History

Fran Frederick founded the studio 43 years ago. She took her daughters to a local studio and wasn’t impressed by their teaching. She told her husband that she could do better, and he encouraged her to go ahead. Fran started classes in her basement, eventually moving to a studio location. Anne is Fran’s daughter and took classes with her from the start. Lori joined the studio in 1976, eventually buying the studio with Anne in 1999. Lori and Anne opened their second location together in 2001.

Curriculum

La Danse Academie offers school-year length classes to ages 3-18 that include ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, pointe, musical theater, lyrical and modern. They also currently run 12-week programs, a “TWO much fun” program for two year olds that aren’t quite ready for three year old classes, a musical theater program for high school age through adults to prepare them for auditions, and a beginner adult class.

Lori and Anne both belong to the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters. They have been raised to understand education and proper technique is most important.

Performances

Besides their annual recital in June, most of the studio’s performances are for charitable causes. They have danced on TV for the local Easter Seals Telethon, and they have an upcoming performance in May for the Our Lady of Angels local retirement home.

Not only do they put on great shows and performances near home, but also around the world! In 1989 the studio took their first tour to the Soviet Union and Poland. Since then they have danced in all parts of Europe, at Disney, at EuroDisney, and for a cruise line.

Like a Family

La Danse Academie, like most others, has talented staff sharing their knowledge of dance to its students. But what really stands out about this studio is their heart! Lori, Anne, and their staff don’t just love dance, but they love each and every one of the girls and boys that come into their studio. They take the time to get to know each of them individually and all the students feel like family. The studio doesn’t just teach dance technique, they strive to teach each child that they are special and unique. Here at Revolution, we think that studio owners can be most proud of the positive self-esteem they are building in their students. Tisha explains that in her daughter, this has come more from her dance studio than anywhere else!

Not only are their students treated like family – everyone is. There are countless occasions where the studio has fundraised for a student’s family in need, held charity events for a student with cancer, and honored a student they tragically lost. We hope you are as inspired by La Danse Academie as we are!

Learn More

To learn more about La Danse Academie, visit them on their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ladanseacademie.

If you’d like to add your theme for this year just leave us a comment!

Here is what your fellow studios are doing this year:

• 80’s
• A Night at the Movies
• Alice in Wonderland
• America’s History
• And the Winner Is – Do a play on the Oscars, and celebrate everyone being a winner.
• Anything Goes
• Around the World
• Blast from the Past – Do songs from past recitals in celebration of an anniversary.
• Burlesque
• Candy Land
• Cirque de Soleil
• Colors or Kaleidoscope – Use songs about colors.
• Come Fly With Me – Highlight tourist spots and monuments that you visit on vacation, both man-made and natural.
• Come Take a Sea Cruise
• Dance for a Wish – Give a portion of your money made to Make a Wish Foundation.
• Dance School Musical – Use songs about school days.
• Dancepirations
• Dancers Choice
• Dancing in the Moonlight
• Dance Step Repeat: Thirty Years of Artistry in Motion – Use for an anniversary show.
• Dancing Through the Decades
• Dancing Through the Year
• Dancing with the Stars
• Disney or Dancing Through Disney
• Elements
• Ella Marie’s Magical Journey
• Everything Old is New Again – Do an anniversary show and repeat all your favorite numbers from previous years.
• F.A.M.E. – Use all songs by Frank Sinatra, Adele, Michael Jackson, and Elvis.
• Fantasy
• Fashion
• Feelin’ Good
• Food
• Growing Up – Act One: Finding Nemo, Act 2: Jobs & Careers.
• Happiness Is…
• Hollywood Lights: Lights, Camera, Dancin’
• Icons of Music – Use songs by Michael Jackson, Madonna, Whitney, Beach Boys, etc.
• Inspiration
• Legends, Divas, and Superstars
• Let Freedom Ring
• Memories & New Beginnings – Do songs from past recitals in celebration of an anniversary with a few new ones thrown in.
• Once Upon a Time – Choose five fairy tales and dance the stories
• On Broadway or Razzle, Dazzle, Broadway
• One Moment in Time
• Ooh La La, Fancy Nancy
• Opposites
• Peace, Love and Dance – Use all positive songs.
• Portraits in Dance – Introduce the students to classic works of art as each of their dances is connected with one of them. Every few weeks put up a new painting in the studio with a bio on the artist and some interesting info about the painting.
• Raising the Barre
• Revival Under the Big Top
• Rock This Town – Highlight businesses in the community through songs.
• Rockin’ Across the USA
• Seasons
• Shirley Temple
• Shop Around
• Small World on Ice
• Space Jam
• Superheros
• Sweet Dreams – Use songs that have to do with the night or dreams.
• Take Me to a Show – Use songs from a show of some sort: movies, TV, Broadway, MTV, etc.
• The ABC’s of Dance
• The Dreams and Aspirations of Seven Siblings
• The Six Days of Creation
• These are a Few of our Favorite Things – Have all of your students list their top three favorite things in life and choose songs based on those things. For example, if one student’s favorite flower is a rose, do a ballet dance to “The Rose.” This is a great way to get everyone involved and learn about fellow dancers.
• Walking the Red Carpet
• Weather
• Welcome to the Jungle

