The award winning Studio 19 Dance Company, in Rochester, New York, is a team, a family and is fondly referred to as a “second home” by many of their studio families. According to Erin O’Hara, Co-Owner and Co-Director, Studio 19 Dance Company instills a passion for dance! (Miranda Martin is Erin’s Co-Director and Co-Owner.) They offer classes for 2 year olds through adult students in ballet, jazz, tap, modern, lyrical, acro, contemporary, hip hop, musical theater, poise, confidence, discipline, anatomy, nutrition and more. They also offer creative movement classes specifically designed for children with special needs.
In Erin’s opinion, what makes them stand out from other studios is the fact that as a “family” they develop strong relationships with their studio families. They cry, laugh, work and celebrate together. But another aspect they pride themselves in is the fact that they are educating over choreographing. They really jam as much knowledge as they can into their students – from anatomy to physics to history and what’s happening now in the dance world. They care far more about respect for their art than a trophy any day!
Erin says that she could never pick just one “proudest” moment in her coaching career, because they happen just about every day. However, a stand out moment for her is watching her daughter grow and begin her career. Seeing her daughter’s passion grow and watching it develop has really been something for Erin. Dance was always something that made Erin indescribably happy, and to see it passed on to her students, and one so dear to her, is truly amazing!
Based on Erin’s experience, she feels something that drives ALL teachers nuts is the new
fad of YouTube teaching. The kids will see a very advanced move on certain shows performed by professionals, and look up a how-to video. She says you would never walk into a gym having only a year or two of experience and attempt a triple back with a full twist! In Erin’s opinion, a strong foundation of technique is SO important, and you MUST put the work in. There are no magic tricks to get the skill you are looking for! Although, there is something magical about seeing your hard work pay off.
Studio 19’s faculty is comprised of professional and highly qualified adults who are committed to providing their students with a high quality dance education while also paying special attention to their students’ individual abilities and needs. They place special emphasis on teaching proper ballet execution and technique. Studio 19 encourages all of their students to enroll in at least one ballet class per week.25
Erin’s goal for the studio this year is too find more ways to expose their students to more dance. The more you see, the more you understand and develop your own aesthetic and uniqueness. She loves having the kids take classes with new people as often as possible. She believes that it keeps them well-rounded and inspired, and helps them learn to pick up choreography quickly, which she believes is key for auditioning. Another goal may be to find the ultimate fundraiser!
Erin took her first dance class when she was eight years old because her cooler, older friend said she wanted to take jazz. Since her older friend she was cool, and Erin wanted to be cool, Erin had her mom sign her up for dance classes. Erin knew from her first recital, that this was what she wanted to do forever. She actually cried for days after the recital because there were no summer programs then! She has dreamed about having her own studio since she began dancing and strives to instill that same passion for dance in her students and looks forward to sharing her knowledge with them.Erin’s mother ultimately pushed her to open Studio 19.
Erin said, “No, they are not the Studio 19 from Dance Moms. No, Chloe doesn’t dance there. No, their studio is nothing like what you see on TV.” Studio 19 is in their 11th season, and many of their first graduates are getting jobs in the dance field. Their inside studio motto is “They create monsters!” because their dancers are hooked for life, and they even snag up a few parents here and there, too!
Studio 19 is currently taking summer registrations.
Many of Studio 19’s dancers participate in benefit performances throughout the year. In the past their dancers have helped raise thousands of dollars to provide aid to for Golisano Children’s Hospital, to promote AIDS awareness, victims of Hurricane Katrina and area individuals. Studio 19 strongly believes in finding opportunities for their dancers to use their talent and time to assist those in need.
As mentioned before, Studio 19 is a family. One of their family members really needs help. As a result Studio 19 is encourages everyone visiting their site to take a few moments and click the GO FUND ME button on their site and read about this special family. They are also asking their visitors to open their hearts and wallets and donate to this family. Any amount will go a long way. Studio 19 praises the amount of love, kindness and generosity that all their friends and family have shown Shawn and her family. It is very difficult for Shawn’s family to ask for this kind of support. Shawn is full of pride, but he is also the kindest man. He would give anything to anyone in need, whether it is money or the shirt off his back. Studio 19 thanks you for any donation you can make to this wonderful family.
If you would like more information about Studio 19 Dance Company, visit their website at www.studio19dancecompany.com, call them at 585-426-7420 or email them at studio19dancecompany@gmail.com. You can also “Like” them on Facebook.
Please post a comment if you have had any experience with Erin O’Hara of Studio 19 Dance Company.
