42nd Street Tours strives on providing quality tours for studio owners as well as students. From experiencing the streets of New York, to enjoying the magic of Disney parks, there is a catered experience that accommodates everyone no matter the destination. As momentum has grown, 42nd Street Tours has added an additional destination that will prove to be an enriching change for studios — Nashville, Tennessee. Emilee Anderson, Senior Travel Manager with 42nd Street Tours, talks to Dance Informa about what inspired introducing a Nashville tour to the roster.
“The unique part about those working for 42nd Street Tours is that we all live in different places,” Anderson explains. “I, specifically, live in Memphis, so the idea of having a Nashville tour is closer to home for me. Nashville has an amazing history from its roots in music and dance, which is evident in its roots in country music and dance genres of tap and clogging. It’s a no-brainer.”
With a destination in mind, the next step was to develop a plan that would outline what a Nashville tour would consist of. New York, Florida and California are just some of the go-to destinations, but there are those locations that have a quality rooted in making memories with a balance of leisure and excitement.
“Nashville was our summer destination when I was growing up as a kid,” says Anderson. “Through the lens of a studio owner, New York or somewhere up north is the go-to; however, Nashville has touristy places like the Country Music Hall of Fame as well as a new Millenium Dance Complex that just opened where master classes are taught. This is a way to introduce students to a larger level of talent in a smaller town.”
Each tour offers its own unique amenities and must-see experiences. Professional shows, master classes and attractions are what makes these tours memorable for everyone involved. Nashville is no different, offering a versatile roster of amenities for those who book a tour.
“Studios will get to perform outside of the Grand Ole Opry and participate in a Q&A with the cast,” Anderson says. “A tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame is another experience offered to learn the rich history of country music in correlation to its impact on dance as well. Studio owners and their students will get to experience restaurants they’ve never heard of. Private lessons will also be offered with choreographers who have worked with well-known artists like Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift. Madame Tussaud’s is also a popular destination to visit while on a 42nd Street Tour.”
While there are many attributes that make a 42nd Street Tour impactful for dance students, there are just as many experiences that are impactful yet educational for the studio owners who plan these trips. The mixture of fun activities teamed with learning experiences is what makes these tours a popular choice when trying to amplify the technique along with the bond of a studio.
“What’s great about this experience for the studio owners is they get to bring their own choreography and costuming for their performance,” Anderson explains. “Your studio will get to perform before one of the oldest music shows around. You get to dig into the history of music, and most importantly draw inspiration from country roots that could be used in class and other choreographic endeavors.”
Introducing Nashville as a new 42nd Street Tour destination will open the door to bonding and making memories on a different level. With the relaxed scenery balanced with exciting attractions full of history, studios will have the chance to branch out and really see what Nashville has to offer.
“The idea of going somewhere new can be scary, but think of this as an opportunity for growth otherwise not experienced,” Anderson says. “Take the chance to bond over something new.”
For more information on 42nd Street Tours, visit https://www.42ndstreettours.com.
By Monique Jackson of Dance Informa.