Bringing big city style to local dance classes

You could say Nancy Jones lives a busy life.

She’s danced for 28 years, studied in New York and Los Angeles, and teaches for six different studios in the Birmingham area. When she isn’t teaching, she also takes classes at Alabama Ballet, dabbles in modeling and party planning, offers private lessons, and works with Homewood High School’s Star Spangled Girls.

“I live a very weird life. It’s a fun exciting life and it keeps me busy,” Jones said. “You can be an artist and survive in Birmingham.”

On top of that, Jones brought the style of class she experienced in Los Angeles to the Homewood area, offering local residents a world-class experience without the price tag.  

“I wanted to give my kids an opportunity to experience what dance is like in New York and Los Angeles,” Jones said. “These classes have given me the ability to give the kids the opportunity to receive the highest quality dance. This style is all about coming as you are and stretching yourself in ways that you didn’t know existed.”

Jones not only wants to make dance accessible for everyone, but also to bring kids with different styles together to create diversity.

“Everybody brings a different style and different strength. They all get together and they love it,” Jones said. “I have kids from everywhere. I just want them to come dance.”

Jones has a lot to bring to the table. She has an extensive background in ballet as well as a dance degree from Birmingham-Southern College. Her unique combination of ballet and “funkier stuff,” which she learned in LA at the Edge Performance Art Center underneath famous choreographers such as Liz Imperio, Malaya, Tyce Diorio, Eddie Garcia and Mandy Moore, has enabled her to become successful as a dancer and a teacher.

She also has a passion for Homewood. Jones graduated from Homewood High School, where she was a Star Spangled Girl for three years.

“I really love Homewood. There’s something about growing up in Homewood and having danced here my whole life that’s really special,” Jones said. “Especially with the open classes, it’s my opportunity to bring the stuff that I’ve learned from outside of here back to Homewood.”

Jones’ open classes take place on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:45 p.m. at Corky Bell School of Dance in Homewood. For information, check out the NanCDance Facebook page. For those interested in other classes or private lesson, email Jones at nanckj@yahoo.com.