That's
Dancing Publicity
| Fusion Force Dance Company performs at Future Stars Talent Competition in Boca Raton. Jr. Company takes the Director's Choice Award and is mentioned twice in the following article. It was said that they captured the essence of the competition. Way to Go Fusion Force!
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Congratulations Brittany Murray! That's Dancing student and Fusion Force Dance Company Member!
Making the cut: FAU dance team tryouts The Florida Atlantic Dance Team held its first round of tryouts for the 2008-09 season on Sunday, April 13. Thirteen dancers made the cut and are participating in 'Boot Camp' this week, with the final tryout this Sunday, when eight dancers will be chosen. Dance Team coach Dyanne Loput conducted the tryout, teaching the candidates two dances that they practiced for several hours before performing before three judges. The Dance Team performs at a variety of functions during the year, including all home football and basketball games, along with pep rallies and other athletic functions. (Sun-Sentinel/Ted Hutton / April 15, 2008)
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April
28, 2008
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March 2008 |
Around
Wellington Magazine
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Voted Best Dance Studio in Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast! Way to go...That's Dancing!
Thanks to everyone that voted for us!! |
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County teen will compete at an dance showcase in Germany By Mary Thurman Yuhas The little girl stood out, and she recalls thinking to herself, "someday she's going to be good," she said. LaMaina's hunch proved right. Lamour, 17, who lives west of Lake Worth with her parents, has been selected to represent Team U.S.A. at the World Dance Showcase in Riesa, Germany, Nov. 22 to 26. More than 40 countries are taking part, and more than 200 dancers from the United States will compete. Before being selected, Lamour competed in the Headliner's Regional Championships 2006 in Coconut Creek. In July, she competed and won the Headliner's National Championships 2006 in Lancaster, Pa., against more than 400 other dancers. "I was really, really excited, and I skipped when I received my award, because I was so happy," Lamour said. Her teacher said Lamour is not just talented, she's tough. "Carolyn doesn't mention that she has scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, which makes dancing much more challenging and demanding for her," LaMaina said. When she's not practicing, Lamour wears a brace and says sometimes her back hurts. "I've known since I was 4, and my doctor said to be careful and know my limitations and stop when I'm having a lot of pain," she said. It's impressive that Lamour earned a spot on Team USA, said Shari Tomasiello, national director of the Headliners competition. "I would be astounded if she did not place and at least earn one of the medals for the U.S. She is that good," Tomasiello said. "The way she presents herself on stage is breathtaking, and she's a very sweet person." The host in Germany, the International Dance Organization, will judge the showcase competition. The nonprofit organization was started in 1981 to give amateur and professionals a place to compete, according to the organization's Web site. "This is the one event that happens annually, where dancers can compete against other countries, rather than be a team member for a specific dance studio," Tomasiello said. Lamour is trained in lyrical, modern, ballet, pointe ballet, jazz and tap and practices six or seven days a week, said LaMaina, co-owner and artistic director of her dance studio. At nationals, when the five judges held up placements card, every judge held up one for Lamour. "It was a unanimous choice that she was to represent the U.S.A.," LaMaina said. Carolyn's mother, Lydie Lamour, and LaMaina are accompanying Carolyn to Germany. Lydie Lamour said her husband, Jean-Michel Lamour, and their other children, Isabel Lamour, 21, and Jean-Paul, 14, can't join them. Lamour always has been passionate about dance and practices a lot, her mother said. "When she does something, she goes all of the way, and we are very, very happy for her," she said. Lamour will be wearing a costume her mother made, a black vest with black shorts. She will wear black feathers in her hair for her routine Bye Bye Blackbird. Lamour's mother said she home-schools her daughter, so she can have a flexible school schedule and practice dance throughout the day. Loren Foster is a dance teacher at That's Dancing and has worked with Lamour for four years and choreographed Blackbird. "Carolyn is a dream to choreograph, because she can do any movement you dream up and bring it to life," she said. "She makes something impossible possible." Winning is a little sweeter this year, because she didn't place in the finals last year, Lamour said. After she graduates from high school next spring, she hopes to get a degree in dance and English literature. She plans to attend a state university and thinks Florida State University in Tallahassee has a good dance program, she said. She would like to perform with a company in Florida and eventually teach, she said. |
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Dancer wins national competition;
earns trip to Germany to perform
BYLINE: MICHELLE MUNDY, Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
When Carolyn Lamour was 5, she asked her teacher for extra schoolwork. "That's when my mom said, 'There's a problem here,''" Lamour, now 17, said laughing. "So I started dancing because I needed something to do."
