The Dance Factory School of Performing Arts (TDFS) in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, is a small studio that is very family oriented. They truly care about the kids and their love for the art o
f dance. TDFS likes to see their students feel safe and free to express themselves. Their staff and students are driven, hard workers, and like to have fun doing so. They love to do fun things, such as holiday parties for all their classes.
Julianne Thompson, their Owner and Artistic Director, believes that their dance studio stands out from other dance studios because they are very close knit. The families at The Dance Factory support one another, help each other when in need and enjoy each other’s company.
Julianne’s proudest moments coaching occurred when their studio won the “Studio of Excellence” award at two different competitions this year. Both moments were exciting because she felt her dancers and studio parents displayed kindness, support, and love to one another and other studios. Julianne thinks those are great values to instill into children so that they continue in that when they grow up. Those were her proudest moments.
From Julianne’s perspective, the biggest mistakes dancers make is comparing themselves to others. Everyone is different and they have to remember that they bring something to the table that not everyone does. Each individual has a special attribute that is important to share. If they are concerned with what other people are able to do, they won’t be able t
o focus on their own strengths. With that said, the flip side is being too conceited. It is important to remember there is always someone to learn from, even if that person is younger or at a lower level than you. Maybe their work ethic is something to aspire to have. The dancers need to keep an open mind, learn from others, and remember their own contributions are important, too.
Julianne’s goals are to help her students continue to grow as dancers and hopefully good human beings. She would love to look back after the year is over and see the improvement each dancer has made.
Julianne has always loved dance and never saw her life without it. Julianne bought her studio from a previous owner because she loved the students. She had a vision for them and wanted the best for them. Julianne has always felt that if she could not provide what they needed, she would bring someone in that can help them. That has been her motto since she purchased the studio and she plans for it to always be. She wants her future students to continue their dance education in college and be able to dance for a living if that is what they want to do. She also wants her studio to be fun for those that just want to enjoy dancing right now.
The Dance Factory offers an abundance of dance classes. Ages two through eighteen can enjoy styles such as Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Acro, Hip Hop, Lyrical and Contemporary. For the littlest dancers they offer Cotton Candy Kids(Ages 2-4) and Pre–Classes(Ages 4-5). Their dancers have three different levels of commitment: recreat
ional, performance, and competitive. From the hours of three to nine during the weekdays, for the convenience of the clients, they provide the best dance training around. Their talented staff welcomes students into a safe and friendly environment. Parents have the pleasure of the surrounding stores, food service, or gym. Families are very pleased to find there is a martial arts studio just one building away for the brothers and sisters of the dancers here at The Dance Factory.
They are celebrating 25 years in business! It began in Redondo Beach in the fall of 1989 as the South Bay Sunray Stars. After 20 years of business in Lomita, California, they moved to Rancho Palos Verdes to the Terraces; which has been their home ever since. Within the last few years, The Dance Factory has made great strides in creating a better studio space, not to mention even more talented dancers. Currently, their Elite Competition Team has placed first at every single competition attended, not to mention has received special judge’s awards and scholarships. The Dance Factory staff is happy to be a part of a dance studio that not only promotes local involvement, but also positive energy and fun.
The Dance Factory Elite Competition Team dancers are intermediate to ad
vanced dancers who love to compete. The competition team boasts about 35 dancers ranging from four years old to 18 years old. They have won hundreds of awards and love to display their dance talents. The team is open to all boys and girls who have successfully completed the audition process. The team consists of the most talented and well-rounded dancers who perform in local performances, competitions, and Disneyland parade. Being a part of this team is a great experience to learn new skills, meet new friends and have fun. Although this team s not limited to those with professional aspirations, many of these talented young dancers do wish to pursue a career in dance as a performer, choreographer or educator.
Julianne and her staff are very thankful to be recognized. They work very hard at what they do and they care about the dances they create. To be thought of is an honor, and they are grateful for all the great things that have come their way.
If you would like more information about The Dance Factory School of Performing Arts, visit their website at www.dance-factory.net, call them at 310-519-3600 or email them at dance.factory@ymail.com. You can also “Like” them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, connect with them on LinkedIn and google them on Google+.
Anyone who has danced at The Dance Factory School of Performing Arts, with Julianne Thompson or with any of the other instructors at The Dance Factory, is invited to comment on our blog.
Quote: “. Each individual has a special attribute that is important to share.”
Tags: Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Acro, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, dance, class, classes, dance classes, studio