About KEDA

KEDA is a small studio that has been in Daytona Beach, Florida for nine years. They have 89 students enrolled this year with four instructors, two of which are junior associates. KEDA offers classes for all ages and all levels in Ballet and Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Modern/Contemporary, Acro, and Hip-Hop. They teach the fundamentals of each technique and encourage a professional attitude, in the classroom and on the stage. The students at KEDA don’t just learn how to dance, they learn how to be Dancers: from lessons in auditioning to producing their own stage productions, KEDA students are being prepared to further their dance education at the college level and pursue careers in dance whether it be a performer, choreographer, or teacher.

They have their annual Recital in June, in addition to two main-stage productions a year. Students must go to an audition to be included in the main-stage shows, but what they don’t know is that ALL students attending the audition will be included in the show – no one is excluded, no one is cherry-picked. Some of the older kids vie for the bigger parts, but each child can go home and say, “I made it! I have a part!”

More than dance

Miss Diane shared a special story with us that couldn’t help but want to share:

“I probably wouldn’t have even written to you at all, but as I was working and surfing Facebook today, I kept seeing statuses from the students about class last night (Valentine’s Day) and how special it was. I figured maybe they had a little party and had cupcakes or something – typical Valentine’s Day faire. I asked one of the girls what happened and she elaborated that Miss Crystal (Crystal J. Draper – owner of the Dance Academy) had a totally different approach to “Happy Heart Day”.

Instead of warm-up and technique class, she had the students lay down on the studio floor with the lights dimmed with Yoga-style music playing. She slowly walked around the studio stating positive affirmations that related to the children’s home life, friendships, school, boys, etc. After that, she gave the students pens and paper and asked them to write a positive sentence about each of their classmates, but not sign it. She gathered them up, then gave each girl a stack of notes that was all about them – “feel good” things from all of their peers.

The students were electrified with what they read about themselves!  Everything from “you’re a good listener” to “I love your dance clothes style” to “I look up to you.” These are powerful statements that the kids could take with them that night… and forever.”

Furthering Education

Miss Crystal Draper, owner of KEDA, is a huge proponent for education, too. She is so interested in seeing her students continue their education after high school, she even took some of her older students on a road trip to see her alma mater and get a glimpse of college life. Dance Studio Life magazine was so impressed, they wrote a three-page article about her journey with her students. Check it out here: http://www.dancestudiolife.com/2011/12/higher-ed-voice-road-trip-to-the-future/

Like it says in their motto:

“Kinetic Expressions Dance Academy is more than just a place to dance… it’s a place to dream, a place to grow and a place to express yourself while becoming the best dancer YOU can be!” It’s these kinds of stories that make what all of us do so special. Not only are studios like KEDA educating their students technically about dance, but touching their lives in much bigger ways. Kudos to KEDA, we are inspired by you!

