Hosting CPR/First Aid Certification Class

DEAC is hosting CPR & First Aid Certification classes at the studio August 27 from 2:00-5:00 by Hart Fitness Consulting. We only have 15 spaces left available for anyone interested in the certifications. The cost is $20 for First Aid (covering burns, bleeding, etc) & $20 for CPR including pediatric, child, & adult. Speak to Amy, email Amy@DancExplosionArts.com or call 412-821-1223 if interesting in claiming your spot in the class. 
Check out Hart Fitness Consulting on the Website at:
http://www.hartfitnessconsulting.com/

New Addition to our Creative Team: Alexandra Tiso

Alexandra Tiso began her dance training in jazz, tap, and contemporary styles at various schools in Tampa, Florida. At twelve years old, she changed her focus to

classical ballet and modern with teachers Amanda Keeney and Mitsie Kraack. She was accepted into the dance program at Blake High School of the Arts where she studied under Albena Arnaudova and Kelly Rayl. Alexandra also attended training intensives at Orlando Ballet, the ROCK School, Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet, and Nashville Ballet. After graduation, Alexandra joined the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Graduate program, where she danced as a trainee for two years. She is currently a company member of Texture Contemporary Ballet.
Alexandra has performed in numerous Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre productions and has performed George Balanchine’s Serenade. She also danced in choreographer Robert Moses’ premiere performance of, How Does One Arrive at Short-Story Technique? She has received numerous awards and honors, including being chosen as the model dancer for example of video submissions for the All State Dance program in the state of Florida. She has had her choreography displayed at Blake High School of the Arts and the Youth America Grand Prix.
Many of you may remember Allie as she brought her talents & creativity to substitute teach at DEAC last season! She will be instructing classes on Tuesday, Saturday Morning, bi-monthly on Wednesdays, and working with our dance company on technique and choregraphy. 

  Please welcome her into our dance family!

Farewell Miss Laura!

DEAC bids farewell to Miss Laura Timens! As a fabulous contributor to DEAC's creative team, Miss Laura instructed our teen program, Tuesday tots classes, Thursday Kinderdance & Level 1 classes, as well as assisted with company routines. She heads off to pursue a Masters in accounting at George Washington University. She will also be instructing dance classes a few nights a week in Washington, DC as well. We wish her tremendous luck as she pursues this amazing new path in her life! ♥ ♥ We'll miss you!!!

OPEN HOUSE

Photo by iSimon Photography 2012

@iSimon2012

DancExplosion Arts Center is holding the annual Open House from August 27-30 from 5:00-8:00.  

This is a great time when students & parents can speak to teachers about classes, take a tour of the studio, & register for the 2012/2013 Season classes.  Get excited about Dance!  
Our NEW Schedule will be email & mailed out on 8/1/12! 

Featuring: 

**New DISCOUNT TUITION RATES for ALL DANCE FAMILIES!

**REFER A FRIEND PROGRAM:  Refer a friend whom registers for dance classes & pays for 1 month of tuition & receive $15 off your next months tuition.  (Incentive valid 1 per family, per season)

**TRIPLE THREAT:  Register for 3 classes or more at DEAC & save $5.00 off of your registration fee for becoming a DEAC Triple Threat!  (Incentive valid 1 per family, per season)

**4 Levels of TUMBLING ACROBATIC CLASSES: All ages & levels!  

**BOYS ONLY Class for 6 yrs & up on Thursday Evenings!

**TEEN DANCE PROGRAM:  Featuring Teen Contemporary Fusion, Teen Dance Foundations, & Teen Introductory Hip Hop!  Unique to DEAC, a program especially tailored to the teenage students new to dance!  

DEAC "Art in Motion" DVD

2012 Student Production: "Art in Motion" DVD has arrived & is available for pick up! If you have not already received your DVD,  DEAC is open from July 16-August 16 (Mon-Thurs from 4:00-8:00)
Check out the 2011/2012 Season of Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Tumbling, & More!
Interested in our studio????  Ask Amy if you can "Check-Out" the DVD for 1 week to preview our work!  

On Stage America Nationals 2012

DancExplosion Arts Center Company Competed at On Stage America Nationals the Week of July 9-13 in Cape May, New Jersey!

 The entire week before nationals, the girls practiced over 6 hours a day and took many extra ballet classes and technique classes to get ready for the national stage.  Competing in a wide range of dance disciplines including Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, & Tap, the company had an excellent showing!

