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2012 Carolina Ballet Spring Season
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Russian Pointe comes to Releve
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ELEVATE Dancers Perform "Thriller"
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Elevate dancers performed Michael Jackson's "Thriller" at a wedding reception at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary as a surprise to the bride and groom and all of their guests. Dancers were directed and costumed by Amy Bates and Valerie Curran, make-up provided by Releve, dj was Joe Bunn. Dancers were Jade Enns, Jessica Judd, Cassie Adcock, Joshua Wess, Bernadine Fields, Bradley LaGois, and Danielle Bronson. Photo by Evoke Photography.
ELEVATE is a Raleigh-based performance and promotions company that provides talent and entertainment for social, corporate, and special events as well as choreography and classes to dance teams and individuals. We only work with trained and experienced dancers that can provide innovative performances. Owners, Amy Bates and Valerie Curran, have over 15 years experience in performing, choreographing and directing.
Contact Valerie to hire dancers for your next event!
www.elevatenc.com
valerie@elevatenc.com
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Graceful Expressions Opens New Studio 
Graceful Expressions Dance Education is excited to announce the grand opening of our new location in downtown Cary. Professional instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, worship dance, and preschool dance classes will now be available at 312 W. Chatham Street in the Chocolate Smiles Village. Our new location features two studios with fully sprung dance floors, abundant natural light, indoor and outdoor waiting areas for parents, and ample parking. Come visit us at an Open House on Saturday, September 4th from 2-5pm or call 272-2576 for more information! Our new facility provides us with more opportunities to extend our commitment to excellence in dance education. “What we’re doing at Graceful Expressions is really a break from the mold,” says Director April Schweitzer. “We understand that every student in a ballet class will not become a professional dancer, but rather than dismiss those who won’t, we expose all of our students to high standards of technical excellence in a warm and caring way. We want to grow beautiful dancers, but more importantly, we want young people to be impacted by the lessons learned in dance class -- lessons of grace, discipline, and perseverance. It can take years to master a pirouette, but it’s that process of trying again and again that refines both the dancer and her character.” April’s background as a school teacher, combined with her extensive dance training, has enabled her to develop a curriculum and focus for the school that is tuned in to the needs of young learners. As a young dancer with the Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet, April worked with choreographers from American Ballet Theater, New York City Ballet, Eglevsky Ballet, and regional modern dance companies. She was a featured dancer at the International Children’s Festival in Taiwan in 1992, and she received merit scholarships for summer study at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and Boston Ballet. As a teacher, April has continued her training with dance legends David Howard, Jacques d’Amboise and Finis Jhung. April is joined by a staff of teachers who are truly exceptional in both their extensive dance resumes and in their level of commitment and care for their students. Registration for our 2010-2011 school year is available through our website: www.gracefuldance.com. Please call 272-2576 or email info@gracefuldance.com with any questions. |
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New Ballet Academy in Cary!
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Cary Welcomes International Ballet Academy Beginning in August of 2010, the International Ballet Academy (IBA) will open its doors and dancers in the Triangle area will have the unique opportunity to train under the artistic direction of Miguel Campaneria and Rossana Nesta Gahagan. (formerly Machi). Both Mr. Campaneria and Ms. Gahagan have had impressive careers as performers, teachers, artistic directors, and as choreographers. Mr. Campaneria was born in Cuba and trained under Alicia Alonso. He was a soloist with the National Ballet of Cuba. Upon moving to the United States, he perfomed with Les Grands Ballet Canadients, Pennsylvania Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and the Harkness Ballet. Mr. Campaneria was principal dancer with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and with Ballets de San Juan. He served as Artistic Director for the R.M.T. Academie de Danse in Haiti and for Balleteatro Nacional de Puerto Rico. Mr. Campaneria was nominated by President Bush to serve on the National Council on the Arts, the advisory body of the National Endowment for the Arts. He was confirmed by the Senate and will serve on the Council until 2012. Prior to moving to Cary, Mr. Campaneria was Chair of the Dance Department for the University of Hartford. Ms. Gahagan comes to Cary by way of Italy where she attended the Accademie Nazionale di Danza, Roma and earned her BA in Vaganova Ballet Tecnique. She performed with nationally renowned companies such as Teatro dell’Opera and the Company of Balleto di Roma. Ms. Gahagan started her teaching career at the School of Balleto di Roma. After moving to the United States, she taught at the Western Ballet School in Mountain View, California. She then joined the faculty of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) where she taught ballet technique, pointe, repertoire, men’s classes, and pilates. During her time at PBT she taught classes at Point Park University, Allegheny Ballet Company and later became a Partner at the School of American Ballet in New York. For the past 6 years Ms. Gahagan joined a local ballet school and built the Intensive Summer Program and was Ballet Mistress. She was able to obtain a license from the Balanchine Trust allowing students to perform several Balanchine pieces in 2008 and 2009. Ms. Gahagan returned to the stage in 2009 when Robert Weiss, Director of Carolina Ballet invited her to perform in his 2009 productions of Swan Lake and Picasso’s Salome. She has been invited to serve on the guest faculty for the 2010 Saratoga Summer Dance Intensive. 
