It is the time of year when dancers are looking for the right place to work on their craft and parents are searching for the perfect fit for their little dancer. Area dance programs offer options for the serious dancer to the dancer just looking for fun.
My advice for students pursuing a dance career is to study from as many teachers as possible and in multiple disciplines: ballet, jazz, modern, tap, even hip hop. Professional dancers must be well versed in many styles. You never know which path you will follow. My advice to parents: visit the studios, observe classes, talk to instructors and staff. Most studios will allow you to take your first class for free, but I recommend four or five classes before you make a final decision about a studio. It sometimes takes this many classes to find the right fit! Have fun!
Dance Depot – Jazz, Tap, Acrobatics, Ballet, & Lyrical; 241-7764.
Family Atmosphere and established over 50 years ago. A wide variety of classes and supportive of the young dancer during a time of dance exploration.
Dreamweaver Dance Theatre – Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Petite Allegro, Salsa, Stretch and Hip Hop; 247-1010.
Many styles of dance. Professional, outgoing, friendly staff.
California Dance Company – Hip Hop, Rythym Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Tiny Tots, Modern, Competition and Lyrical; 365-7749.
Focus is competition teams. Competition can help develop energy and flexibility.
Redding Dance Center – Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Hip Hop & Yoga; 243-2211
Large, beautiful studio. 35 classes a week.
Front & Center Dance Studio – Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Modern, & Competition; 223-5208.
Family-friendly studio. Director works as a professional company dancer. Viewing window for parents to observe class.
Redding Ballet – Ballet, Modern, Musical Theatre, Voice, Hip Hop & Choreography; 241-6649.
Geared toward ballet training. Annual full-scale “Nutcracker” production with students in principal roles. Sprung floor covered in marley for a safe dancing surface. Viewing window for parents to observe class.
Artesan Dance Company Ballet – Modern, Ethnic Dance & Creative Movement; dance@artesandancecompany.com.
One of the newest dance companies. In association with Bethel Christian School where Summer Odell and Natasha Morken run the dance program for 1st- through 8th-graders. They now offer open classes to the community.
James Santos is a Redding native. In 2003, he returned from New York City, where he performed with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet and New York City Opera. As artistic director for the Dance Project, James made Cascade Christmas a North State holiday tradition, now in its fith year. He is the Director of Dance at University Preparatory School in Redding and parent to a pair of busy tots. For more information about the Dance Project, visit danceprojectredding.com.
Art by Raette Meredith. Visit artbyraette.com.