 SOLOS

Maeve Costello:  "Beauty in Walking Away"  Choreography by Amy Johnston, Coaching Asst by Kelly Gallagher & Emma Chammas, HIGH PLATINUM

    "Electricity" Choreography by Amy Johnston PLATINUM

Rebecca Beckas: "Broadway Baby"  Choreography by Amy Johnston, Coaching Assisted by Kelly Gallagher, PLATINUM, "Tiny Performer, Big Talents" Special Award

Claire Costello:  "I'm In Here"  Choregraphy by Amy Johnston & Renee Smith HIGH PLATINUM

Samantha Beckas: "I'm Like A Bird" Choregraphy by Amy Johnston HIGH PLATINUM

Carolyn Jack: "Alice"  Choregraphy By Amy Johnston HIGH PLATINUM

Allison Chammas: "Fly"  Choreography by Amy Johnston HIGH PLATINUM 

Jenna Markovich:  "UnLike You"  Choreography by Amy Johnston HIGH PLATINUM "Contemporary Classic & Power" Special Award, "Deliver Me" Choreography by Renee Smith HIGH PLATINUM

Angie Hedglin: "Wild Things Are..." Choreography by Renee Smith PLATINUM,  "I Miss You" Choreography by Jamie Erin Murphy HIGH PLATINUM

Casey Funtal: "Hey Lover" Choreography by Amy Johnston PLATINUM

DUO/TRIOS

"Safe in Your Arms"  Rebecca & Samantha Beckas, Choreography by Amy Johnston HIGH PLATINUM, Special Judges Award for "Beautiful Emotional Connection"  

"The Ghosts of the Raven"  Ally Chammas & Jenna Markovich, HIGH PLATINUM, 1st Runner-up Duet/Trio OVERALL

"Tom's Diner" Angie Hedglin, Jenna Markovich, & Ally Chammas, HIGH PLATINUM, 4th Runner-up Duet/Trio OVERALL

"I'm Good, I'm Gone"  Angie, Jenna, & Ally, HIGH PLATINUM 

GROUPS

"How Come You Don't Call"  Ally, Angie, Jenna, Carolyn, Claire, Samantha, & Casey HIGH PLATINUM, 5th OVERALL SENIOR GROUPS, Choreo by Amy Johnston

"Bum Like You" Nicole, Sam, Carolyn, Claire, & Casey PLATINUM, Choreo by Renee Smith

"Heartless" Ally, Jenna, Ang, & Samantha, HIGH PLATINUM, "Tremendous Focus" Judges Award

Congrats to all of the Competitors on a job well done & executing each piece with commitment and artistry!!! Way to Go DancExplosion Arts Center!!!

For more photos, check us out on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dancexplosionarts?ref=hl

Celebrate the Uniqueness Within: Modern Dance

Murphy Smith Dance Collective, Photo by Bill Shirley

Question: What does DancExplosion Arts Center have that other studios do not????

Answer: Miss Renee Smith

A graduate of Point Park University and Co-Artistic Director of DancExplosion Arts Center, Renee specializes in innovative & creative choreography especially in Modern & Contemporary Dance. As Co-Founder of the Murphy Smith Dance Collective, Miss Renee's athletic & fiery dance style is bound with honesty found through exploration of the human body. She helps her students to explore space, emotional connection, & celebrate the uniqueness within. Join her at DEAC as she shares her dance knowledge & aids students to continue to grow a passion for dance!!!!

Check out Miss Renee's Full Biography on our ABOUT US... section 

Please check out The Murphy/Smith Dance Collective:  

http://www.murphysmithdance.org

DEAC planning for 2012/2013 Company

Interested in Company????

DEAC has 3 competitive companies; Petites (7-9 yrs roughly), Juniors (10-13 yrs), & Teen/Seniors (13 yrs & up).  It is important to note that at times some dancers will compete outside of their age level with older groups based upon skills & technique. 

Participation can include only solo competition,

duet/trio competition, and group competition; but can also be limited based on individual commitments, cost, & concerns.

Competition is a great way to build self-esteem, discipline, & goal setting.  Our goal is to encourage our young dancers to be unique, creative, &; inspired.  Reach for the stars!!!!

 How will the company routines be chosen?

*Through careful observation, DEAC staff will chose Petite, Junior, Teen, & Senior Company competition routines & members based on dancers mixed abilities, technique, performance quality, & overall attitude. Routines can include duets, trios, or small/large groups.  Selection of routines is at the sole discretion of Director/Choreographer/Instructor

 Things to know:  

 

·         Every competitor is required to take a weekly ballet class, jazz class plus an additional technique class per week in the discipline selected for competition.  Also, 2012/2013 Competitors must take ballet, jazz, & 1 supplemental class in the SUMMER of 2012.  Choreography & rehearsals are held on Saturdays during the dance season & select routines will begin in the summer 2012.

·         Petites & Some Juniors will be asked to perform in winter & spring performances, & 1- 2 competitions per year.

·         Junors, Teen/Seniors will be asked to perform in winter & spring performances, & 3- 4 competitions per year. 

·         Company members receive solo fee discount.

·         Company Families will receive early ticket sales for winter performance & recital.

Please feel free to e-mail Amy@DancExplosionArts.com or call the studio with any questions. 

