21.07.09 / Ballet, Dance, Dance Education, Dance Studio, dance class, hip hop, jazz dancing, singing lessons / Author: webmaster / Comments: (0)
I know, I know it is still 110 degrees and we are in the middle of summer, but as you know fall school time is just around the corner. The truth is – the early bird gets the worm – or in this case, the early bird gets the best choice for dance & music lessons. 
Act now and schedule ballet, hip hop, piano, voice, guitar…..for all your children at the same time, same location!!
Our mission is to provide exceptional performing arts education for your child and service like no other for you. Visit our website www.wagnerdance arts.com and pre-select all the extra curricular activities beginning from age 2. I believe you, like hundreds of other parents, will be extremely pleased with Wagner Dance & Music.
Still not sure? Visit our testimonial page and see & hear for yourself why so many east valley families choose Wagner Dance & Music for their performing arts education. We have many families who have had their children enrolled in our performing arts studio for 5, 8, & even 10 years! We must be doing something right because they keep coming back.
If you have questions, you can call the studio at 480-892-7179, or better yet, stop by for a visit. We want to meet you and your talented young performer!
15.06.09 / Ballet, Dance, Dance Studio, camp, dance class, hip hop, jazz dancing, recital, summer camp / Author: webmaster / Comments: (0)
Now this is exciting! You know my heart is that all children who want dance lessons get dance lessons. Here is our latest news to inspire you and your child. Kingdom Dancers is a project I’ve been working on for some time and it is now coming to fruition beginning July 11th. Children ages 8 and above are welcome to join us as we magnify the name of the Lord.
Miss Shalonna is blessed and talented in teaching and inspiring young dancers to their greatest potential and she wants to teach you! Kingdom workshop includes Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary & Hip Hop styles of dance. She will teaching for three Saturdays in July and we can’t wait to see the praise dancers minister to others through dance! Rehearsals begin on July 11th and you don’t want to miss this opportunity to bless and be blessed. All ages 8 and up are welcome. No previous dance experience required. You bring the passion and we’ll bring the experience!
To get a peak at our performers before the Kingdom Dance workshop, go to my website: www.wagnerdancearts.com or better yet, come and see our current production -
“I HOPE YOU DANCE”
We are at Higley Performing Arts Center on June 27th!! Call my dance and music studio at 480-892-7179 and so we can provide you with excellent service to get you started on your Dance& Music Adventure.
09.06.09 / Audition, Ballet, Dance, Dance Lessons, Dance Studio, dance class, hip hop, jazz dancing, recital, summer camp / Author: webmaster / Comments: (0)
Denise Wagner, Artistic Director
We applaud all our dancers – from the tiniest 2 year old to the 50 year old dancer – everyone is a star in my studio! Recital is just around the corner. Our performance is June 27 at Higley Performing Arts Center. Dancers & backstage Moms, here is another list to make your backstage experience awesome:
1. Don’t pull focus – when a dancer is onstage performing, don’t walk in the aisles, switch seats, talk loudly in the wings…. in other words, respect the dancer who is rehearsing/performing on stage. Whether they are performing Classical Ballet or a hot Jazz routine, whether they are a beginning student or an accomplished entertainer, let’s support their efforts.
2. Do be a role model – AS a backstage mom/dresser, it’s obvious that you have our dancers’ best interest at heart.. But the dancers – even the teens- are still kids. It’s up to you to model what’s right. They look up to you, and even when you think they are not watching, they probably are! Teach the kids the spirit of service you are so generously portraying by volunteering to work backstage. By the way – did I say THANK YOU? – well, THANK YOU!
3. Do be prepared – I entered one of our studio rooms the other day and our Ballet Mistress had written this on the white board, “Performance rule – It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.” So true. As a dancer or backstage MOM, be prepared with bobby pins, safety pins, extra tights, lipstick, hairspray……Remember – this is the opportunity for our students to shine!
We have the absolute best support team of dance MOMS, ever! Come see for yourself – you will be amazed – at how incredibly smooth are our picture days, rehearsal days, & performance days. When we show our dance families respect, they thank us for it – and guess what, they give it right back to us!
27.04.09 / Audition, Ballet, Dance, dance class, hip hop, jazz dancing, summer camp / Author: webmaster / Comments: (0)
Hip Hop Vs. Lyrical Hip Hop
By Denise Wagner, Artistic Director
Just when we thought Hip Hop had nothing more to offer…along comes LYRICAL HIP HOP & CONTEMPORARY Dance. You may have seen this style on shows like, “So You Think You Can Dance” and “America’s Best Dance Crew”. This fresh style of dance is tearing up the convention/performance scene and you can learn how to do it at my studio, Wagner Dance & Music!
Jazz and Ballet dancers find this style of dance to be a smooth transition from their structured technical classes. The choreography, a mix of slow moves, hard stops, robot-like isolations and dramatic collapses is created to bring the message of the song to life. Dancers react to the lyrics and emotion to produce a powerful performance.
Mucho Drama Aqui!
This popular style of dance combines hip hop choreography and contemporary inspired steps that tell a story. At Wagner Dance Arts, we offer explosive classes with the valley’s top choreographers. Come see for yourself –
If you like to MOVE IT-MOVE IT-
Stop by our studio and see what we have to offer – our new schedule is at www.wagnerdancearts.com and Auditions are set for May 15!!
19.04.09 / Audition, Dance, Dance Education, Dance Lessons, Dance Studio, jazz dancing, singing lessons / Author: webmaster / Comments: (0)
At my Dance & Music studio I am often asked questions about various styles of dancing. Dance is a lot like music in that the styles sometimes melt into each other and the detail of each discipline is not always seen by the novice performer. Here is a list of Jazz Dance Styles – this list will help you choose the style best suited for you or your child.
