If you’ve spent any time in the Atlanta dance scene, you’ve probably seen the signature "7" logo. It’s everywhere. Triple 7 Dance Company isn't just another studio in a strip mall; it’s basically an institution in the Southeast. Most people find them because they want their kids to learn a decent pirouette, but they stay because the place feels like a second home.
Dance is hard. Really hard.
Most studios focus solely on the "pretty" side of things—the costumes, the glitter, the recital at the end of May. But Triple 7 Dance Company operates a bit differently. Founded back in 2002 by Paulette and Jennifer Mason, this mother-daughter duo set out to create something that felt professional but stayed deeply rooted in the community. They’ve been at it for over two decades. Think about that for a second. In an industry where studios open and close every single season, twenty-plus years is a lifetime. It's legendary.
What's Actually Happening Inside Triple 7 Dance Company?
You walk in and it’s loud. There’s music thumping from three different rooms. You’ve got tiny toddlers in pink leotards tripping over their own feet in one room, and then literally right next door, you might have a pre-professional teen hitting a combination that looks like it belongs on a world tour.
The range is wild.
They don't just stick to one thing. A lot of studios are "ballet schools" or "hip-hop spots." Triple 7 tries to be the whole package. They offer:
- Classical Ballet: The foundation, obviously.
- Jazz and Tap: Where the energy stays high.
- Hip-Hop: Not the watered-down version you see at gym classes, but real choreography.
- Lyrical and Contemporary: For the kids who want to emote.
- African Dance: This is a huge differentiator for them and connects back to the cultural roots of many of their dancers.
Honestly, the African dance component is probably what sets them apart the most from the "competition" circuit schools. It adds a layer of rhythmic complexity that you just don't get from standard jazz classes. It's about heritage as much as it is about hock-steps.
The Competition Team vs. The Recreational Path
Let's be real: the "dance mom" culture is a thing. You've seen the shows. But Triple 7 Dance Company manages to balance that intensity without—usually—the televised drama. They have a competitive company that travels. These kids are athletes. They train 15 to 20 hours a week, sometimes more.
If you're a parent looking at this, you have to decide. Do you want your kid to just have fun on Tuesdays, or do you want them to spend their entire Saturday perfecting a two-minute routine? Triple 7 accommodates both, but the "Company" side is where the technical growth goes into overdrive.
Why Technical Training at Triple 7 Actually Matters
You might think, "My kid just wants to dance to TikTok songs." That's fine. But without technique, they're going to get hurt. Simple as that.
Triple 7 focuses heavily on alignment and core strength. Jennifer Mason and her staff are sticklers for the basics. You’ll see dancers spending forty-five minutes just working on their "turnout" or the way their foot transitions from the floor. It’s tedious. It’s boring for a seven-year-old. But it’s the reason their alumni end up getting scholarships to major universities and landing professional gigs.
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Many of their students have gone on to perform with major artists or dance in collegiate troupes at HBCUs like Spelman, Howard, and Alabama State. That doesn't happen by accident. It happens because someone yelled "point your toes" ten thousand times in a humid studio in Georgia.
The Culture Factor
Atlanta is a mecca for Black excellence in the arts. Triple 7 Dance Company is a huge part of that ecosystem. It’s a space where young dancers of color see themselves reflected in their instructors. Representation isn't just a buzzword here; it's the literal DNA of the building.
They talk a lot about "Triple 7" meaning completion or perfection in a spiritual sense, but for the students, it mostly means "don't give up." The discipline is real. You show up on time. You wear the right gear. You respect the craft.
Common Misconceptions About Triple 7
People often think you have to be "pro" level to even walk through the door. Not true. They have "creative movement" classes for three-year-olds who spend half the class looking at their own reflections.
Another big one? That it's too expensive. Look, dance is never cheap. Between shoes, tights, tuition, and those $150 recital costumes that get worn once, it adds up. However, compared to some of the elite "boutique" studios in North Atlanta, Triple 7 stays relatively accessible. They’re a business, but they act like a community center.
Breaking Down the Schedule
Typically, the dance year follows the school year.
- Fall Semester: Technique focus. Learning the basics.
- Spring Semester: Choreography. This is when the "recital brain" takes over.
- Summer: Intensives. This is where the real growth happens because the kids aren't distracted by homework.
If you’re starting mid-year, it can be tough to catch up on the choreography, so most people try to get in during the August registration window.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Experience
If you’re thinking about signing up, or if you’re already there and feeling overwhelmed, here’s the ground truth.
Communicate with the front desk. It’s a busy place. Things get lost in the shuffle. If you have a question about a costume fee or a rehearsal time, ask twice.
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Don't skip the basics. It's tempting to put your kid in "Fun Hip-Hop" and call it a day. But if you add one ballet or jazz class, their hip-hop will actually get better. The cross-training is where the magic happens.
Trust the process. You’ll see kids who seem way better than yours. That’s okay. Everyone develops at different speeds. The instructors at Triple 7 have seen thousands of kids; they know when to push and when to back off.
Actionable Steps for New Dance Parents
If you are looking to get started with Triple 7 Dance Company, don't just show up on a Monday afternoon expecting a tour. It’s too chaotic.
- Check the website for the specific age-group syllabus. They are very clear about what is expected for a "Level 1" vs a "Level 4."
- Attend a trial class. Most studios, Triple 7 included, usually have a way for you to see if the vibe fits before you commit to a full season.
- Invest in the right shoes immediately. Dancing in socks or the wrong sneakers is a recipe for a twisted ankle. Ask the instructors for their preferred brands; they usually have specific requirements for the recital anyway.
- Prepare for the "Recital Season." May and June are going to be busy. Clear your calendar. There will be extra rehearsals, picture days, and "stage hair" tutorials.
Triple 7 Dance Company has stayed relevant because they haven't chased every single trend. They’ve stayed focused on the kids and the culture. Whether a student wants to be the next Misty Copeland or just wants to gain some confidence before high school, the structure there is designed to make that happen. It’s a grind, it’s sweaty, and it’s loud, but for the thousands of families who have passed through those doors since 2002, it’s exactly where they need to be.