OnStage America Nationals!!!

The week of July 8th, our senior company is traveling to Cape May, New Jersey in order to compete in OnStage America's National competition. The girls will be competing against other dancers from all across the country. We wish them luck and hope to come home with another plethora of trophies!!

I Love Dance!!!

The last competition of our regional season, I Love Dance, was a great end to a fabulous season!

The girls swept it away and truly showed their love for dance!

Rebecca Beckas - Broadway Baby - 1st in category - 1st overall all routines ages 6-8

Maeve Costello - Electricity - 1st in category - 3rd overall all routines ages 9-11

Shalyn Szymczak - New Shoes - 1st in category

Darbey and Maeve - Here Comes the Sun - 1st in category

Pink Cadillac - 1st in category

The Dolls - 2nd in category

Carolyn Jack - Alice - 3rd in category

Claire Costello - I'm In Here - 3rd in category

I'm Good, I'm Gone - 1st in category

Bum Like You - 1st in category

Tom's Diner - 1st in category - 2nd overall all routines ages 18+ - "Best Musicality" Award

Angie Hedglin - I Miss You - 2nd in category

Jenna Markovich - Unlike You - 1st in category - 3rd overall all routines ages 18+

Angie Hedglin - Wild Things Are - 2nd in category

Ghosts of the Raven - 1st in category

How Come You Don't Call - 2nd in category

Rock Me Amadeus - 3rd in category

Can You Feel the Groove??

April 21 was the beginning of National Dance Week, which is a rather important week to our studio. Groove Competition was also held this day at Fox Chapel High School. A brand new competition, Groove focuses on sportsmanship, offering great dance opportunities to competitors, and having fun.

Pink Cadillac - Gold

 The Dolls - Gold

Clutter - High Gold

Tom's Diner - Platinum - 2nd Overall

 I'm Good, I'm Gone - High Gold - 3rd Overall

Bum Like You - High Gold

How Come You Don't Call - High Gold

Ghosts of the Raven - High Gold - 4th Overall

Here Comes the Sun - Gold - 10th Overall

 Solos:

Zoey McCarthy - For Fashion - High Silver

Maeve Costello - Electricity - Gold

Becca Beckas - Broadway Baby - High Gold

Ally Chammas - Fly - High Gold - 3rd Overall

Carolyn Jack - Alice - High Gold

Jenna Markovich - Deliver Me - High Gold

Angie Hedglin - I Miss You - High Gold - 5th Overall

Jenna Markovich - Unlike You - High Gold

Casey Funtal - Hey Lover - High Gold

Sam Beckas - I'm Like a Bird - Gold

Claire Costello - I'm In Here - Gold

Angie Hedglin - Wild Things Are - High Gold

West Coast Dance Explosion

 While most of Pittsburgh was downtown during St. Patrick's Day weekend, the DEAC Senior Company plus Junior members Rebecca Beckas, Maeve Costello, and Shalyn Szymczak attended the West Coast Dance Explosion Competition and Convention in the Westin Hotel and Convention Center. Routines could receive anywhere between 2 -5 stars and all of our routines received an impressive 4! Maeve Costello really stood out in the convention classes, as she received a full scholarship to attend the competition next season! Great job girls!!!

OnStage America Competition Results!

During the weekend of February 24-26, our DEAC Company competed in their first competition of the season. OnStage America is one of the oldest competitions in the dance world, and our dancers showcased some powerful dancing and newly, innovative choreography. The judging system ranged from Silver - at the low end of the scale - to Diamond - which was only two points below a perfect score!

Petite/Junior Age Division

Rebecca Beckas - Broadway Baby - Choreography: Amy Johnston - High Platinum

Zoey McCarthy - For Fashion - Choreography: Amy Johnston - Platinum

Maeve Costello - Electricity - Choreography: Amy Johnston - Platinum

Darbey Naughton & Maeve Costello - Here Comes the Sun - Choreography: Amy Johnston - High Gold

Petite Company - Pink Cadillac - Choreography: Amy Johnston - High Gold

Junior Company - The Dolls - Choreography: Amy Johnston and Renee Smith - Platinum

Senior Company:

Claire Costello - I'm In Here - Choreography: Amy Johnston - Platinum

Sam Beckas - I'm Like A Bird - Choreography: Amy Johnston - High Platinum

Jenna Markovich - Unlike You - Choreography: Amy Johnston - High Platinum

Carolyn Jack - Alice - Choreography: Amy Johnston - Platinum

Ally Chammas - Fly - Choreography: Amy Johnston - High Platinum

Angie Hedglin - I Miss You - Choreography: Jamie Erin Murphy

Casey Funtal - Hey Lover - Choreography: Amy Johnston - Platinum

Jenna Markovich - Deliver Me - Choreography: Renee Smith - High Platinum

Angie Hedglin - Wild Things Are - Choreography: Renee Smith - High Platinum

Ally Chammas & Jenna Markovich - Ghosts of the Raven - Choreography: Amy Johnston and Renee Smith - High Platinum