Rihanna and Coldplay

Next on our list, channeling a mix of James Brown and Elvis Presley, Bruno Mars couldn’t help but make us dance.

Bruno Mars

But the rest of the high-energy performances like Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj left us hoping for next year. While we think Katy’s new song could be a hit, we weren’t sure about her costume choice. Successfully pulling off the raspberry colored hair is impressive, but we think she could have used a more flattering look. Taylor, well, that girl can sing, but the ‘down-home’ country vibe wasn’t doing anything for us. And Nicki? We think her performance speaks for itself.

We couldn’t end this post without a mention of dear Whitney Houston and Jennifer Hudson’s stunning tribute to her. There’s no one else quite like Whitney who can make us “wanna dance with somebody!”

So, what did you think of this year’s Grammy’s?

Katy Perry

Taylor Swift

Nicki Minaj

A little about the history of Forevermore

Kerrie and David Korzatkowski created Forevermore Dance & Theatre Arts eight years ago. Kerrie graduated from Northern Illinois University with a BFA in Theatre Arts/Dance Performance and David from Wagner College with a BA in Theatre Performance/Writing. They met in New York City where they were both working artists. After falling in love they created Forevermore Theatre Arts and toured the country with a musical they created together called Just Close Your Eyes. They were soon married and today have two beautiful children named Gabe and Violet.

In 2004, Kerrie and David decided to leave New York to purchase The Elmwood School of Dance in the Village of Elmwood Park, IL. Starting with about 30 students they began teaching a child-focused curriculum. By 2007 they outgrew the Elmwood Park studio and relocated to 7466 West Belmont in Chicago. The school continues to provide a fun and enriching experience for children and adults with many dance and theatre disciplines, class times, and a welcoming facility with a friendly staff.

Why Forevermore is unique

Forevermore Dance and Theatre Arts: “Where Art has Heart” – is founded on a love for the arts and a passion to educate and enrich lives. They encourage their students to explore their potential, inspiring them to dream and challenging them to do their best.

David and Kerrie inspire their students and provide opportunities to learn and grow as artists and individuals. Students can participate in programs such as Performance Company, TheatreBugs, and the Assistant Teacher Training Program. They believe performance is a vital part of arts education and an excellent way to develop self-confidence, leadership, and teamwork. As a Teaching Assistant, students learn responsibility and gain a new perspective on their art-form as they pass along the knowledge they’ve learned to younger students and classmates. These programs also provide a great way to learn about giving back to the community you live in.

Forevermore offers a broad curriculum

Forevermore offers a very active preschool-aged movement curriculum including classes called: Stepping Stones, Music & Motion, Creative Dance, and Dance Expression for children five years and under. For children six years and up we provide Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Creative Drama, Acting, and Zumbatomics.  This Fall we launched a new Adult Dance Fitness Program with evening and morning classes.  Along with its other programming, this summer Forevermore will introduce new Modern Technique classes, a four-week morning Ballet Intensive, and Musical Theatre Camp.

Besides teaching their students a solid curriculum, Kerrie and David want to instill an appreciation for the arts that these students can carry with them for a lifetime and pass along to their own families, friends, and to the entire community.

Forevermore does several shows each year

Forevermore has produced two original Story-Ballets: “The Gift” – which will be re-staged for this summer’s Annual Dance Concert, and “Wink and Whisper”; two full-length Musicals, “OZ” and “Groovy” (both written by Tim Kelly with Music by Bill Francoeur), and countless dance and theatre performances throughout the community including the SHEDD Aquarium’s Beluga Ball, Chicago Metro Chorus Holiday Show, and at public events for The Dunning Library, Shriner’s Hospital for Children, The Moose Lodge for the Mooseheart Organization, local Assisted Living Facilities and Arts Festivals, and Fundraising Events for local schools.

