Christina DeLessio-Sapone and Christine DeLessio, are the owners of the Step Up Academy of the Arts in Henderson, Nevada. Step Up is owned and operated by a mother-daughter duo who strive to create a home-away-from-home atmosphere where all students will reach their creative potential and have the opportunity to not only learn proper technique, but learn to be better artists and people. As the Artistic Director and owner of Step Up Academy, Christina’s award-winning choreography has placed in the top ten at every regional and national competition attended. She has also choreographed for many local and national pageants.
Christina, the Artistic Director, believes their studio stands out from other studios based primarily due to their amazing staff. According to her, their staff is top caliber. All of their teachers are professionals in the field and have worked or appeared with J LO, Cirque De Soliel, Tabitha and Napoleon, America’s Best Dance Crew, Phantom of the Opera on Broadway to name a few and have trained at the best schools/companies in the country. In addition, they care about the success of the individual student. Every child is viewed as a member of their family and strive to create the best possible education and atmosphere for each. As well as the recreational classes they offer, they also offer competitive classes and classes for children with special needs.
As a teacher, Christina says she has had many incredible moments. Seeing her kids excel and become better artists and people is by far the greatest achievement of Christina’s. Every time her kids walk on stage they are trying to be a better version of themselves; not trying to “beat” other teams. That is the true definition of a winner.
Christina thinks one of the biggest mistakes dancers make when they are performing is not committing 100% to their piece. One of the most amazing things to witness is a student who left everything on the dance floor. There is so much beauty in being vulnerable and telling a story based solely on movement.
Her goals are the same year after year – to continue to create technical dancers who are constantly striving to be better than they were yesterday. She wants to always inspire her kids and help them reach the next level as performers and individuals. This isn’t just about dance. It’s about life and creating people who will contribute to our world through dance and dedication.
Christina has always dreamed of owning her own studio. Growing up dancing, she knew how she wanted people to be treated and I know what was lacking in the dance community. She wanted to create an environment where her kids would never want to leave and, of course, to teach proper technique.
On top of Christina is the founder of the Twinkle Toez Foundation which provides scholarships for at-risk and low income children to participate in the arts. Christina believes that the youth of Nevada are the future of Nevada. “In addition to providing a safe, nurturing place for students to participate in arts programs after school, can you think of a better place to ‘hang out?’”
Step Up is the recent recipient of the “Studio of Excellence Award” from the Association of Dance Conventions and Competitions. Their dedication to be better versions of themselves has resulted in their students ranking nationally; receiving full ride scholarships to college and to the Joffrey Ballet; Outstanding Dancer Titles; and even Top Studio Titles. They are helping to mold their students into working artists who understand the principles of dedication, self-motivation, and never settling for mediocrity. They always take the next STEP UP!
Please post a comment if you have had any experience with Step Up Academy of the Arts of Dance or Christina DeLessio-Sapone.
Have a question for the Step Up Academy of the Arts? You can call them at 702-577-1832 or for more information, visit them at www.stepupacademy.com.
Step Up Academy IS my family! My oldest daughter has been a student since she was 18 months and is currently on the competition team. My middle daughter started a year ago and competes as well. My family is always welcomed into the studio wih the amazing mother daughter duo team that makes Step Up Academy and thier students “Step Up.” My daughters beg to go to class and are disappointed when there is no classes on that one day a week. I am truly blessed to be apart of an amazing studio. Christina DeLessio-Sapone is brilliant with her choreography because it is not just dance moves. Christina creates stories to connect to each student and amazes me every year. If you didn’t think it could get any better every instructor teaches the students to better each performance not “beat” other studios or children. This is a warming feeling that my children will work every time on thier last performance and not worry about others! I love Step Up Academy!