Bella Danze Artz (“BDA”) in Westminster, Colorado, is owned and directed by Diane Caputo. They strive to teach proper and strong technique as well as confidence, discipline and showmanship! Bella Danze Artz teaches students from 3 years old through adult. They offer classes in Ballet, Tap, Musical Theater Dance, Jazz, Lyrical, Pom and Hip Hop!
Although BDA is only a few years old, the student body is largely made up of second generation students. Diane’s first school, Centre of Dance, was established in 1975 and run successfully for 31 years. After selling it and moving to Arizona, Diane returned to this area and opened Bella Danze Artz in 2012. For Diane, it is so rewarding to watch her alumni’s children following in their parents’ steps and sharing the love of dance with them!
BDA’s mission is to create an exciting, well rounded dance education for students of all ages. They strive to implement professionalism as well as high standards, both artistically and environmentally. They take pride in running a school where students will learn the art of dance and expression!
Their vision is to provide students with a love for dance that will stay with them throughout their lives. Along with learning dance, they gain confidence and a winning self-esteem. Bella Danze Artz provides a sense of family where students can enjoy themselves and express themselves through dance.
Diane worked with a young boy for eight months, teaching him tap. Although he had never tapped before, he was being classically trained. He had a strong desire to be on Broadway in Billy Elliott and after auditioning several times, he finally made it on the touring company. This was definitely a highlight in her teaching career!
In Diane’s opinion, the biggest mistake young dancers make today is not seeing the 
benefit in attending classes each week. She especially sees this in her Ballet classes. Since this style of dance is so technical and rigorous, it is important for these students to show up to class on a regular basis. Bella Danze Artz strives to teach proper technique in all styles of dance. Although this requires commitment to learn, BDA hopes it keeps their students interested and wanting more.
Because Bella Danze Artz is a new studio, they are focusing on increasing their number of students. They are always finding ways to be seen by the public to get their name out there. One of the ways they do this is through competitions. At the moment, they have two performing/competitive teams which have been doing very well at local dance competitions.
Diane’s involvement in the community has been immense. She owned and operated her own dance school for 31 years. During this time she was the director/choreographer for the Miss Colorado Pageant, regional director for Dance Educators of America and a member for 25 years. She was also the choreographer for numerous high school musicals, judged several national talent competitions and was on the faculty for PDTA, traveling state wide teaching at conventions. She received an award for 30 years of Excellence in Business from the City of Westminster.
In 2008, she joined the Academy of Colorado Ballet faculty as the administrator, serving as the interim Academy Director. She was the tap instructor as well as guest choreographer for the performing and competing company until June 2010. She has worked with the ice skaters at the Promenade Ice Arena and started the Tap Program at Ballet Nouveau in Broomfield.
According to Diane, the decision to open her first studio was actually pretty simple. She worked at the studio she grew up in from the time she was 16 years old and have always had a passion for dance. Not only that, she loves children as well as teaching them the art of dance! Diane’s passion and love for dance is grounded in the belief that owning a dance school and sharing a love for the art, goes hand in hand!
During a career of more than thirty years, Diane has brought dance education to thousands of students throughout the metro area. She attended the United States International University in San Diego, California, on a dance scholarship, and graduated with a Musical Theater Dance Arts degree. She auditioned and was accepted at the MGM hotel in Reno, Nevada to perform in “Hello Hollywood Hello!” Miss Diane has performed in numerous musicals; West Side Story, Oklahoma, Oliver, and Guys and Dolls. She was a member of the original Bronco Cheerleaders and performed with a local jazz company, Jazz West.
Her professional training has spanned from the East to West coast spending time studying privately with such greats as; Henry LaTang, Savion Glover, Michael Minery, Rhonda Miller, Al Gilbert, Charlie McGowen, Laurie Johnson, Joe Tramaine and the great Gus Giordano, just to mention a few!
Over the past 40 years, she has taught thousands of students, some of which have gone on to become teachers, Cruise Ship Entertainers, Las Vegas Showgirls, and Broadway Performers; just to mention a few careers!
Bella Danz Artz also has two shows per school year which include their holiday show in December and the end of the year gala in June.
Another offering of Bella Danz Artz is the parties they provide. Their parties not only include the usual paper goods and favors, they also provide professional hair and makeup styling. Additionally, although they provide a choreographed routine to match the party theme, the guests do not have to know how to dance. The themes include Princess, Angelina Ballerina, Pop Music, Musical Theater, Superhero, Hip Hop, Disney, and custom party themes.
If you would like more information about Bella Danze Artz, visit their website at belladanzeartz.com, call them at 720.353.4400 or email them at info@belladanzeartz.com. You can also “Like” them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and connect with them on Instagram.
Please post a comment if you have had any experience with Diane Caputo of Bella Danze Artz.
Written By Cyndi Marziani
Owner
BDancewear.com
