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!
01.06.09 / Ballet, Dance, Dance Education, Dance Studio, dance class, hip hop, summer camp / Author: webmaster / Comments: (0)
Rhinestones, tutus, and sequins make our recital atmosphere elegant and charming. This year’s recital is especially entertaining and energy levels will be at an all time high! Let me help you get the most out of your dance recital experience – if you are volunteering to be one of our backstage MOMS – WE LOVE YOU! Here are some tips for outstanding backstage a success:
1. DO have your dancers be quiet. One of the most unprofessional things your dancers can do is make noise backstage during the performance.
2. DON’T let your dancers touch the props backstage. Whether it is a folding chair or a part of the scenery, don’t let your dancers go near any props. Even the props for your child’s dance group should be passed out just prior to entering the stage.
3. DON’T dominate the dressing room. Your group will be sharing a dressing space with other performers. There will be Ballet Dancers, Hip Hop Dancers and many others getting ready for the show. Follow the Golden Rule and treat others and their belongings with respect. Never move someone else’s stuff without asking.
More Backstage Etiquette coming…..ON WITH THE SHOW!!
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!!
22.04.09 / Audition, Dance, Dance Lessons, camp, dance class, sing, summer camp / Author: webmaster / Comments: (0)
Do you have your child enrolled in dance class? Are you wondering what you can do to support their love of dance? In the last blog I mentioned how you encourage your child to practice, stretch….. Today let’s talk about little known tips to get the most out of your child’s lessons. After all, money doesn’t grow on trees and we all want value for our dollar.
Placement is so very important. Your child may learn best when they are the, “head of the class”. Some children actually function best and learn best while teaching others who may not be as experienced or as old. Other children are the complete opposite – they want to be challenged and challenged with the best of them.
At my studio, Wagner Dance & Music, we evaluate and place children so they are able to perform at their top level. We encourage parents to ask questions, get involved and get the most out of your dance education. Here are a few more tips on dance and taking dance class:
1. Listen to music. Provide your child with a variety of music styles. Let them listen to everything from Broadway Show Tunes to Classical Variations to Hip Hop Funk.
2. Proper attire. Make sure your child has the proper dance clothing and dance shoes. Your dance studio will be able to help you understand the requirements for each class. Dress like a dancer, dance like a dancer.
3. Performance time is the time to shine. Once your child has attended their classes, worked hard, practiced their routine and prepared for stage. Sit back and enjoy the talent that has been created. Tell your child how proud you are of their accomplishments.
4. Make friends. It is great to have friends who share the same interests. Dance friends love to dance together, practice new moves and choreograph. Dancing together increases creativity, team work and friendship.
21.04.09 / Audition, Dance, Dance Studio, dance class, summer camp / Author: webmaster / Comments: (0)
You may be new to dance lessons for your child, so I have some tips to make sure you and your child reap the benefits dance has to offer. In the last blog I mentioned how important it is to communicate with the instructor. Here are a few more tips for you to encourage your child. With your support I know your child will become the, “cream of the crop” in the dance scene!
1. Change placement within the class. Even though we like to stand in the same location for each class, it is great to switch it up a bit. Standing next to a dancer you think is awesome will help your technique. Help your child understand this strategy.
2. Practice. In between classes remind your child to rehearse what has been taught. Practicing choreography throughout the week will improve your child’s dancing, impress the instructor, and inspire other students.
3. Stretch. Help your child understand the importance of stretching on a daily basis. A great time to practice the learned stretches is right before bed
By the way, this summer we are offering AWESOME dance camps for your child to enjoy. We have everything from Princess Fairy Camp……Hip Hop Boot Camp…Hannah Montana Camp and more and more. Check it all out at our website: www.wagnerdancearts.com.
By Denise Wagner, Artistic Director
20.04.09 / Audition, Dance, Dance Studio, camp, dance class, summer camp / Author: webmaster / Comments: (0)
How Your Child Can Get the Most Out of Dance Lessons
by Denise Wagner, Artistic Director
Congratulations on taking the steps to discover the wonderful world of dance. Here are a few tips to make sure your child has a positive and productive dance experience.
1. Arrive early. Get to your dance studio 10 minutes before the start of your class. This will allow your child time to stretch and get prepared for instruction.
2. Ask questions. Encourage your child to be certain they understand the instructor and understand what is being taught. Feel free to let the instructor know if the steps are not clear to your child.
3. Speak to the instructor. If you or your child has questions about what is being taught, ask for the appropriate time to speak with the instructor.
At my Dance & Music studio we encourage children to be the best they can be. The positive environment we offer will make every child smile and enjoy their dance or music lesson. I know that is a bold statement, but well, I’m bold and so is my staff. We have simply, hands down, the best group of instructors in the entire valley! I am so proud to be the Artistic Director of such a talented team of individuals. You just gotta meet them!
Come by the studio any time – remember – we have upcoming May 15 Auditions and we offer AMAZING summer dance camps!
Visit our website: www.wagnerdancearts.com
16.04.09 / Audition, Dance, Dance Lessons, Dance Studio, dance class, sing, summer camp / Author: webmaster / Comments: (0)
At my dance studio, Wagner Dance & Music, we teach all ages including little, bitty, pretty ones. It is amazing how 3 year old dancers take creativity to the unimaginable levels.
A dancer’s carriage is easy identifiable. Young dancers take on the beautiful presentation of a polished performer. 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 from Denise Wagner, Artistic Director
14.04.09 / Ballet, Dance, Dance Education, camp, dance class, sing, summer camp / Author: webmaster / Comments: (0)
I chose this picture to go on my Dance and Music blog because these children are gifted dancers and teaching pre-school dance fascinates me. Young children have their own special rhythm as they are not yet influenced by rules of movement. It always amazes me to see talented children both young and old learning how beautiful they can dance. Dancing becomes a part of their life!
This Summer I will unleash the hidden talents of all children who attend the Fairy Princess Camp & the Teacup Camp at my studio.
Summer is long and hot in Arizona, and parents – you have a choice. You can keep your child at home doing what they always do, you can drag them to a babysitter they don’t like, OR – BETTER, YET …
Sign up for Dance Camps and let your child learn to SING, DANCE, and PRODUCE a show for you! Kids who study the arts have more confidence and develop appreciation for performance. Visit my website www.wagnerdancearts. for more confidence building ideas. Dance like a child and bring Summer to Life!
Denise Wagner, Artistic Director
