According to Tracy Smith of The Attic in Batavia, Illinois, their mission is different than most dance teams. (The Attic = Always Trying to Imitate Christ) The Attic is a God-inspired center where people
can gather and share a passion for the arts. They share a message of faith in all of their performance songs and strive to be Christ-honoring in all they do. Their instructors are committed to clean, age-appropriate music, content and moves as well as modest costumes.
The Attic offers the youth dance as well as other opportunities with other arts and five competition dance teams. For adults, they offer fitness and ballroom classes as well as private lessons. The fees for all of their services are very competitive.
Their teachers lean on Biblical scripture in all that they do including when it comes to motivating their students. “Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” I Corinthians 10:31 We encourage them to keep looking “up” for their hope and strength.
Tracy says her proudest moment is when she has the opportunity to pray with dancers or witness another coach praying with them. Tracy feels very blessed to be a part of such a unique center.
Tracy has noticed that the biggest mistakes dancers make when they are competing is beating themselves up after a performance. The Bible teaches to forget what is behind and strain for what is ahead.
As far as dance clothing is concerned, the studio uses the same criteria that they use in every other aspect of their studio striving to be Christ-honoring in all that they do. As a result, they look for costumes that are attractive, age-appropriate, fit the dance and most importantly, modestly cover the dancers.
The Attic’s goals for this year are the same as they are every year – to share their message of hope in Christ at nationals and a possible expansion that may be on the horizon!
Many of their instructors also teach at other studios. Some have commented that they love to be at The Attic because there is a spirit of real joy found in their dancers and their families. The teachers say they don’t see the drama they sometimes see elsewhere. Tracy commented that may be because The Attic promotes love for one another and a genuine and authentic desire to want good for each other. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” I Corinthians 13:4
The Attic consists of dancers on a mission. Many of their dancers serve through church and within their co
mmunity. As a center, they promote serving others and have sponsored a five year old from Kenya through Compassion International. They coordinate several service events throughout the year such as Feed My Starving Children and Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan’s Purse. (Samaritan’s Purse is a Franklin Graham (Billy Graham’s son) Christian service organization).
If you have experience with The Attic or Tracy Smith please leave a comment below about your experience!