Combining their over 50 years of experience in the professional dance world, Mr. Campaneria and Ms. Gahagan have designed a curriculum to provide dancers with all the necessary tools and knowledge for success. International Ballet Academy will offer classes beginning with creative movement at age 3 1/2 to pre-professional levels. At the pre-professional level partnering, variations, pilates, and men’s classes will be offered in addition to the technique and pointe. Moreover a jazz program is offered as well as yoga. Dancers at IBA will be exposed to other world renowned teachers and choreographers including such talents as Roberto Munoz, Melinda Roy, and Sandra Balestracci. Throughout the year, select dancers will have the opportunity to participate in the Youth American Grand Prix and the World Ballet Competition. IBA will also be home to the International Ballet Company, a pre-professional company featuring dancers ages 10-18. International Ballet Academy is located at 201 Davis Grove Circle in Cary, directly across from Davis Elementary and Davis Middle Schools. Early Fall Registration will take place on Thursday, June 24th from 4pm to 8pm and on Saturday, June 26th from 10am to 1 pm. More registration dates will be announced. Class sizes are limited so register early. For more information, please visit www.ibacary.com, email at office@ibacary.com, or call (919) 749-4141. |
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New Ballroom Studio in Clayton!
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Ballroom dance has come to Clayton. Dance, Performance & Modeling Studios (DPM Studios) is a new, exciting dance studio opening this week at 468 E. Second Street in downtown Clayton. The studio will feature classes for ballroom, salsa and swing dancing. Additional classes include country western, line dancing and group fitness. Customized dance classes can be scheduled at your request.
“We love to introduce beginners to the fun, health and social benefits of dancing,” said DPM Studio owner, Raquel Williams. She has over 10 years of dance experience with partner dancing. She has 13 years of foundational background and education in ballet, tap and jazz. She also has extensive experience in instruction and choreography of individual, couples, large groups and youth dance instruction. Additionally, she has competed in several professional dance competitions in swing, country western, hustle and American and International rhythm.
“Clayton is developing as a community for the arts and DPM Studio fits right in with a different niche,” said Clayton Downtown Development Coordinator, Bruce Naegelen. When Ms. Williams was contemplating locations, she met with Mr. Naegelen who suggested the location on E Second Street. “Turns out it was the perfect location,” she said. The DPM facility has a 1600 square foot dance floor and a full kitchen for special events and receptions.
DPM Studio will host a social dance every Friday from 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm. “These social dances will give the general public the opportunity to experience the fun of dancing and gives the students an opportunity to practice what they have learned in their group and private lessons each week,” said Ms. Williams. She added, “It’s a great opportunity to meet people who share a common love for dance.” The first visit to the social dance is free, and includes a free dance lesson from 8-8:30.
DPM’s staff is focused on ensuring fun, easy to understand instruction to all ages and levels of experience who wish to learn how to dance. The DPM Studio’s mission is to provide safe, fun instruction and to promote health, fitness and self improvement through dance.
You can contact Ms. Williams at info@dpmstudios.com, 919-655-5346 and visit their website at www.dpmstudios.com
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Center Stage School of Performing Arts goes to Broadway NYC!
