ABOUT SOCIAL DANCE PRESERVE
WHO IS SDP FOR?
Anyone over 18 years of age looking for social connections, wellness, and a place for self-expression will find a healthy outlet at SDP. Minors can attend but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who remains on site. SDP is committed to providing a safe environment for all people, and we will have special classes for those experiencing health issues. This care for people will be evidenced by providing an impact-absorbing sprung floor and a friction-reduced surface that together are better for joints. Intake of new guests includes a discussion of best shoes to wear, balance issues, and dance objectives. We are happy to help you continue a healing journey after graduating from physical therapy.
WHY WAS SDP FOUNDED?
Our History
The inspiration for SDP honors one young life lost too soon, which left a grieving mother with time and resources at hand to pursue dance as a way to give back to a community that had supported her family. To honor the life of Hilary Ann Petter, SDP will support the Speech and Hearing Clinic at the University of Georgia as its primary charity. Dance was an activity that brought joy to Hilary during her life, as well as providing her mother with a positive emotional and physical outlet during difficult times. Despite many challenging health issues, the only issue Hilary ever said she would change about herself is to improve her ability to speak because connection is so important. Dance is built off of connection with music and partners, so SDP appreciates the work of the UGA Speech and Hearing Clinic.
SDP aims to take you anywhere you want to go with music and dance. We can link you up with top dance pros to get you on the competition floor OR we can take your favorite set of line dances and review them on a rotating basis. We can hold slow rhythmic classes that give you a spiritual lift OR provide a class that improves your stamina. We will be holding weekly dances to different styles of music to wax nostalgic AND to explore current culture. Our guests are in charge! If you can get a small group together we will help you develop your own dance community within our broader community.
WHAT MAKES SDP DIFFERENT?
Our Values
SAFETY INFORMATION
Our Promise
To attend SDP requires each participant to sign a waiver acknowledging risks associated with physical activity and an agreement to hold us harmless if an injury occurs. We specifically want to make it clear that one foot stays on the floor at all times. Only professional dancers, with specific permission, will be allowed to do cabaret, gymnastics, or athletic moves that increase risk of injury. Guests must agree to read information on the shoes recommended for a given class, and to acknowledge responsibility for keeping shoes clean and in good condition. A clean floor is a safe floor!
WHAT MAKES SDP INSTRUCTORS DIFFERENT?
SDP is committed to the idea that our success grows as our instructors do well. Instructors take training, obtain certifications, spend time preparing for classes, and often provide personalized programs of instruction. For every hour they spend on the floor, there is an hour of work you don’t see. SDP has a goal of developing a co-op program so that instructors are paid fairly when classes are just beginning, and then become much better paid as classes grow. Our success is their success.
