There is no doubt that television’s recent love affair with dance-themed reality competitions has stirred a desire to learn ballroom dancing. Miami’s Salsa Lovers is the place to locate your newfound moves, with its vibrant neon sign and hot pink studio walls that beckon trained dancers and novices alike. The dance studio is festive and fun, leading to packed classes that range from beginners to masters, with each learning to move from certified dance instructors. The studio hosts monthly practice parties to give members a chance to practice what they’ve learned in their weekly group classes or private lessons. The studio also offers kids classes and Zumba Dance workouts for a nice change of pace.

With more than 15 years of experience under their belts, the expert instructors at Latin Groove Dance Studios lead students of all levels through the elegant art of Latin dance. During classes, instructors focus on the details of technique and offer hands-on corrections in an encouraging, laid-back atmosphere.

We spoke with Jack Macaluso—Regional Social Media and Web Coordinator at Beauty Schools of America—about how the academies prepare students for careers in the real world and why it's important for the schools to give back to their communities. On the schools' mission Above all else, Jack says that the schools "try to focus and harness the students' creativity," while giving them all of the experience and practical skills they need not simply to be prepared to enter the work force, but to succeed and thrive. The relatively lengthy training programs ensure that aspiring stylists, cosmetologists, makeup artists, barbers, and massage therapists fully understand the intricacies of their chosen specialty, as well as what they need to do to continue advancing their future career according to Jack. On the role of the instructors With a roster of instructors that includes industry professionals with international spa and salon experience, Beauty Schools of America strives to give attendees a broad view of the numerous options open to them. Jack is also clear that the teachers' guidance isn't limited to classroom environments. When the advanced-level students are allowed hone their talents by performing treatments for actual clients, "an instructor or two will always be there to assist and answer questions," he says. On the products that the students use during treatments Students use brand name products like Moroccanoil, Sojourn, Nioxin, and others. Working alongside their instructors at modern service stations, these stylists use these products to craft en vogue cuts, color, styling and therapeutic practices. On the schools' charitable involvement Beauty Schools of America embraces opportunities to give back to its communities while providing real-world experience for students at the same time. Jack goes on to describe events where the schools' aspiring barbers and cosmetologists performed complimentary services for underprivileged residents, and he mentions one specific occasion when massage students provided free treatments for community members who participated in a bike ride dedicated to raising awareness about multiple sclerosis.

Signature service: Classes in many glass techniques Established: 1974 Reservations/Appointments: Required Staff Size: 1 person Average Duration of Services: 1–2 hours Brands Used: Bullseye, Uroboros, Wissmach, Spectrum, Glastar, Canfield Pro Tip: We have a huge selection of glass, tools, and books, as well as many gift items. Q&A with Lynne Rowe, Owner, Teacher & Designer Besides making clients happy, what do you like most about your job? Working with glass is so therapeutic that it has helped us and many of our customers get through some tough times. The uncertain economy inspired some of our customers to sell their home-made pieces and earn extra money. But my favorite part of this job is seeing the pride on my students' faces when they finish their artwork. When and how did you first develop a passion for your work? When I left my abusive husband, Rowe Art Studios gave me a place where I could escape the emotional turmoil. After my first day working here, I started seeing the world through different eyes, and my whole life changed. Instead of focusing on my problems, I focused on recreating what I saw in glass. The longer I worked here, the more I learned. It's amazing how many different ways there are to work with glass, and how you can combine different methods into new and exciting pieces. This is true whether you're making a panel with stained glass or a piece of jewelry with fused glass. Is there anything else you want to add that we didn't cover? This is a field where you can try just one technique or many. The advantage of coming to Rowe Studios is that we not only teach, but we have a large selection of supplies. If we don't have what you need, we're happy to order for you. And if you're new to a field, we're always happy to help with advice and recommendations.

Burgeoning artists grasp colorful bouquets of used packaging and crumpled paper as they gather in the 1,200-square-foot studio. Karla Caprali stands in the center, explaining composition and balance as students mold their castoff items into freestanding sculptures. Similar displays of inventive creation characterize the Art Academy at Caprali Studio, where owner and artist Karla limits the size of each of her classes, allowing her to shower students with the proper amount of encouragement and constructive critiques. Karla maintains her class sizes even when instruction spills out into her studio backyard, where pupils breathe in open air as they hone woodworking skills, orchestrate large-scale installations, or quickly sketch a cloud shaped like a fruit bowl. Karla brings knowledge accrued at a university in São Paulo to each course and draws from influences including the impressionists, Salvador Dali, Dorothea Tanning, and the whimsical film sets of Georges Méliès. Her emphasis on developing new approaches to art has helped students in portfolio-preparation courses earn admission to Pratt, SVA, and other prestigious schools without having to defeat Monet's ghost in Pictionary. The instructor also worked to help found the Falls Arts District, which launches bimonthly art walks to 15 privately owned galleries. On such nights, Karla clears her studio space to put students' work on display alongside her own paintings and installations, and transforms the ample backyard into an outdoor gallery bathed in the glow of decorative lights and vocal reviews from local owls.

What services does your business offer and what makes your business stand out from the competition? Excellence in Education and Performance. Students learn by doing in a workshop setting. Performing opportunities available in theaters and other venues. Experienced master teachers who are artist performers. Technical and artistic education of the highest standards. Supportive atmosphere. Do you provide any materials? What should your students expect to bring? Materials vary according to individual level and needs. We work on comprehensive artistic education. Materials include repertory pieces, sight/reading materials, theory and musicianship educational materials, etc. What was the inspiration to start or run this business? The need to offer comprehensive aesthetic, artistic education beyond the typical superficial approach to music. The wish to offer well rounded and grounded artistic education based on the best tradition and with room for individual expression with the aim to educate real artists. What do you love most about your job? Seeing the growth of our students in contributing to the transmission of a great artistic tradition among people of all ages and walks of life. Providing a meaningful creative exchange space where artists hone their craft in a supportive environment and where artists and audience inspire each other.