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Center Stage owners, Glenda and Wren Peele took a trip to NYC this past June with their dance Team members. On June 18th Team Dance members; Alexis Bacho, Carey Barnette, Ashlynn Cole, Sarah Hess, Rachel Miller, Caroline Millsaps, Stevanna Neish, Rachel Petherbridge, Brittany Pleasant, and Kati Wrenn set off from the Garner studio to NYC on a chartered bus. The dancers were treated to several sightseeing tours, including the Lincoln Center, Radio City Music Hall, Top of the Rock Observation Deck, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The Dancer’s were also privileged to see two current Broadway Shows which included Wicked and Billy Elliot. Center Stage Dancers spent the majority of their days dancing with Broadway Choreographers Carol Shubert; former Broadway dancer and Showstopper judge, Melissa Mahon; whom stars in the Broadway show Chicago and Angelo Fraboni; whom has also been in several Broadway shows. The Team dancers were challenged and the instructors were quite impressed with our dancers’ technique! Center Stage plans to take Bi-annual trips to NYC. See our Website at www.centerstagegarnerfuquay.com to learn how you can go from basics to Broadway too!
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Center Stage Team Dancers with Former Broadway Dancer Carol Shubert. Dancers pictured left to right, front row to back. Stevanna Neish, Rachel Miller Caroline Millsaps, Ashlynn Cole, Sarah Hess, Rachel Petherbridge, Carol Shubert, Carey Barnette, Brittany Pleasant, Kati Wrenn and Alexis Bacho. |
| Center Stage Team Dancer, Sarah Hess, poses with the lead actor “Billy Elliot”, in the Broadway Musical Billy Elliot. |
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Our Traveling Group of team dancers, Pictured here with a Radio City Rockette. Back row Left to Right; Brittany Pleasant, Kati Wrenn, Rockette dancer, Sarah Hess, Alexis Bacho, Teacher; Wren Peele, Front Row: Carey Barnette, Rachel Miller, Stevanna Neish, Caroline Millsaps, Ashlynn Cole and Rachel Petherbridge. |
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The Pulse Tour & Releve Dancewear
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Click any image for a larger version!
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Relevé Dancewear and local dancers traveled to Atlanta, Georgia this past weekend to participate in The Pulse Tour.
The Pulse is a dance event like no other that is an experience that would make a difference in the lives of young dancers. It is a weekend of challenging choreography, which provides opportunities for dancers to participate in performance showcases. The PULSE on Tour was created, and provided a way to take the passion for dance across the country.
From dance reality TV shows such as "So You Think You Can Dance" and "America's Best Dance Crew" to current stage productions like “Cirque du Soleil,” Broadway and countless movies in theaters now, the working choreographers are the best in the business and offer dancers the chance to learn their original choreography. The dancers that attended The Pulse in Atlanta worked with the amazing choreographers, Mia Michaels, Brian Friedman, Wade Robson, Dave Scott, Chris Judd and Laurie Ann Gibson.
The focus is to present dancers with the powerful and noncompetitive experience of a lifetime!
Dancers from the following organizations danced their hears out!
- Holly Springs School of Dance
- Carolina Railhawks
- Southeast Raleigh High School
- Enloe High School
- Carolina Dance Center
- Cary Dance Productions
- CC & Company
- Theatrical Dance Arts Academy
- Members of Spring Dance Company performed in the showcase and danced a modern piece choreographed by Amy White.
Click any image for a larger version!
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Center Stage at Showstopper in Myrtle Beach
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Is keeping their dancers in the spotlight with a trip to the Showstopper convention in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. While other studio’s may feel it is only important for their instructors to learn the latest moves and techniques from the Industry leaders, Center Stage believes their dancers de-serve to learn from the professionals themselves.. Center Stage dancers, Jasmin Martin, Christian Reed, Allison Powell, Christian Reed, Cynita Simpson, Christopher Kelly, Kira Martin, Charla Perry, Sarah Hess, Brittany Pleasant, Kolina and Khi Simpson, Chala Perry, Rachel Petherbridge, Rachel Miller , Alexa Britt, Caroline Millsaps, Rachel Archer Williams, & Cee Cee Huffman traveled to Myrtle Beach over the Martin Luther King weekend and were delighted with their experiences at Showstopper Dance Convention.
Center Stage School of Performing Arts has been serving the Fuquay and Garner communities for over 27 years. The owners of Center Stage feel that this opportunity with Showstopper helps their dance students see first-hand how dance can be incorporated into their lives as a profession. Who knows maybe someday a student at Center Stage will be on television’s, “So you think you can dance”, such as Jessica King or producing movies about dance like Darrin Henson of “Stomp the Yard”. Anything is possible when the dancer is trained with the proper technique . Several Center Stage dancers can already be seen on Broadway.
