Terry Lee photography
Lynn Douthit does it by herself, and has since 1979. “I like to be in control,” she told us the other day. In truth she does have helpers, mostly young dancers in high school or college. Classes run four days a week, for ages 3 to 70. And beyond. Here are the specs: for preschool kids, combination classes include tumbling, Jazz, and tap. For older kids, from 5th grade on: Jazz and tap. Beyond high school, tap only. Average class size is 6 to 8 people; classes typically run one hour.
“I just want to give the same joy to people that I have gotten myself.” Among her students there is three generations in the same family. Few boys attend, except at the preschools levels. Down syndrome children are invited. Overall: some students are there just for that joy she described; others are seriously into dance, some graduates go on to such places as School of the Arts.
Sessions run from September to June. BUT there is another fall registration on Oct. 5, at 7 p.m. In addition, Lynn is flexible, which accounts for the rave reviews her school gets. But the truth is, you can tell she has a soft touch.
Call her before 2 p.m. Otherwise email: [email protected] The cost is $540 for nine months, paid monthly. That’s one class a week. However, the door closes with a clank in another month. Classes start at 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Where you are placed depends on age, but also experience. Final show in June, at Lowell High School.
What about tap shoes? You ask. Pay $25 at Payless for little kids; or else Lynn’s bin where you can usually find 'previously owned' shoes for $5. For adults, you’re looking at about $70. Online or at Capezio’s. Nothing in the bin for adults.