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Burlesque inspired classes debut at Centre for Dance [HD]

Kimber Westphall — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 05:51:03 +0000

Speakers are pounding. Toes are tapping and fingers are snapping. This doesn’t sound typical for a Monday night but for many dance students in Dallas this has become a staple for their weekly routine.

“Our nine o’clock class is our burlesque hour and tonight’s feature is hip hop and heels so they do kind of a sexy, sassy, fun number to hip hop music, said Owner of Centre for Dance Susan Armijo.

Centre for Dance has reopened in Dallas under new ownership. A variety of classes are offered from hip hop hussle to burlesque.

“There’s a little bit of a misconception about burlesque and so we try to keep it clean here so they can do it anywhere,” said Armijo.

Burlesque classes have been around for quite some time but with the new burlesque movie hitting the cinema featuring Cher and Christina Aguilera popularity of the dance style is on the rise.

“Anything in heels is a great workout,” said dance student Kristy McBride. “They get the chair involved and everything working your legs, your butt and your abs. I think it’s an overall whole body workout.”

Hip hop heels which was the burlesque style feature of the night may be one of the more popular adult classes but Centre for Dance offers classes for every dance craving.

“We have a great, big adult following so we like to have a lot of adults and a lot of children,” said Armijo. “We start younger then a lot of other dance studios. We start at eighteen months old with mommy, daddy and me classes.”

Armijo herself has a little on on the way and has been taking dance classes through the majority of her pregnancy.

“I love it,” said Armijo. “Dancing and music twenty four seven. It’s who I am and it’s who I’ve always wanted to be. I’m very fortunate that I can do that.”

Armijo has equipped Centre for Dance with a solid team of all star dancers including a former Los Angeles Clippers dancer and several, former Dallas pro team dance members.

“Never be afraid to come try it,” said dance instructor Shannon Reznick. “We have such a variety of backgrounds and we’re able to really work with somebody and make them feel comfortable.”

“I’ve had people come in and have never had dance before and then they never leave,” said dance instructor Geena Ngaaje.

From beginner to advance dancers individuals are encourage to come in and try various sessions to find the class that best suits their style.

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Hundreds of aspiring dancers arrive at Power House of Dance [HD]

Lindsey Miller Crouch — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 20:43:05 +0000

16 year old Brena Gillaspie of Clifton, Texas has been dancing since the age of 4.

“My goals are to be on tour with any singers,” said Brena Gillaspie. “I like Beyonce, Janet Jackson, Michael, Lady Gaga and Justin Beber.”

So Gillaspie traveled two hours to the Power House of Dance in Frisco to learn from nationally acclaimed instructors who have choreographed for artists such as Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson. The instructors ranged from Lil’ C to Dallas Marericks Dancers Director Mallory Mills.

“I have a very strong energy for dancing,” said Mallory Mills. “It’s my passion and every time I am in front of anybody teaching anybody it’s almost like I want them to be the best they can be because I know I had those tools growing up.”

Tools that Mills hopes that 9 year old Abby Koczo will have too.

“Dancing is kind of like me doing what I want to, when I want to, what I want to do and why I want to do it,” said 4th grader Abby Koczo from Fisher Elementary. “It makes me feel like queen.”

Making her students feel like queen is something that choreographer Kim Mcswain firmly believes in.

“That’s what I do, and that’s why I’m kind over the top and in their face,” said Kim Mcswain. “It’s not so much of my choreographer or my talent or my credits. That has nothing to do with it. Every kid when they leave my class feels special and amazing.”

“I have mirrors in my room, and I’ll be dancing for hours but it’s never good enough,” said Gillaspie. “I guess that’s good being a perfectionist, but my mom’s like you need to chill because you’re good.”

Parents, professional choreographers and fans across the world encourage aspiring dancers like Gillaspie to believe in themselves and get out there and dance.

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2010 Houston Texans Cheerleaders [HD]

Norrelle Dickson — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:54:51 +0000

Hundreds of women auditioned for the 2010 Houston Texans Cheerleaders squad at Methodist Training Center.

“We’re expecting a lot of stiff competition,” said dancer Kirsten Hardy.

“All the veterans have to try out again,” said dancer Duyen Doan.

Before the competition started head dance instructor Alto Gary described what the judges are looking for. Once they got the choreography down it was show time.

“I’m always a fan of entertainment so I want to see the best,” said Texans Cheerleaders Services Manager Alto Gary. “If I could have my wish I wanted I would choose a well, rounded cheerleader who is beautiful, smart and talented.”

The dancers finished their eye catching preparations and took their places in front of the judges.