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American Dance Projekt – Moving to New Location, 7,000 sq. ft. sate-of-the-art studio – Grand Opening January 24th 1 – 5 PM
Raleigh, NC – January 12, 2009
He's danced with Michael Jackson and John Travolta and worked with Bruce Willis and Johnny Depp. Now, Artistic Director Scott Benson is bringing his professional skill to the Triangle!
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American Dance Projekt will celebrate the grand premier opening of the most innovative and exciting dance facility in the area. Its new location features 7,000 sq. ft. of newly renovated space which includes three studios equipped with spring floors and the latest technology in the industry. The studio offers classes for every age and every level of experience to aspiring dancers from ages 3 to adult. Classes consist of ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre as well as a new and exciting adult program that will feature a variation of all forms of dance.
Benson is a professional dancer and choreographer, putting his skill into action alongside Michael Jackson in Thriller and Smooth Criminal and John Travolta in Stayin Alive, as well as various Broadway shows like Cats and Chorus Line and movies like Pirates of the Caribbean . Along with his talented staff, he is very excited about the move and what it will bring to the Triangle area. "This studio is a dream come true for me as well as my staff and we can't wait to instill our dreams and talents with all those who share our passion".
American Dance Projekt invites you to see for yourself as you join us in our "GRAND PREMIER" opening on January 24th, 2009 from 1:00pm-5:00pm at 1653 Old Louisburg Road, Raleigh, NC . The afternoon will consist of free dance classes, American Dance Projekt company performances, food and drink and a silent auction sponsored by the ADP Performing Company.
Contact:
Scott Benson
American Dance Projekt
1653 Old Louisburg Rd.
Raleigh NC 27604
(919) 835-0341
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Center Stage Dancers in The Nutcracker by The Dance Theatre of Fayetteville
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Several of our own Center Stage Dancers were cast in The Nutcracker by The Dance Theatre of Fayetteville:
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- Carey Barnette, in teen dance & Chinese dance;
- Kolina Simpson, Khari Simpson, Andrea Demby, Stevanna Neish as soldiers,with exception to Khari, these dancers will also perform with Carey in the Chinese dance.
- The corps dancers are Sarah McCain, Cynita Simpson, Renee Ward
- Spanish dancers are Renee Ward, Sarah Hess, Jessica Williford
- The role of the flutes will include Cynita Simpson and Sarah McCaine. Cynita is honored with the solo part of the dewdrop and the soldier doll in Garner, while Sarah McCaine has been honored the solo lead of Grandpa.
- The waltz of the flowers includes Sarah Hess and Jessica Williford, Khari Simpson will play the Prince in the Garner performance.
- The dance of the snowflakes will include Sarah McCaine, Cynita Simpson, and Renee' Ward as snow and Sarah Hess as an icicle.
- Ashlynn Cole will also perform with the company in several roles.
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The Dance Theatre of Fayetteville is a not for profit Dance Company that uses students from several different studios to put on this annual event.
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Center Stage at Showstopper 2008
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In Myrtle Beach last weekend, Center Stage School of Performing Arts competed against dozens of dance studios from around the state and area for prestigious top honors at Showstopper, the largest Dance Competition in the Country. Their entries placed as follows: "Get Loud” received 3rd place overall in Teen Recreational Large, “Ease On Down” received 2nd place overall in Senior Recreational Small, “Beverly Hillbillies” received 3rd place overall in Junior Recreational Small, “Bombshell Stomp” received 1st place overall in Teen Recreational Small, “Candyman” received 5th place overall in Junior Recreational Small, “Old Kentucky” received 3rd place overall in Junior Recreational Duet/Trio, “Nothing To Lose” received 2nd place overall in Teen Recreational Duet/Trio, Vitallia Williams received 2nd place overall in Senior Recreational Solo, Kayla Finch received 1st place overall in Senior Recreational Solo, Cynita Simpson received 4th place overall in Senior Recreational Solo, Sarah McCain received 6th place overall in Senior Recreational Solo, Cee Cee Huffman received 9th place overall in Junior Recreational Solo, and Center Stage School of Performing Arts also received 6 double platinum, 2 platinum, and 7 gold awards. This qualifies them to go to the Showstopper National Finals in either Myrtle Beach, Anaheim, or San Antonio this summer. |
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