The future looks bright for Forevermore!

New technology and ways of interacting and sharing arts education with the world is very important. Forevermore has begun to include media arts literacy into the community by engaging students and families in social media such as Facebook and the Forevermore blog at WordPress.com. They already provide online registration and account management to their clients.

Kerrie and David have always dreamed of creating an Arts Center that would house a fully equipped auditorium and classrooms for theatre, dance, music, and fine arts instruction that could continue to help them inspire the community and foster an enduring love for the arts.

Visit Forevermore Dance and Theatre Arts online at www.4evermore.org.

From the time I was three until I graduated high school, I spent a large chunk of every day dancing, but my love for the arts didn’t stop with dance. I loved theatre and music as well. I started off college as an acting major with a dance minor, but something was starting to change within me. My love for theatre and dance didn’t waver, but I was finding myself wanting to look at the big picture, wanting to focus on the story from the other side of the stage. It was during my sophomore year that one of my professors saw something in me that I didn’t know was there. I was a little apprehensive when she asked me to design the costumes for the spring musical, but by the time the curtain rose on opening night, I was hooked. I continued dancing of course, but I ended up graduating from college with a focus on costume design.

At that point, I decided that if I wanted to be a costume designer I needed to go all in. I applied for the top masters programs in the country and was thrilled to be accepted to New York University, Tisch School of the Arts. The next three years at grad school were some of the most grueling, intense times of my life. They were also some of the most exciting and rewarding. After I earned my MFA in costume design I spent the next few years in NYC working as a freelance costumer, designing for film, Broadway, international opera and of course… dance. I was lucky enough to work with a huge variety of talents, from Mikhail Baryshnikov to Spike Lee to Green Day.

I had moved to NYC with nothing but a suitcase and a dream and although my time in New York was a dream come true, sometimes an unexpected door opens where you least expect it. I found out that Revolution Dancewear was looking for a costume designer in my hometown of Chicago so I jumped at the opportunity to learn more. When I found out that they were looking for someone who could incorporate their love of dance with their passion for design, I was thrilled. When I realized that my job was to design costumes for thousands of little girls to wear for that exact moment when they fall in love with dance for the rest of their lives… I realized that this opportunity was the ultimate dream come true.

So here I am, designing costumes for Revolution Dancewear, where you can usually find me with music blasting, pencil in my hand drawing and my feet dancing under the table. Life has taken me down an amazing path from one stage to the next. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but one thing is for sure, you’ll still find me dancing!

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By Jenilee Houghton

Director, Creative Development

1. Create better communication between you and studio parents

By offering an email newsletter once a month, you ensure your updates are getting to the right place, instead of hoping each dancer gets the printed copy home to mom and dad. Try a service such as www.mailchimp.com, or www.constantcontact.com. They offer plans at low cost, and lots of help for learning how to create your first email newsletters.

By creating a Facebook page for you studio you can give timely updates, share photos, and stay in touch with your current students and parents. What’s more, it’s a great place to meet and interact with prospective customers as well. Best of all, Facebook is free. Improving communications doesn’t have to cost you a thing!

2. Attend a dance seminar or conference

Each year there are countless seminars, workshops, and conferences offered throughout the country for dance teachers and studio owners. These classes offer everything from dance technique to organizing your studio finances. Make it a goal to attend at least one this year. Staying on top of the latest ideas and further educating yourself will make you better, which in turn, makes your students better too.

3. Get organized!

There are several computer programs available to organize everything from your class schedules, your costumes and recital, to your music, and much more. Do some research and see what would fit best for your studio. Here’s a great post by Dance Studio Life for more info on software and tools to ease your studio’s operation: http://www.dancestudiolife.com/2011/07/bright-biz-ideas-high-tech-made-simple/

What are your studio’s goals for 2012?