For Lamour, dance is expressive and helps her stay strong. She's also made friends, and looks forward to making more in Germany. "It'll be fun meeting new people and seeing different dances," she said.
Lamour said she wants to share what she's learned some day."I definitely want to teach," she said. "It's always been on the back of my mind ... Maybe I'll go to Florida State University. They have a really good dance program there."
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/greenacres/content/neighborhood/greenacres/epaper/2006/08/09/npg_lamourpro_0809.html |
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Congratulations That's Dancing!
2006 South Florida Parenting Magazine Silver Crown Award Winner for Best Art Class |
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DEDICATION, AMBITION PAY OFF FOR DANCE COMPETITION WINNER Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Wednesday, December 21, 2005
BYLINE: MICHELLE MUNDY, Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Elizabeth Stone tries to dance every day. There are only two weeks out of the year that she doesn't practice steps with That's Dancing, a studio in suburban Lake Worth.
When she's not learning new dances, "I make them up," she said. Dedication has paid off for Stone, who recently was crowned Petite Miss Dance of Florida at the Dance Masters of America competition in Daytona Beach. She will represent the state at nationals in Las Vegas in July. To win the competition, the young dancer had to go through an interview, classes and perform a solo. She performed a dance solo to Part of Your World from her favorite movie, The Little Mermaid. It's not shocking that the Freedom Shores Elementary fourth-grader won, said Andrea LaMaina, one of Stone's dance teachers and co-owner of That's Dancing. "She's a quick learner," she said. "She's eager and ambitious. She's also very consistent." LaMaina's sister and studio co-owner, Michele Walsh, agreed. "She always wants to push herself to jump higher to learn more and to take the next step," she said. Stone does ballet, modern, jazz, tap and lyrical dance. She wants to learn point when she turns 12. She performs with That's Dancing about 12 times a year. To improve her performances, she points her toes more and shows facial expressions. She also recommends practicing and paying attention in class in order to succeed. "I'm really proud of her, as hard as she works," said Stone's mom, Lauren, who danced for 16 years. "I'm proud of her no matter what she does. I want her to do well, but I want her to enjoy it." Enjoying it is something Stone does enthusiastically. When asked whether she gets nervous, Stone is quick to say "no." She enjoys dancing by herself or in front of an audience and said she has fun. Despite her dedication to dance, the suburban Lake Worth resident is a typical 9-year-old. She loves pizza. Her favorite color is blue. She has a 2-year-old brother, Matthew. Her favorite subject in school is math, for not-so-obvious reasons. "I like it because we learn about degrees, and in dance class we move our legs in degrees." What's your favorite hobby? Practicing dances with friends, in-line skating, swimming and playing tennis. What's the hardest thing about dancing? "Remembering the routines." What's the easiest thing about dancing? Having fun. Where were you born and what brought you to Florida? Pittsburgh. Her parents, Lauren and Matthew Stone, moved here when she was about 1 month old because they had family in South Florida. What did you first enjoy about dancing? "We played flower games and Hula-Hoops" to learn dancing moves. michelle_mundy@pbpost.com Illustration: PHOTO (C) ELIZA GUTIERREZ/Staff Photographer Copyright (c) 2005 Palm Beach Newspapers, Inc. |
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Dance Masters of America Florida Chapter #2 is pleased
to announce their title winners for 2005 Alexandra Morgan, Miss Dance; Sean Duvall, Mr. Dance; Eliana Girard, Teen Miss Dance, Marquis Cunningham, Teen Mr. Dance, Ashley Issacs, Jr. Miss Dance, Alex Royal Jr. Mr. Dance; Ariel Reichenbach, Petite Miss Dance, Brian Finnerty, Petite Mr. Dance, and Jillian Medero, Mini Miss Dance. It was the first time that Dance Masters of America Florida Chapter #2 held all five title divisions together at the fall convention. In all, there were over sixty title contenders. For the title competition, each dancer was required to participate in audition classes, interviews, and finally perform a solo. In addition to the title competition, dancers participated in scholarship auditions in tap, jazz, ballet and acrobatics. DMA gave out over $5500.00 in all. A performing arts competition for solos, duets, and trios was also held plus excellent workshops taught by: Ron Daniels, Nicole DiCicco, Adrienne Canterna, Beth Strazzullo, Kara Spevak, and Jackie Colby.
