info@BalletAfrique.org, www.BalletAfrique.org, or 512-228-7060.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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