C-Unit Studio in Chevy Chase, Maryland, is a comprehensive dance program where students who are serious about wanting to improve their dance education may do so in a year-long program that culminates in an annual “recital extravaganza.” They offer classes from beginner to advanced in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Hip-Hop and Contemporary.
Carlye Keenan, the Owner and Director, believes that what makes C-Unit different from other studios is their family atmosphere. She says that C-Unit feels like a small “boutique” rather than a large school. At C-Unit, they focus on getting to know each dancer individually as well as their families. They care about each dancer and strive to make them more confident people and performers. The goal is to send them out into the world having gained a concrete foundation not only in dance, but in the working world. Not everyone will continue their dance education after they graduate high school, but C-Unit wants to make sure they all leave with the same foundation. Carlye prides herself on knowing each dancer, instructor and the dancers’ families.
Carlye’s proudest moment in teaching was when one of her students moved to New York City for college and to pursue the commercial dance industry. She booked a Victoria Secret commercial dancing. When she called Carlye on the phone to tell her the great news, Carlye felt like a proud parent. Carlye’s goal is for her dancers to be happy and have the necessary tools to pursue their dreams.
The biggest mistake she sees a dancer make is becoming frustrated when they are unable to pick up choreography or technique fast enough. While an instructor must have a great deal of patience, he/she must teach patience and continued practice to each student, as well. Dancers learn techniques and routines, like other skills, at an individual pace and in different ways. Growth occurs through guidance, encouragement, patience and support. Dancers must understand that they learn and improve at their own level and should not compare themselves to other dancers.
Her goals for this year are to inspire her students to pursue dance to the furthest degree possible, and to be happy and content with their achievements as long as they have worked as hard as they possibly can.
She wishes to help them build on their dance education and to love what dance can do for them (including the possibility of dance as a career, if that is a realistic goal.)
Carlye was encouraged to start a studio by the pressure from her students’ parents while she was teaching at another studio. They saw something in her, believed in her and gave her the courage she needed to go out on her own. And now, here she is 10 years later with a successful studio and an award winning competition team.
A few other points you should know about her studio is that they do many after school programs at local elementary schools. They are able to bring hip-hop to the local schools for students who have parents that are unable to get them to the studio, or possibly can’t afford to do so. These classes are taught by her Senior Company Members. They reach eight schools a year, and are hoping to expand the program in the future. This gives the seniors an opportunity to mentor other younger dancers. In addition, the seniors are looked upon as role models in many areas of the students’ lives and it is a valuable experience for children who might otherwise be sitting at home in front of the television. C-Unit offers hip-hop classes after school in local Elementary Schools grades K-5th. If you are interested in bringing their classes to your child’s school, please contact Marlo Sims (301) 219-7334.
The Company is the studio’s competitive group that trains six days a week in ballet, pointe, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, lyrical, tap, and tumbling. Auditions for The Company are held at the end of the dance season by teacher recommendation only. The Company is divided into five groups: Pee Wees (5-7), Small Frys (8-10), Lil’ Rascals (10-12), Juniors (11-14), Seniors (15 & Up).
Carlye is very proud of her company members, as they have represented C-Unit at various competitions throughout the country. It is a wonderful opportunity to expand her students’ dance and performing techniques. Traveling, studying under new and innovative teachers, and competing against top rated companies are invaluable experiences.
Many C-Unit students aspire to be members of the company. Carlye encourages students to inform her if they want to join The Company so that she can direct them towards the correct classes to better prepare them for a possible audition and/or apprenticeship to the company.
Besides their normal classes, C-Unit Studio also offers Special Event Choreography where the studio choreographs a special dance routine to impress family and friends. The routine could be a solo, group, family, sibling or parent-child dances that could be performed at weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, family reunions, or any special gathering. If you are interested in a choreographed routine for your next event, contact caitlin@c-unitstudio.com for more information.
Finally, in addition to performing a huge recital show at the end of each dance season, C-Unit also holds a yearly dance show fundraiser to offset the cost of dance for student families in need.
If you would like more information about C-Unit Studio, visit their website at c-unitstudio.com, call them at (301) 664-7900 or email them at carlye@c-unitstudio.com. You can also follow them on Twitter, connect with them on Instagram and watch them on YouTube.
Please post a comment if you have had any experience with Carlye Keenan of C-Unit Studio.
Written By Cyndi Marziani
Owner
BDancewear.com
