Amid the rainy backdrop of a Saturday morning in May, a dance studio quietly nestled at the end of a corridor is bursting with enthusiasm and activity.
As the sound of raindrops patters outside, a woman enters a private room carrying a large white flag, preparing to practice her colorguard routine.
Meanwhile, a small group of ballet dancers, shaking off their umbrellas, waits in the lobby for their early morning class.
In the main studio, a dance instructor, Leah Boresow Groover, lounges on the wooden floor, ready to share her journey and passion for dance.
At Get Up & Dance Studio (GUAD), dancers of various skill levels, ages, and body types find freedom in movement.
Leah, a dedicated dancer and choreographer, founded this multi-genre dance studio to transform her lifelong passion for teaching dance into a lasting venture.
“I have been teaching forever,” Groover shared with ArtsATL, reflecting on her commitment to the art. “I realized that I really loved it, and it’s something that I always needed to have in my life.”
After a period of hosting private lessons in rented spaces and her home during the Covid-19 pandemic, Groover felt liberated by the independence of not having to seek permission for studio space.
This newfound autonomy, coupled with a noticeable gap in adult dance studios in the Atlanta area, lit the spark for GUAD’s creation.
Since its inception in 2021, the studio has offered over 20 styles of dance on a rotating basis, ranging from musical theater, hip-hop, contemporary, jazz, swing, ballet, to ballroom and Latin dance styles including salsa, bachata, and tango.
It has evolved into a third space for adult dancers seeking to learn professional choreography, connect with others in the community, and rediscover the joy of movement.
Having experienced nearly every role in the dance world—dancer, choreographer, and now studio owner—Groover leverages her diverse background to support her students in an educational yet enjoyable environment.
Her journey started with classic ballet and modern dance; however, life-changing injuries propelled her to explore different styles of dance throughout her career.
While studying at Indiana University, she expanded her repertoire to include contemporary dance, ballroom, and Latin dance, later performing in musical theater.
“I’ve picked up and stuck with so many different styles of dance,” Groover remarked.
“I see value in them all, and I’m happy to be a bit of a unicorn.”
GUAD embodies Groover’s layered identity, emphasizing that people should not feel pressured to conform to a specific mold of what a dancer should be.
She strives to create a space where movement serves as both personal storytelling and artistic expression.
At GUAD, there is no judgment regarding attire, body type, or skill level; the mere act of showing up and being ready to learn is celebrated.
“I hope that people feel that the things that define us demographically just fizzle out,” she noted. “I don’t really know how old people are. I don’t feel it. I don’t feel body types. It doesn’t matter.”
Groover recounted a memorable moment that encapsulated the spirit of GUAD: a student studying abroad from Germany who attended a ballet class and ended it in tears.
The student expressed that it was the first time she felt like she had found a home, a sentiment Groover holds dear.
“Those were the exact words because it sounds like it’s from a movie. I’ll never forget it,” Groover reflected.
It illustrates how the combination of a nurturing atmosphere and quality instruction can profoundly impact individuals.
Groover’s teaching philosophy places significant emphasis on self-expression, musicality, and the historical context of dance, in conjunction with physical techniques.
She is adamant that fostering authentic connections does not equate to a deviation from discipline or respect for dance history.
“To me, actual dance education is important,” Groover explained. “If someone can leave my class with an understanding of a concept or the history of a step, it’s a huge victory.”
As GUAD continues to expand, so too do Groover’s aspirations for the studio.
She envisions hosting more dance socials and seasonal showcases, allowing dancers to set goals while welcoming newcomers into the fold.
In just the past month, GUAD has celebrated a multi-genre showcase, a disco dance party, and a Latin dance social to promote community engagement among dancers.
Looking forward, Groover aspires for Get Up & Dance to remain a sanctuary for both mental and physical health where individuals can reconnect with their roots and forge new relationships.
In a fast-paced and competitive city like Atlanta, she has established an exceptional environment, blending rigorous training with restorative practices.
Leah’s vision reinforces that individuals do not need to earn the right to move; they simply need to show up—free to express, to learn, and to dance.
image source from：https://www.artsatl.org/get-up-and-dance-studio-is-the-third-space-atlantas-dance-community-needs/
