Feature: FORMA ARTS AND WELLNESS is a New Space for Birmingham's Artists and Teachers to Shine

Birmingham has a long-standing love affair with the arts going back to the 1900's. Starting with the Lyric Theatre in 1912 and the Alabama Theater opening in 1927. Both theaters were, and still are host to a vibrant arts community with theater, films and concerts. Both of these historic venues are found in downtown Birmingham on 3rd avenue. It's fitting that a new performing arts space is taking up shop right next door, adding to the exciting drive of the arts in Birmingham.

Forma Arts and Wellness is a new performing arts space with a passion to offer artists in all mediums a place to craft, rehearse and perform. Located directly across the street from the McWane Center and The Alabama Theatre, this spacious second floor warehouse space has room to move. Forma is created by professional dancers Whitney Renfroe and Brandon Barranco. While casually chatting about the future, the friends each brought up their dreams for teaching at their own space one day. For Whitney it was teaching ballet, contemporary, and fitness classes, and Brandon was teaching ballroom dancing. The more they talked the light bulbs went off to join together and create a space for both. Renfroe finds, "There is a plethora of talented, passionate, hungry instructors here in Birmingham." She is quite correct; the arts scene in Birmingham is strong and getting bigger every year. However, if you are an artist, finding an open performing space or theater to show your talents is a hurdle. Most venues are stacked back to back with a schedule of shows. If you have a new work to put up, it's difficult to find and many get discouraged. Renfroe and Barranco are excited to offer Forma as an accessible space designed for independent teachers, start up groups, and other "homeless artists". Barranco's vision is "Forma will act as "mecca for the arts" in Birmingham. We envision Forma could develop into more than just a facility, but "a community of artists who will inspire one another, thrive together, and ultimately elevate the artistic standard."

Forma is a truly one of a kind facility in Birmingham. The space is host to four separate studios, each designed with specific class models in mind. You'll find a beautiful ballroom space, a professional quality ballet/dance studio, an inviting wellness studio for yoga, Pilates, or small group fitness, and a comfortable private studio for lessons or other small ensemble groups. The space has an abundance of industrial charm. Renfroe notes, "The aesthetics of the whole facility were intentionally planned. We loved the exposed brick and the great location."

They both are now feeling joy and gratitude as the space transformed from an empty shell into something beautiful. Forma is so much more than just a bunch of walls, mirrors, and special floors. They are looking for teachers, artist and those needing a space Barranco sees the potential saying "Is there any truer sign of a thriving city than a thriving arts scene?"

Aside from classes in the performing arts (dance, theater, music) and wellness areas, Renfroe is eager to provide the space. "We would love to host intimate black box style performances, master classes from talents all across the country. We already have quite an eclectic line up ahead of us, including yoga classes, sketch comedy rehearsals, theater rehearsals, and ballroom instruction." Forma is launching a couple of exciting new concept classes such as "Dance for Yogis", conceptualized and taught by Renfroe, and "Lunch Crunch", a strengthen/stretch, exercise/rejuvenation hybrid class with lunch provided. This is catered to the downtown professionals who want to make the most of their one hour lunch break! Forma is truly open to anything.

Forma is taking in classes and beginning to draw patrons. If you are a teacher or artist looking to find a space, you now have a place to showcase your craft. Renfroe says with much joy "Forma is here to foster all of the arts, not just cater to one specific arena."

For more information and classes available visit formabham.com

Click here to view Whitney and Brandon's recent interview on ABC 33/40

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