“Art imitates life.”
Chances are you’re familiar with Aristotle’s idea. But have you ever really thought about it? Art consists of creative works that often draw inspiration from an artist’s reality and personal experience. And dance is no different! It’s why the industrial revolution inspired the escape of romantic era ballet, and how music popularized in the early 20th century made way for the emergence of jazz and hip hop.
So what does 2026 have in store for the world of dance? Here are some trends to try this year in the classroom—and how you can embrace them at Turning Pointe Dance. Because as art and life both move forward, Hebrews 13:8 reminds us: “God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
The Trend: Mindful Movement
This year more than ever, people are inundated with rapid digital transformation. With technology-driven advancements in AI, social media, and virtual reality, expectations are set for instant response and gratification, affecting the way we work, socialize, and consume. The result? In creative spaces, more and more emphasis is being put on authentic connections and human empowerment. That’s why in 2026 you’ll see a rise in dance classes designed to build confidence and encourage personal time and strength.
Try This: Worship Dance
Turning Pointe Dance is committed to providing excellence in dance and theater instruction while cultivating hearts of worship and nurturing creativity. Our worship dance classes will encourage students to embrace their identity in Christ and be empowered by The Holy Spirit. Dancers will learn to tell a story or create the picture of song and Scripture, combining the fluid beauty of ballet with the more sharp moves of jazz. An emphasis is placed on personal prayer and exploration of God’s Word through improvisation, and each class focuses on cultivating individual expression and innovation through creative worship. Simply put, students learn to dance lyrically using Scripture and words to worship songs as motivation for movement.
Worship Classes at Turning Pointe Dance:
● Worship Teen: Tuesdays, 7:15-8:15 p.m.
● *Worship 3: Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m.
● *Worship 4: Mondays, 4:15-5:15 p.m.
● *Worship 5: Tuesdays, 6-7 p.m.
*Must have teacher approval or placement class.
The Trend: Social Dancing
Driven by pop culture influences like Dancing with the Stars (and the desire for real social connection post-pandemic), 2026 will see a resurgence of social dancing. That is, dancing as a means of casual fitness and community rather than a serious individual endeavor. The twist? Traditional styles are getting modern updates for social settings, filling a void left by less interactive modern socializing.
Try This: Ballroom Dance
With no prior dance experience, teacher placement or partner required, ballroom is one of the most accessible classes you can try in 2026. Hence the genre’s trendy global comeback! It’s a fun, low-impact way to stay fit, reduce stress, and bond with classmates across all ages and abilities. At Turning Pointe Dance, ballroom students will develop posture, coordination, balance and control through a series of steps designed to carry each pair effortlessly across the dance floor. Upon completion, each student will have the ability to recognize and match each style of dance to the appropriate style of music and perform the basics and beginning supplemental steps of waltz, foxtrot, tango, east coast swing, salsa, cha-cha, and rhumba. Perfect to prepare for weddings, social dancing, or a unique workout!
Ballroom Dancing at Turning Pointe Dance:
● Fridays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
The Trend: Blending Styles
In 2026, the dance world is embracing a strong movement toward hybrid and fusion styles, characterized by blending diverse genres to create innovative, expressive, and culturally rich choreography. These fusions mirror global music trends and incorporate social media influence and technology. Expect to see seamless blending of ballet, hip-hop, contemporary, and street dance in innovative ways, moving beyond single-genre classes.
Try This: Try everything!
In order to blend styles, you’ll need to master them individually. So make 2026 the year you diversify your schedule—and your resume! Challenging yourself in a new genre is easier than ever at Turning Pointe Dance, with free trial weeks held every September, December, and January. Get your toes wet through Spark Sessions—special four-week classes—in February and April, or sign your smallest dancer up for Combo classes in the Twirl or Primary division.
Try something new at Turning Pointe Dance:
● Registration deadline for Spring Recital classes: January 31
● Summer class schedule release: February 14
● Spark Sessions: Saturdays in February and April
● Summer Session Classes: June 8-July 16