13.07.09 / Ballet, Dance, Dance Lessons, Dance Studio, dance class, hip hop, recital, summer camp / Author: webmaster / Comments: (0)
In the dance studio world everyone is familiar with the term, “Stage Mom” – you know the one, putting on too much make-up and stressing over the costumes. Stage Moms have gotten a bad rap, but let’s be honest, the dance studio world would not function without them. But what about the Dads?
Some Dance and Music studios simply ignore the Dads and assume they are disinterested. But at my studio, Wagner Dance Arts, we have discovered a way to include our Dads in a BIG WAY. Our production of the Daddy/Daughter dance has become a tradition for many of our dancer’s Dads.
This past June we had 45 Dads & Daughters participate in a dance that WOWED the audience and melted hearts of those who danced and those who watched.
The dads that participate in the Daddy/Daughter dance are very supportive of their daughter’s dance education. They don’t question the bill because they see the benefits. Spending the quality time of rehearsal and performance with their daughters is a priceless event.
So, Dads, I’m talking to you – no dance experience necessary – just a little bit of time and a BIG HEART! Join us for the next Daddy/Daughter Dance. Visit my studio located in east valley, call 480-892-7179. Don’t hesitate and miss the opportunity to create memories, build relationship and melt hearts.
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!
30.03.09 / Audition, Ballet, Dance, Dance Education, Dance Studio, recital / Author: webmaster / Comments: (0)
By Denise Wagner, Artistic Director
Dancers, here is a tip for you.
To learn developpes devant, lie on the floor on your back with your legs crossed as though your feet are in fifth position and with both feet fully stretched. Draw the working foot through coup-de-pied to the passe (retire) position. Then, leading with the heel, extend to attitude devant, returning the leg to fifth position by reversing the movement. Practice developpe to second from this position as well. It is easier to feel the correct position of the hips.
Now, if you are not a classically trained dancer, I realize you don’t know what I’m talking about. Let’s just say, “It sounds French to you”. As you know, classical ballet is taught in French. At my studio the ballet instructors use the Vagonova technique and they produce beautiful dancers with strong technique. You can visit us online at www.wagnerdancearts.com and get more information about Ballet training. We also offer everything from Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap…you name it. We even teach 3 year old combination classes!
Now, back to your tip –
Tip #2 for developpes
Once you are strong enough to perform a correct developpe (lifting the leg higher than 90 degrees and maintaining proper turnout), you can do the same exercise while standing. Be careful not to lock the hip when passing through passe position. Use the inside thigh muscle while unfolding the leg. Lift the leg smoothly. Flexibility, control, and strength are required for developpes. Kicking the leg high – like in the Rockettes, kick line – is easy, maintaining a high leg – not so simple.
Make sure you are training with educated, qualified instructors. To learn from the best, visit my website and we’ll see you in class!
Happy Dancing!
27.03.09 / Audition, Ballet, Dance, Dance Education, dance class, recital / Author: webmaster / Comments: (0)
by Denise Wagner, Artistic Director
I often think about how my students take their dancer identity into the world beyond dance. Dance students at studios like mine are a lot like college athletes-most will become professionals in something other than dance. For most children today, dance is something they choose to explore on their way to successful careers. Few are actually fortunate enough to become professional dancers.
Even though students may not dance professionally, some part of them will always be a dancer. They will always walk and move as a dancer. Grace is very hard to unlearn. Go ahead – I dare you – try to be clumsy. It’s just not possible if you are a dancer. I remember my aging ballet teacher years after she had stopped dancing. She still radiated elegance and grace and moved like a whisper across the floor.
Grace goes deeper than the skin.
A dancer’s carriage is easy identifiable. As dancers, we experience ourselves at a deep level, and it is demonstrated in our sense of who we are. It’s not just the training our bodies never forget, it’s the discipline and purpose with which dance is learned that leaves a lasting impression. We simply do not clunk through life, we dance through it!
One day I as I watched my students put on their street shoes and head towards the door, I realized that they are leaving with a set of skills that go beyond a simple plie or grand jete. They are carrying with them something rare and precious – the gift of dance.
Join me at the studio and give yourself or your child a gift to cherish – DANCE! For more information email me at info@wagnerdancearts.com.
Happy Dancing.
25.03.09 / Ballet, Dance, Dance Education, Dance Lessons, recital / Author: webmaster / Comments: (0)
by Denise Wagner, Artistic Director
At my performing arts academy, the recital is the highlight of the year.
I see the recital as an opportunity to expose my students to a part of culture they might not ordinarily experience. Kids are immersed with the music and dancing of today, why not educate and show them something different? I see that as part of my job. We live in a sporting-event mentality and it is my experience that people need and want to be educated about the theatre and its’ etiquette.
It’s typical of hip hop crowds watching dancing on the street to go into what is called, Ballpark mode with yelling and screaming throughout the kids routine. Although yelling & whistling have a place, a better way to encourage a young performer on stage is with applause and, “Bravo!” The old standard, “Break a Leg” still works as a theatre tradition.
Ultimately, the recital is a time to shine and whether our dancers are performing classical ballet, traditional tap, sassy jazz or a beautiful contemporary routine, the dancers love their audience. Being in a gorgeous theatre and being surrounded by culture and art is a new experience for many and the elegant event is magical.
It is my responsibility as a dance educator to teach my students not only how to dance but also how to attend or perform in a performing arts event. By teaching our students and their families to appreciate what they seeing, we elevate the performance to the art is is. After all, it is called performing arts and not performing sports.
Our Recital this season is, “I HOPE YOU DANCE” and you are all invited to attend the performance. Please email me if you want tickets www.info@wagnerdancearts.com. I hope to see you at the beautiful Higley Performing Arts Center on June 27 for a wonderful evening of dance.
On With The Show!