Requirements:

Small child

• Outgoing personality
• Some dance experience

Medium & Large child

• Outgoing personality
• Must have dance experience in two of the following genres: Ballet, Jazz, Tap, or Hip Hop

Small & Medium Adult

• Outgoing personality
• Proficiency in at least three of the following genres: Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, or Modern

If you are interested please fill out our online modeling application located here: http://www.revolutiondance.com/beamodel.

Tell us a little about yourself and the Dance Centre.

I have been teaching dance for over 30 years. My business partner, Leslie, has been dancing with me since she was two years old. We had both been teaching in the community and about seven years ago we decided to start our own studio. We made the decision because we wanted to bring things to the community that we weren’t able to bring as dance teachers, including a charitable event.

In 2005, our studio started out with one room and we have now added a second. We’re there dancing every day between 5 and 10 p.m. and we have about 450 to 460 dancers!

What inspired you to start an annual charity dance event?

Leslie and I were at a dance conference and we were talking to some other studio owners who had successfully started a charity event. Confident we could make it work, we started our “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” show four years ago to benefit the Salvation Army Angel Tree program.

Tell us about “’Twas the Night Before Christmas”.

The show is made up of some old Christmas songs and some new. We fit the names of the songs into the story, which is narrated by Santa Claus. We have two, hour-long shows, and each class does a minute long number at each show. The parents give donations of $10 to cover the cost of the t-shirts our students wear at the event, and attendees to the show purchase tickets at the door and give donations. All profits we get go to the Salvation Army Angel Tree program in Decatur, IL.

How successful has the event been?

Over the past three years we’ve raised over $6,000 for the Salvation Army. This year we raised $1,800 for the kids – it was a great show!

What have you learned from doing an event like this that might inspire other studios to do the same?

We teach dance in a small community, so most of our students are recreational dancers. We’re not near a big city or getting them ready to be professional dancers – we just have excellent students who love dancing and are good at it. In our hearts, we are not only teaching the kids about dance, but about life. We influence the kids to do their best and always put forth their best effort. We teach them that if you work hard you get rewarded.

We started this charitable event because we know that everyone in their heart would like to help others, but they don’t really know how to get started. We have learned that doing it through the studio gives everyone here an opportunity to help out in our community. There is nothing like the feeling of helping other people, and through this show, the students are getting to learn that at a young age. Last year, one of our girls came off the stage and said to me, “This is the best day of my whole life!” And that really is what it’s all about.

Read more about their show: Dance benefit helps out Salvation Army Angel Tree program From the Herald & Review, their local newspaper.

If you’re new to Revolution, see more of our costume features here.

Take a look at some of the highlights of our 2012 collection:

Debut

Cute as a Bug – Style 0361

Everyone loves a ladybug! This debut style comes with two headpiece options, a cute bow or a headband with antennae. Have the little ones tap dance in it to “Lucky Ladybug” by The Four Seasons.

Two-in-One

Hide and Seek – Style 0372

The unique, ‘hide-and-seek’ top ties in the back for a fun look. Do a jazz number to “Steady as She Goes” by The Raconteurs or use the costume without the black top for a contemporary/lyrical piece to “Hide and Seek” by Imogen Heap.

Ballet

The Rose – Style 0357

Long, flowing sleeves and pink metallic sheer chiffon make this costume beautiful. Bette Midler’s “The Rose” is the perfect song to go with it.

Contemporary/Lyrical

Feeling Good – Style 0278

The unique, twisted neckline and metallic silver color make this fashion-forward costume a great one for ‘rock-and-roll’ modern choreography. Try a number to “Bother” by Stone Sour.

Jazz/Tap

Round & Round – Style 0351

This super cute, versatile costume with lots of sparkle would go well with the song “Round and Round” by Selena Gomez.

Urban

Love Lockdown – Style 0281

This edgy costume still keeps it girly with a little bit of pink shining through. Move easy in cropped cargo pants to “Love Lockdown” by Kanye West.

Be sure to sign up for our e-mail list (scroll to the bottom of the page), and look for our new e-newsletter next week for an exclusive offer on your next costume order to those who read this blog post!