Ally, Angie, Jenna - Tom's Diner - Choreography: Renee Smith - Diamond

Ally, Angie, Jenna - I'm Good, I'm Gone - Choreography: Amy Johnston - High Platinum

How Come You Don't Call - Choreography: Amy Johnston - High Platinum

Clutter - Choreography: Renee Smith - High Platinum

Bum Like You - Choreography: Renee Smith - High Platinum

Team Storm Awards:
 Senior Team: Sam Beckas, Ally Chammas, Angie Hedglin, and Jenna Markovich

Junior Team: Maeve Costello

Renee Danielle Smith on Pittsburgh Today LIVE!!!

Guess Who was dancing on Pittsburgh Today LIVE???? Miss Renee!!!

Promoting the New Moves Dance Festival (May10-12th) at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater: 3 Days of Dance & 5 different dance programs in Pittsburgh & beyond!!!
Creating Inspiration across this great City: Thank you Miss Renee & Miss Jamie!!!

Murphy Smith Dance Collective...Check out the link!  Woot!
http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/pittsburgh-today-live/

DEAC Summer Classes

SUMMER DANCE 2012
Beginning July 16-August 16

Schedule will be added to website shortly.  

Email Amy@DancExplosionArts.com for a full packet including tuition, schedule, & additional information!

Register by 7/2/2012 to guarantee class placement

PERSPECTIVE COMPETITORS MUST REGISTER for 4 weeks 

(Ballet, Jazz, & 1 supplemental class) during Summer Dance to be ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION for our 2012-2013 COMPANY. 

Send full registration & Payment to: DancExplosion Arts Center, LLC

2014 C Babcock Blvd, Pittsburgh, Pa 15209

Classes contingent upon enrollment; DEAC reserves the right to change or modify class schedule based upon enrollment.

 $15 Registration fee for all NEW DEAC Students
$10 Registration fee for all former DEAC Students
$5 Registration fee for additional former DEAC Siblings
$10 Registration fee for additional NEW DEAC Sibling

DEAC Recital Package

DANCEXPLOSION ARTS CENTER
RECITAL PACKAGE
due 5/26/2012

Package includes: student production DVD, T-shirt, & recital participation fee. 
Cost: $50 per student
$15 per each additional dancer in family
The recital package is a mandatory fee for each dancer.  We get special rates from the each company for purchasing in mass quantities.  Details about this recital fee were located in your tuition chart you received upon registration, student handbook,  & on each costume deposit/final payment invoice. 
T-shirts & DVDs are available to buy separately if you would like additional items.
T-shirts= $10
DVD= $35

6/16 Dress Rehearsal & 6/17 Student Production is Approaching!!!!!

In the coming weeks, You will be given a Student production handout that will answer the questions you may have concerning the DancExplosion Arts Center Dress Rehearsal on June 16, 2012 & Student Production to be held June 17, 2012 at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center on Cemetery Lane.  There is bound to be some confusion, however, with everyone’s cooperation, the system used will keep this confusion to a minimum.

 

Tickets will be on sale beginning Saturday, June 2 at 10 am through Thursday, June 14 th.  

 Tickets can be purchased once the dancer’s account has been paid in full for the season. ALL SEATS ARE RESERVED, ASSIGNED, AND SEATING IS LIMITED. There are only 500 seats available for this performance.  All seats in the theatre provide ample viewing but it is suggested that you purchase your tickets early for optimal seating. Tickets for the performance will be $10. Anyone requiring a seat must purchase a ticket. Handicapped Accessible seating is available. Please let the front desk know if you have special requirements.  Babies under the age of 2 years can sit in the lap of a parent but please be considerate of your fellow audience members when dealing with your young children. Tickets can be purchased at the door the evening of the performance for $12 (seats cannot be selected at this time). 

RECITAL WEEK SCHEDULE

Classes June 11-14 will remain as scheduled.  There will be no changes to the dance schedule. 

DRESS REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

Beginning at 3:00 at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center.  

Schedule to be handed out shortly. 

The studio will be closed on June 15-17.  There will be NO regularly scheduled CLASSES on SATURDAY, JUNE 16 so that the staff may finish the final details and preparations for the performance.

SHOWTIME EVENTS SCHEDULE on JUNE 17^th

·       11:45 am Assistant Teachers Arrival

·       12:15: Petite, Junior, Teen & Senior Company Arrival, Stretching & Final Details

·       12:30: DEAC Petite-Level 3 student CALL TIME

·       12:45: Intro to Dance & Kinderdance Students Arrival

·       1:00: Door open to the public

·       1:30: SHOWTIME!!!!