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Local student wins title in
statewide competition Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Jillian Medero is a student at That's Dancing in western Lake Worth. She is also a member of Fusion Force, the studio's dance company. Vada Mossavat/The Post
Jillian Medero has set her sights on a career in dancing, and she's off to an impressive early start. Jillian, 9, was recently crowned Mini Miss Dance of Florida 2005 in a competition sponsored by the Dance Masters of America, Florida Chapter 2. Dance Masters is an association of certified dance educators that also sponsors scholarship competitions and offers workshops, training and master classes for students and teachers. Jillian Medero is a student at That's Dancing in western Lake Worth.
She is also a member of Fusion Force, the studio's dance company. Jillian lives in western Lake Worth and is a third-grader at JFK Medical Center Charter School. Dancing takes up most of her free time. "I used to bowl," she said, "but I wanted to dance more." Jillian is a student at That's Dancing in western Lake Worth. She takes dance classes at the studio every day except Friday and Sunday. She is also a member of Fusion Force, the studio's dance company. Jillian said that she began taking dance classes when she was 3, after her mother saw her "dancing around the house." After many more years of training, she hopes to become either a professional dancer or a dance instructor. Her mother, Tina, said that Jillian really enjoys dancing and "takes everything they offer, except pointe." Jillian receives training in tap, modern, jazz, ballet and lyrical (dance interpretation using a combination of ballet and jazz). She is too young to take pointe (ballet dancing on the tip of the toes). "She really loves it, and has even had me sign her up for a couple of extra classes," her mother said, adding that entering competitions has helped make Jillian more confident. "Jillian talks about becoming a dance instructor or professional dancer. It will definitely be something to do with dance." Andrea LaMaina, co-owner and artistic director of That's Dancing, is thrilled that Jillian won the Mini Miss Dance of Florida 2005 competition. "Jillian is a dedicated student who worked hard to earn this prestigious achievement," LaMaina said. "I'm proud to be her teacher and choreographer. All the teachers and students at That's Dancing share in my enthusiasm." As for Jillian, she's convinced the best part of dancing is that "it's a lot of fun, and a lot of learning."
