Russellville native opens dance studio in Tri-Cities
Russellville native Mathew Kiel teaches new student Zadie Cooper ballet techniques at KamS Dance Studio in Muscle Shoals. | Contributed
For people who have been searching for a chance to learn or be a part of something similar to television’s “Glee” or “Dancing with the Stars,” the wait is over.
Professional dancer, choreographer, educator and Russellville native Mathew Kiel will be offering classes to make those dreams become reality.
Kiel is opening a dance studio named “KamS Dance Studio” in Muscle Shoals located at 520 D Kelsey Avenue just behind Swamp John’s offering classes that coincide with the popular T.V. shows along with many other types of dance.
Kiel graduated from Russellville High School in 1996 and decided to move away to seek the art of dance.
Kiel has since traveled the U.S. and has taught and competed with hundreds of ballroom students in Los Angles Calif., and Las Vegas, Nev., where he worked with celebrity and high profile clientele.
Kiel said even though it was fun to be away performing and teaching, it is good to be back home in north Alabama.
“Family ended up being the ultimate reason for me to come back here,” he said. “I still have plane tickets I’m paying for on my credit card and trips home start to add up.”
Kiel said he has always dreamed of opening his own dance studio and now that he has a well-established background and has settled down a bit, he thought it was time to go after it.
“Since I have come to the conclusion to make the place where I grew up my permanent address, I just felt that the time was right to open my own place,” he said.
“But the dance studio is going to be strictly performance and education based instead of competition based. There are several competition dance studios in this area, but I’m just going to strictly concentrate on teaching and education side of dance.
“There may be some community events and things of that nature where my classes may be asked to perform, but we will not be competing against other dancers.”
The studio consists of a 2,000 square feet dance space with 16-foot ceilings, a huge dressing room for students, a large and very comfortable waiting space for parents and tons of parking.
Kiel holds a BA in Dance, an AA in Music and is certified by the American Ballroom Association of Teachers.
Russellville students Zadie Cooper and Andrew Hatton learn tap dance techniques from professional choreographer Mathew Kiel at his newly opened dance studio in Muscle Shoals. | Contributed
He has most recently appeared at the Paris Hotel and Casino and the Hilton Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev., the Andy Williams Theater, and the Shoji Tibuchi Theaters in Branson, Mo.
“KamS Dance” will hold registration for classes for ages 2-21 beginning today from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the studio.
Kiel said as of right now he is trying to get opened up and establish a schedule, but adult classes will be coming soon.
An open house for the studio is set for Aug. 10 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. where those interested can take part in some refreshments and will be able to register for classes at that time.
Classes offered include Mommy and Me, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Contemporary (Lyrical) and Ballroom.
Kiel will also offer the opportunity for those already experienced a chance to audition for “KamS Glee Club”(which will be similar to the television show, but without competition) and “KamS Kompany” (for the highly skilled performers who seek a challenge) in early September.
Classes start Aug. 16 and to see more information on “KamS Dance Studio” owner Mathew Kiel visit www.kamsdance.com. For a list of classes offered and tuition call 256-320-3537 or email kamsdance@gmail.com.
