Dance 411 Studios isn’t an ordinary studio. While it does host its share of ballet classes for beginners, it’s also the place for industry professionals, and up and comers, to be and be seen. On any given day you are likely to see a taping of the "Desperate House Wives of Atlanta," Lloyd rehearsing for his next concert or Usher auditioning for his next tour.

Dance 411’s new studio packed the house opening night with a hip-hop master class by professional choreographer and dancer Sean Bankhead. Bankhead recently performed with Beyoncé on the Tyra Banks Show, but you’re more likely to recognize his choreography in music videos for P. Diddy, Keri Hilson, Cheri Dennis, Black Eyed Peas and more. Bankhead is one of many professional choreographers from all over the US who teach and rehearse at Dance 411.

“We love the eclectic feel of the studio,” said Sindy Schneider, co-owner of Dance 411 Studios. “Training and developing dancers is wonderful and we especially love mixing the x-factor of professional talent with the entertainment industry hot list. The studio’s unique exposure really drives a creative collaboration that you don’t see anywhere else.”

Dance 411 draws professionals from multiple backgrounds for several reasons. One reason is that the blocSouth talent agency’s office is located inside the studio. blocSouth — now in Atlanta for over three years — represents choreographers, dancers, dance troupes, models and more. blocSouth has offices in Los Angeles, New York and an affiliate in Miami.

Another reason for the studio’s popularity is the facility itself. The space is over 8,000 square feet with three to four open studios. The large rooms offer privacy and the studio has a variety of specialty dance floors and high performance sound systems. Artists from all over the southeast are seeking out the location for training, auditions, rehearsals, album releases and promotion parties.

“Dance 411 draws beginner to advanced dancers, dance enthusiasts and spectators from all over. With this interest we’ve seen a lot of success at Dance 411,” said Schneider. “It’s humbling and exciting and totally worth the blood, sweat and tears just to see the next 'big thing' come strolling through our doors.

–jean hallman

Visit dance411studios.com for more information