"To use my expressions more when I'm dancing. To smile more." If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be? "My dance teacher, Miss Andrea." If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? "Hollywood." |
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Sun Sentinel - Celebrations Sunday, January 23rd 2005 NOTABLES; [Boynton Beach Edition 4] Mini Miss Dance of Florida
Jillian While some parents may have a hard time getting their kids to do homework, Lake Worth resident Tina Medero has no problem persuading Jillian to finish her work. Their arrangement is simple: no homework, no dancing. So after homework is done, the 9-year-old dedicates herself to a craft she's been honing since she was 2. Her dedication is paying off. Dance Masters of America recently crowned her Mini Miss Dance of Florida 2005. Asked about winning the crown, she only shyly responded she felt "good" and "it was fun." "She was stunned," her mother said of her accomplishment. "She couldn't believe it." But Medero says Jillian has never been shy about her desire to dance. "Jillian used to dance all over the house, so I signed her up at [western Lake Worth dance studio] That's Dancing," her mother said. She trains under the eye of That's Dancing owner Andrea LaMaina. Jillian also is part of the Fusion Force dance company. Jillian is also following in the footsteps of her older sister Jessica, 13, who also attends That's Dancing. "When I grow up, I want to be a dance teacher," Jillian said. (Copyright 2005 by the Sun-Sentinel) |
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Michele Walsh (left) and Andrea LaMaina always knew they wanted to dance and teach. 'We used to make up dances in our living room and put on shows,' LaMaina says. LaMaina is regional director of Dance Masters of America and a member of the Florida Dance Association. By KATHI MCFARLAND Teaching other people to love dance is one of Andrea LaMaina's key goals in life. It's a goal she's meeting with increasing success each year. LaMaina and her sister, Michele Walsh, are co-owners of That's Dancing in western Lake Worth. The studio opened in 1998, with a starting enrollment of just 28 students. LaMaina, 29, said that the early days of the studio were "really scary. I remember sitting in the office crying, saying: 'What did I do? Where are all the kids in Lake Worth?'" But That's Dancing grew at a steady pace, with an enrollment today of 450. Two weeks ago, the studio was moved into a much larger, 10,000-square-foot space at Lantana Square Shopping Center at the corner of Jog and Lantana roads. In addition to the studio, That's Dancing also has an audition-only dance company, Fusion Force, that performs locally and in competition. The company started with five members, and has 36 dancers from ages 7 to 19 today. Courses in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern and lyrical (dance interpretation using a combination of ballet and jazz) are available to students ages 3 and older. There is no upper age limit. Many of the older students enjoy tap dancing, especially rhythm tapping, and are great role models for the younger students, LaMaina said. "It's important for young students and teenagers to see that dance can always be a part of your life, no matter what your age." One of the most rewarding parts of teaching dance is "to see children get it, to master a step, and to see their excitement about their achievements," she said. "When they embrace dance and it becomes an important part of their lives, it's just awesome." LaMaina, a resident of western Lake Worth, had her first child three months ago, and taught dance "up to the day of delivery." She led a class in the morning, and entered the hospital that afternoon to give birth to her son, Nicholas Vincenzo. LaMaina said her years of dance training definitely helped her during labor. "I think I had the easiest delivery ever." Two weeks later, she was back at work. But unlike most new moms, LaMaina was able to bring her baby to work every day. She also had someone who was happy to baby-sit: LaMaina's mother is office manager at That's Dancing. Family is very important at the dance studio. LaMaina moved here from New Jersey, and was soon joined by her sister, Michele. Their parents provided financial help to get the business started, and later moved to Florida to help when That's Dancing began to grow. "Our parents made the dream come true for us," LaMaina said. They also got their daughters interested in dance at an early age. "Our parents put us into dance so we'd become more graceful," La-Maina said. "We used to trip up the stairs." Both sisters went on to earn college degrees in dance performance and education. LaMaina received her bachelor's degree from Towson University in Towson, Md., and Walsh received a bachelor's degree from the University of Miami and a master's from Temple University. For more information, visit www.ThatsDancing.com. @ kathi_mcfarland@pbpost.com |
| Palm Beach Post Neighborhood News Front Page 3-19-03
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NEIGHBORS Carolyn LaMour, a student of Andrea LaMaina and Michele Walsh from
That's Dancing Dance Studio in Lake Worth, won numerous awards at the
International Dance Challenge Competition at the Broward Community College
in February. LaMour performed a point piece to Habanera, choreographed
by Walsh, which received the highest award, a platinum medal. She also
performed a lyrical jazz solo to Rosemary's Granddaughter, choreographed
by LaMaina, that won a platinum medal and The Breath of Fresh Air Award.
LaMour was crowned Miss Global Dance Intenational and chosen to represent
South Florida for National Dance Week 2003. LaMour,.13, resides in Lake
Worth with her parents Lydie and Jean Michel LaMour. |
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Palm Beach Post 2002 Front Page Neighborhood Post Staff Photographer: Damon Higgins
Five year old Staci Sciandra gets a helping hand from her teacher Andrea LaMaina when trying to learn a new tap dance move at That's Dancing studio in Lake Worth, FL. |
