At Gotta Dance Atlanta (GDA), in Atlanta, Georgia, their classes are designed to stimulate the enjoyment of dance while laying a foundation for beginners and for further training for pre-professional and professional dancers. Many of their students have gone on to careers in dance, while other students participate in dance for the exercise and pure enjoyment of the art form. They offer classes for beginning though professional students, ages teen through adult. Many of their students come from around the country to take classes because their reputation as one of the best training facilities in the Southeast.
GDA is owned by Kim Thomas who has been dancing since before the era of the cassette tape, and she continues to dance as, not only is she Gotta Dance Atlanta’s owner, she is also an instructor and student as well!
GDA stands out from other studios because of their instructors. The teaching staff at Gotta Dance Atlanta is comprised of vibrant and energetic teachers who are well trained in the field of dance. They understand what it takes to be a good instructor and make it a priority to pass that knowledge on to their students. Instructors are chosen with great care. All of their 
instructors have either a college degree in dance, have danced professionally or are currently performing with a professional dance company. Each of their instructors brings a unique perspective, personality and skill set to the classroom environment. Students’ benefit from these differing approaches and environments as they mirror the professional environment that dancers will encounter throughout their dance career.
Kim’s proudest moments as a studio owner are watching classes and talking with their students after each class. When students’ leave feeling accomplished and with a smile on their face, it puts a smile on her face. It feels great to be appreciated and to know that you are changing the lives of so many. Some of their students dance for recreation and fitness while others are looking for a life-long career in dance. Owning and directing a dance studio gives Kim the opportunity to help positively shape the aspiring dancers professional training career while promoting dance as a great way to get in shape for their recreational students. No matter what their students are coming for; it’s a huge challenge and huge responsibility and she absolutely loves it.
She believes the biggest mistakes dancers make is not perfecting their craft and taking classes! Also, staying in their comfort zone and not pursuing a well-rounded dance education. She sees too many dancers only taking hip hop or only taking contemporary classes because they are uncomfortable with any other genre. To be a versatile dancer and “book” in the dance industry; hip hop dancers need technique, technique dancers need hip hop. She would also like to see dancers taking classes from a variety of instructors so that they can broaden their range of styles.
Kim’s goals are to continue to raise the ‘barre’ in the Atlanta dance community and strive to provide quality dance and fitness instruction for anyone who wants to dance. They have also just built a fifth studio this year and are planning on adding Yoga and Pilates classes. Yoga and Pilates strengthens and tones muscles without adding bulk, making it an exercise of choice among dancers.
Kim was moved to create her studio to offer training for the working dancer, instruction for the dance lover, and fitness for the non-gym-goer. All at the same time, she has developed an artistic environment encouraging new relationships and partnerships amongst students who call Gotta Dance Atlanta their home away from “everyday life”. It was her way of giving professionals, and dance enthusiasts alike, a place to call home; away from the tour buses and concert stages, the cubicles and the busy realms of corporate America, or the headaches of running a household and maintaining a family.
Please post a comment if you have had any experience with Gotta Dance Atlanta or Kim Thomas.
If you would like to know more about Gotta Dance America, check them out on t/heir website at http://www.got2dance.net, or contact them at 404-352-0420 or email them at info@got2dance.net