1. Classic Jazz: A blend of traditional dance elements that link together. Dancing over and between the downbeats of the music is a key technique. The style uses grounded positioning and various dance disciplines. This approach to dance was developed by early innovators of this classic style. Jack Cole, Gus Giordano, Bob Fosse & Luigi are famous for bringing Jazz dancing to the audiences and moving this style to the forefront of dance education.
2. Lyrical Jazz: A fluid style that blends movements from American modern dance, classic jazz, and European classical ballet. Also called, “Contemporary”, this style interprets lyrics through choreography. The performer has freedom of expression to interpret the style of music. This is a very popular style of dance seen at performances & competitions.
3. Musical Theatre Dance: A stylized form of dance that uses music, movement, comedy & narrative to support its style. A character is often portrayed as this style is used in Broadway Shows and other staged events. Also known as song & dance.
4. Hip-Hop: A huge umbrella term for many styles of dance. Also known as street dance, this style incorporates popping, locking, and break-dancing (old school). A mixture of movements from anywhere, anytime are known as, “new school”. Popular music (rap, funk, rhythm & blues, techno….) are incorporated to produce this ever popular folk dance.
At Wagner Dance & Music, we offer all these dance styles, and many more. Come and explore the world of performing arts and be prepared to, “bust a move.” Audition on May 15 for our Dance Elite Performance Team. See you at the studio!
By Denise Wagner, Artistic Director
24.03.09 / Audition, Ballet, Dance, Dance Studio, dance class, jazz dancing / Author: webmaster / Comments: (0)
Get the most for your time and money and make each dance class an opportunity.
Let’s talk dance…most quality dance classes require time and money. Aim at getting the most for your time and money by using every dance class as an opportunity. Each and every class will improve your dance skills and techniques. Have a successful dance class every time by using the following strategies:
- Arrive Early
Be in the habit of arriving about fifteen minutes early and use the time to stretch. Plan your travel time an your preparation. If you happen to arrive late, enter the studio quietly to avoid disrupting the rest of the class. Many Ballet classes require you get permission as to when to join the class (example: after plies)
- Wear Proper Dance Attire
The teacher or dance studio will have a dress code for you to follow. Always wear dance clothes that fit your body well. Having to constantly adjust improper or ill-fitting leotards will disrupt your dancing. Test your clothing before class and make certain it stays in place as you dance.
- Watch What You Eat
Eating a heavy meal right before you go to class is not a bright idea. Dancing on a full stomach makes movement difficult and drinking soda pop before dancing is disastrous. Water, water, water – stay well- hydrated. Have a small, high-energy snack before class - fresh fruit, yogurt, nuts or dried fruit are great choices.
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The Correct Shoes Go to class with the proper shoes for the style of dance, as specified by your teacher. Jazz shoes are different than ballet shoes which are different than tap shoes. You can always go bare-foot until you learn what is required. Also make certain that your shoes are the correct size.
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Have Your Hair Off Your Face Ballet teachers prefer that hair be worn in a tight bun-a classical style for classical dance. For jazz or tap dance, take the time to secure your hair, preferably up and out of your eyes and face. If your hair is too short to be pulled up into a bun, try a tight ponytail instead. Make sure to secure bangs away from your face if they are too long and they get in your eyes.
Learn at Your Own Pace
Everyone learns to dance at different speeds. Don’t compare yourself to others in your class. Some people just seem to catch on faster than others. Ask questions if you are unclear about a step. Do your best, smile and have fun!
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Did I Say, “HAVE FUN?” Having fun is the best part of dance class. Don’t be afraid too laugh at your mistakes and enjoy the other dancers. After all – if it’s not fun, why do it? Keep dancing and I can’t wait to see you smile!
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10.03.09 / Ballet, Dance, Dance Education, Dance Lessons, Dance Studio, dance class, jazz dancing / Author: webmaster / Comments: (0)
On with the Dance Trivia. Every trained dancer knows the answers to these questions:
1. Who is famous for developing Jazz Technique?
a) Luigi b) Balanchine c) John Travolta
2. What is Isolation?
a) Pointed feet b) Jazz Technique c) Solo performing
3) The translation of tendu(e)
a) to point b) to time c) to stretch
Learning how to dance includes history, technique, pedagogy, theory…..and so much more. A well-educated performer will understand the language and execution as well as being able to amaze an audience. At Wagner Dance Arts our children love learning all about dance. They are becoming Dance Experts. Visit my website and see what I mean! www.wagnerdancearts.com.
Here’s another question – What is B+? I’ll tell you in the next blog.
08.02.09 / Audition, Dance, Dance Education, Dance Lessons, Dance Studio, dance sport, jazz dancing / Author: webmaster / Comments: (0)
Denise Wagner, Artistic Director
The foundation for all dance movement is good technique. 
When a dancer has a strong technical support they are able to focus on the stylistic and performance aspects of their dance. Center control is important in jazz technique. The body’s center is the focal point from which all movement emanates, thus making it possible to maintain balance while executing powerful movements. Technique is essential for leaps and turns, where correct posture is required to properly execute such moves. Also, jazz dancers’ strong and sharp movements are greatly enhanced by a good background in ballet technique.
"Spotting" is important as a turning technique as well. This allows a dancer to do Pirouettes and fouettés without getting dizzy. This technique requires the dancer to focus on a main spot in front of them. The dancer continues to focus until right before the body turns the head whips around back to the same focus.
Jazz classes require some form of moderate intensity stretching in order to warm up the muscles and help prevent injuries. Some techniques used in the warm up consist of elongating leg muscles and strengthening the core. Isolation work is also required to develop proper jazz technique.
For information on classes to improve your jazz technique visit www.wagnerdancearts.com