“If you want to be noticed and you want be to recognized you need to stand out,” said dancer Lauren Petty. “It could be your dance. It could be your looks. It’s everything that’s a factor in it.”

Find out which dancers had the right moves when the Houston Texans take the field on Sunday, September 12th in the Houston Texans season home opener against the Indianapolis Colts.

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Dallas Vigilantes Dancers hopefuls get surprise [HD]

Norrelle Dickson — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 16:14:12 +0000

After a one year break the Arena Football League is making its national comeback, and Dallas Texas is getting in on the action. The Dallas Vigilantes are now a part of the AFL. They have a new look and just as most important a new dance team.

The Director of the Dallas Vigilantes Dancers Emily Scoville has high hopes for the inaugural season.

“I want this team to be the best team in Dallas,” said Director Emily Scoville. “I want them to come out with the thunder.”

Fans won’t have to wait long to see what Scoville is talking about because with the Arena Football League season just around the corner the Dallas Vigilantes Dancers are wasting no time finalizing their ten member squad. Emotions were high and anticipation filled the room as the dancers arrived at the Legacy Dance Center for what they thought was day 2 of tryouts.

“More is expected of you then at semifinals and at preliminary auditions,” said dancer Veronica Serna.

“We all want to be here,” said former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Amy Jo McKinley. “We all want to be dancing so you have to do your best and sometimes it takes a lot of no’s to get a yes. That’s what we are here to do.”

The dancers didn’t have to wait long for that yes. Scoville had a surprise in store for them.

“What these ladies don’t know yet is that they think they have come in for semifinals but last week after prelims I figure what is the point of having something drag on that’s already known,” said Scoville. “I have already picked my team. They think they are here to audition again and learn more choreography.”

Scoville’s secret floored the dancers.

“I was so excited,” said dancer Tori Titus. “When we walked in I wasn’t really sure what was going on because she said the judges were going to be there. When we walked she said we made the team and we all started jumping up and down hugging each other.”

“Arena football is like a rock concert,” said Scoville. There is music. There is fire. It’s quick paced. It never dies down and a big part of the fan base is the dancers are so close and personal. You are dancing and when you turn around there is a fan right there in front of you.”

The Dallas Vigilantes Dancers will show off their moves all season long at American Airlines Center in Dallas.

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Dancing for FC Dallas [HD]

Norrelle Dickson — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:07:37 +0000

“Today is the FC Dallas Dancers dance team auditions,” said Director of FC Dallas Dancers Tamara Jenkins. “We are looking for fantastic girls that have energy, charisma and can dance.”

At the Power House of Dance in Frisco dance team hopefuls are high kicking their way into auditions in hopes of dancing for one of the best soccer teams in the country. Highly decorated choreographer Roger Lee knows how stressful and nerve racking auditions can be.

“I am originally from Dallas but I have resided in Los Angeles for the passed 7 years,” said choreographer Roger Lee. “I have been on tour with Justin Timberlake. I have choreographed for Janet Jackson for her All For You tour and her HBO special which was nominated for an Emmy. I worked with PINK and Gwen Stefani. If you really want to perform and entertain don’t let your nerves get the best of you.”

Before the dancers could strut their stuff a lot of preparation is being put into getting ready for this audition.

“Attending as many prep classes as they offer,” said dancer Kristen Haulderbaum. “We do a lot of eating healthy and conditioning and we do have to worry about our hair and makeup.”

As the dancers finished their final preparations to impress the judges tension began to build. It was showtime!

“I am looking for the best and the brightest today,” said Jenkins.

The dancers brought energy and talent to the auditions and after a grueling day it was time to find out who made the team.

“Oh my gosh,” said dancer Crystal Flores. “They’re going to post the winners tomorrow on the FC Dallas website. That just kind of nerve racking so I’m not going to be able to sleep tonight.”

“So we’ll all be like at work checking the website,” said Holderbaum.

And Holderbaum did make the team. It’s an achievement this dancer’s proud of and thankful for. She says without the support of her family none of this is possible.

“When I found out it was more a big wave of excitement not just for me but for my whole family because they’ve been rooting for me for a long time to,” said Holderbaum. “I don’t know how much money they’ve spent on dance practices since the age of five.”

Now that the dance team is finalized Jenkins and her squad can focus on making the FC Dallas Dancers season better then ever.

“The fans are great and I love soccer,” said dancer Rebekah Leonard. “It’s just a great atmosphere. We’re going to have a very successful year.”

These FC Dallas Dancers will showcase their talent all season long at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco.