Guest blog: Tap dance is alive and well

Ashlyn Bolton with Savion Glover and
younger sister Emma (left).

Guest blog by Ashlyn Bolton, Patel Conservatory dance student

I was recently fortunate to have the opportunity to witness one of today's tap dance masters, Savion Glover, in performance.

Mr. Glover came to the Straz Center with the touring tap dance production, StePz, which also features fellow tap dancers Marshall Davis, Jr., Robyn Watson, Lisa La Touche, and Sara Savelli.

While in Tampa for the day, the cast of STePz spent time at one of the Patel Conservatory's partners in education, Blake High School, where they hosted an educational talk-back session. Glover spoke about how he first entered the world of dance.

By the age of 7, Glover started dancing at Broadway Dance Center, which was known as Hines-Hatchet Dance Academy at the time. Through his younger years, he was surrounded by tap dance greats such as;  Jimmy Slyde, Gregory Hines, Chuck Green, Lon Chaney, and Lady Dianne Walker to name a few. They were his mentors the, “Balanchine's of the tap world.”

During the talk, Glover was very thoughtful with every word he spoke. Each word was thought out with care and intelligence as he made it clear that the reason he dances is to honor the tap greats throughout history.

Glover gives students a preview demonstration at Blake High School, a Patel
Conservatory community partner.

The cast tap danced in an improv circle, showing musicality, creativity, and a pure love for what they do. Over the past several years, I have had the opportunity to work with one of the cast members, Lisa LaTouche,  at different tap workshops. Seeing one of my mentors/teachers perform that night was very inspiring.

As showtime approached, the audience's excitement grew. The show was magical. Fluidity, style, and spunk graced the stage. There were a few pieces done with miniature staircases, to pay homage to the famous tap staircase dances done throughout history. I automatically think of Shirley Temple and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, singing and dancing together up and down a staircase in the movie The Little Colonel. This famous dance, and duo, is what made me want to start dancing when I was younger. I'm sure that somewhere in the audience there were young kids, in awe, much like I was at their age.

Tap dancers in the audience caught onto one of the “shave-and-a-haircut” rhythm sequences, which Glover executed by gliding down the stairs backwards while scraping the edge of each step with his taps. This phenomenal display of brilliance elicited much excitement from the audience.

Each piece had a certain unique feeling, in music, style, and execution. One of my favorite moments of the night was Glover's solo, performed to the song, "Mr. Bojangles." It gave me chills, as I'm sure it did others. He made it look so effortless, even when his feet moved so fast you couldn't see them moving! No joke!

After the show, I attended a Q&A with the cast. One of the questions asked was, "what is one thing you want the entire world to know about tap dance?" The entire cast agreed that the world needs to “know the history of the dancers [for what they're worth], in their respected level.” As Sarah Savelli put it, "we can't move on into the future without knowing our past." It's sad to say that I've witnessed the majority of my generation having no clue who people like Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis Jr. are. After watching Savion Glover perform in the show and at the school, I truly believe our tap dance legends who have passed on live today through him.

A question asked during the course of the night "what's your favorite tap step?"

Glover  replied, “it's all about the sound, not the step.”

Personally, from a tap dancer's point of view, I feel that that is one of the hardest questions to answer. You get to a point where you've done all the so called "steps" and turn to more of the music you're making.

“Tap dance is music - not just dance,” Glover said. It's an art form, one which shouldn't be overlooked.

Perhaps the most poignant quote from the night, which has stuck with me, was Glover's advice to aspiring dancers to “be an individual, look to the greats for inspiration, and never stop self discovering.”

After hearing that, I definitely felt inspired to get back in the studio to learn more about myself, through the music coming from my feet, because, as Glover put it, “[you], your heartbeat, makes the music.”

For more info on tap classes at the Patel Conservatory, call 813.222.1002 or visit patelconservatory.org.

From Fiddler to Broadway Bound, adult student Carol Byrd enjoys new challenges

Whether taking dance or theater classes, there’s a feeling that Carol Byrd gets when she comes to the Patel Conservatory.

“When you walk in to the Conservatory, you’re just happy,” said Carol. “Everyone is always so encouraging.”

Prior to starting classes at the Conservatory, she’d done some theater in college, but hadn’t performed in many years. She’d always wanted to try tap.

“As an adult, you become a mom and have a family, and you get away from doing the things you love to do, but it’s something I’ve always wanted to pursue.”

She began taking tap classes in 2007 and has since taken ballet and jazz and enjoyed a host of performance experiences. She’s been in numerous open dance showcases, the annual Spotlight Awards for four years, and had an ensemble role in the Conservatory’s theater production of Kiss Me, Kate. She performed in the recent open dance intensive Winter Fantasy, and is currently a cast member in Fiddler on the Roof, on stage in April.

With each performance opportunity comes a new challenge. While the rehearsal process for Fiddler on the Roof has been demanding, for Carol, it’s also extremely rewarding.

“It’s a lot of work, there’s a lot we have to learn in a short amount of time. It takes you out of your comfort zone, which is scary, but exhilarating,” she said.

In addition to pushing herself artistically, with every experience she enjoys meeting new people.

“Of course, with each show, the cast bonds and you get close to people.”

In Winter Fantasy, she and other participants spent one week learning and polishing choreography and musical theater pieces to perform in a show at the end of the week.

“It was one of the best weeks of my life. It was intense…you dance every night for two to three hours. You have to pick up the choreography quickly, but, you find you can actually do it. It’s amazing how the show comes together in just a week,” said Carol.

While performing on Straz Center stages may have become second nature to her, no matter how many times she performs, it’s always a thrill.

“It’s a great feeling every time the audience claps at the end. It’s just amazing,” she said. “I have mad love for the place.”

In fact, she’s already planning her next show after Fiddler on the Roof. She intends on signing up for the open dance intensive in May, Broadway Bound.

We look forward to seeing Carol in Fiddler on the Roof and many more shows to come!

Fiddler on the Roof runs April 16 through April 26, 2015. For tickets, click here.

The open dance intensive, Broadway Bound, will be May 4 through May 9, with the performance on May 9, 2015. For more information, click here or call 813.222.1002.

Dance intensive brings students young and old together for a week of holiday fun

What are you doing for yourself this season? You’ve worked hard all year. So put on your dancing shoes and have some holiday fun with the Patel Conservatory’s Winter Fantasy dance intensive.

Patel Conservatory’s Open Dance Intensive:

Winter Fantasy

Dec. 16 through Dec. 20, 2014

Winter Fantasy is a week of dance classes that culminate in a ticketed performance in the Straz Center’s Jaeb Theater.

“To see what you can actually put together in such a short period of time,” said Jacqueline Rivera, who did the open dance intensive last spring, “it was a lot of fun...I was really proud of being a part of that.”

Bianca Rivera, left, with daughter
Bianca Rivera-Irions

When Rivera signed up for the adult jazz class at the Conservatory last summer, she had never before taken a dance class.

“I wanted to be a dancer when I was young, but we just couldn’t afford it,” she said.

Her daughter Bianca, 14, had taken classes at the Conservatory for years before Rivera finally decided to try it herself. Rivera and her daughter participated together in the open dance intensive in March.

“She was so encouraging, she would practice with me at home,” said Rivera.

Rivera currently takes the adult ballet class and is looking forward to the Winter Fantasy intensive.

“I refuse to give in to the fear, or the idea that I’m too old,” said Rivera.

In the upcoming intensive, students will get their toes tapping to Pennies from Heaven, experience the dazzle of Radio City as they learn Rockette style kicks, get their jazz hands on to Let it Snow and shake their hips with a little Flamenco.

It’s a holiday celebration from around the world that will get your heart rate going and help you earn a few extra treats this season.

Led by Patel Conservatory dance faculty Susan Downey and Kelly King, the week-long program allows students to challenge their skills and learn fun choreography in a variety of dance styles.

Whether you have had former dance experience, or if you want to try something new, the intensive is geared towards adults and teens of varying skill levels.

Tuesday through Friday, you’ll learn and rehearse dance and musical theater pieces. On Saturday, you’ll be ready to perform in the Winter Fantasy showcase, a ticketed performance that will be fun for the whole family.

Dancers will need tap, jazz and character shoes, a black leotard, black tights and black jazz pants.

Open dance intensive rehearsals will be:

Tues., Dec. 16 from 5:45 to 8:45 p.m.

Wed., Dec. 17 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Thurs., Dec. 18 from 5:45 to 8:45 p.m.

Fri., Dec. 19 from 5:45 to 8:45 p.m.

Sat. 11:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The showcase will be on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. in the Jaeb Theater.

The tuition for the week is $250. For more information, or to register, please call 813.222.1002.

For more information about the Patel Conservatory’s open dance program, click here.

Just added! Open dance intensive for adults and teens

Ever thought of dancing in a Broadway or Vegas style show? Well now is your chance!

The Patel Conservatory is hosting an Open Dance Intensive for anyone who wants to challenge their skills and learn fun choreography in a variety of dance styles.

This week-long intensive offers exciting and demanding classes that will culminate in a Cabaret style performance in the Patel Conservatory’s TECO Theater.

Whether you have had former dance experience and want to get back into it, or if you just want to try a new fitness challenge, the classes will be geared towards adults and teens of varying skill levels.

Led by Patel Conservatory dance faculty Susan Downey and Kelly King, classes will feature a range of styles including Fosse Jazz, Broadway Tap, Rockette-style high-stepping, burlesque and musical theater.

Put your skills to the test as you devote three hours a night to rehearsals, learning dance numbers from popular musicals including “Cabaret” from Cabaret, “Welcome to the Burlesque” from Burlesque, “Puttin’ on the Ritz” from Fascinating Rhythm and more.

You’ll learn to dance, sing and act while experiencing what it’s like to rehearse and perform in a professional show.

The intensive will be Tues. -  Fri., Mar. 11 through Mar. 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. and Sat., Mar. 15 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The cost is $250 for the week.

All students will perform in the final showcase March 15 at 7 p.m. in TECO Theater.

For more information, or to register, please call 813.222.1002 or email patelconservatory@strazcenter.org.

Dance class of the month: Jazz

Julie Kierstein describes herself as a bunhead.

A dancer since she was nine years old, at 43, Julie still reads Pointe magazine cover to cover.

“I just absolutely love dance, it’s something I’ve done all my life,” she said.

Originally from Naples, Julie is an occupational therapist from Clearwater who minored in dance in college. She also performed with a local modern dance company while in school.

After college, she taught ballet, jazz and modern in the Naples area for a number of years, but when her studio got sold, she felt she lost her dance home.

“As a dancer, the studio you belong to becomes your second home,” said Julie.

Sad and discouraged, she quit dancing for long while.

A friend encouraged her to open her own dance studio, which she did. But being an owner didn’t allow her much time to teach or dance, so she sold the business after a year.

She traveled the country as an occupational therapist for a few years, and ended up in Clearwater three years ago.

When she moved to the Tampa Bay area, she missed dance and searched for a studio, but didn’t find that sense of “home” until she found the jazz class at the Patel Conservatory.

An avid ballet fan, she attended the Youth America Grand Prix competition and Ballet’s Greatest Hits, held in conjunction with one another at the Straz Center in January. When she was here, she picked up a schedule for our Patel Conservatory open dance classes.

Julie in a dance production several
years ago.

"I knew the Straz Center had shows, but I didn't even realize they had classes," said Julie. She tried the jazz class and she was hooked.

“The teacher [Susan Downey] is phenomenal,” said Julie. “The first thing that struck me is that she really seems to enjoy teaching adults.”

In Julie’s experience, many dance studios specialize in children’s classes, and it was hard to find a studio with classes tailored to adults.

“Susan brings a high level of professionalism that I’ve never had before as an adult dancer. She’s very respectful of us. She relates to you as a person, and she’s very approachable,” said Julie.

The jazz class is open to students from grade nine through adult, from beginners to experienced dancers. Downey helps students adjust to their own level and take it at their own pace.

“She brings that level of perfectionism, but in a nice way. I respect her so much. She’s so skilled as a dancer and a teacher,” said Julie.

The Open Jazz Class enhances students' skills in popular styles of jazz dance, including lyrical jazz, Broadway/Fosse and jazz funk. Students work out to a variety of music, from contemporary pop to Broadway.

Jazz Dance

Mondays from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m.

Current session runs through May 18

Summer session runs from June 3 - Aug 5, 2013

For more information, or to register, please call 813-222-1002.

Dance class of the month: Tap

Joyce Richardson has been a Broadway subscriber at the Straz Center for years.

She comes to the Broadways shows regularly. About two years ago, Joyce started noticing brochures in the lobby for dance classes at the adjacent Patel Conservatory.

The 53-year-old insurance claims manager had never taken a dance class in her life.

“I didn’t give any consideration to anything other than tap. I thought, maybe I can do that,” said Joyce.

Thinking a tap dance class sounded fun, she came to the beginning Tap class, with instructor Susan Downey.

“It was a small class. The other women were about my age, so it didn’t intimidate me,” said Joyce.

What she didn’t imagine is how the class would set in motion positive changes in her life.

“It’s such a wonderful outlet. For that hour or two that I’m there, I don’t think about anything else. I let go of everything from work, and all I do is focus on the steps and the music. It’s just such a wonderful release,” she said.

After a few months of tap, she added the jazz class to her schedule, and found herself wanting to learn more and more.

“Once I really started learning and getting a little better, I just wanted to get better and better,” she said.

One day in class, she looked in the mirror and had a realization.

“When I started (taking dance), I was 50 pounds overweight, my cholesterol was through the roof, and I was pre-diabetic...I had one of those moments where I saw myself and I was shocked and appalled. How did I let this happen?” said Joyce.

Inspired by her new found joy of movement, she began running to supplement her dance classes.

“I started dancing more, and practicing more, and the pounds started to come off,” said Joyce.

“Now I’m the healthiest I’ve been in 20 years. (Dance) was a catalyst that helped me make the changes I needed to live a healthier lifestyle.”

Now Joyce is in both the Tap II class and the jazz class. In both classes, the ages range from teenagers to seniors, but Joyce says the ages and skill levels don’t matter.

“It’s not like when I tried to join a gym when I was younger. This is all love and support,” she said. “Some of these people have become my best friends, and that’s a really cool benefit I had not anticipated.”

Instructor Susan Downey teaches to a wide array of physical talents and abilities, yet makes it both challenging and fun, said Joyce.

“I try to get people to come to class, and they’ll say to me, ‘Oh I can’t dance.’ But I tell them, if I can do this, you can do this!”

Tap I, II, III

Grades 9 - Adult

Instructor: Susan Downey

Tap Dance I: Fundamentals

Tuesdays, 6 to 7 p.m.

Tap Dance II: Beginning

Tuesdays, 7 to 8 p.m.

Tap Dance III: Intermediate

Tuesdays, 8 to 9 p.m.

Cost: $57.25 per month

Pay by the month or by the class with a dance card.

Dance cards are $65 for a 5-class card or $120 for a 10-class card.

For more information, or to register, please call 813-222-1002.

Dance class of the month: Contemporary

Though their day jobs, ages and backgrounds differ, the students in the Open Dance classes at the Patel Conservatory share one common passion: the love of dance for the sheer joy of movement.

Adult student Harry Myer enjoys
performing in local theater productions.

By day, Harry Myers works for Bank of America as part of the social media team handling online complaints. But in his spare time, he’s an actor, singer and dancer.

“It’s always been a hobby, something recreational to do as an outlet,” said Harry, a student in the Contemporary dance class.

Harry started taking ballet and tap classes when he was about five years old at the Straz Center, back when it was called the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, before there even was a Patel Conservatory.

He moved away from the area and dabbled in various styles of dance over the years, from hip hop to salsa. He’s also studied theater and, since moving back to Tampa four years ago, has enjoyed performing in community theater productions.

He played Ren in Footloose with Masque Community Theater in 2011, and last year performed in M.A.D. Theater’s bare: a pop opera at the Shimberg Playhouse. It was during that show that he discovered, or rather re-discovered, the dance classes at the Patel Conservatory.

He chose the Contemporary class because, “I love the fluidity of the movement, and the fact that it’s a deviant form of dance in regards to ballet,” he said. “It’s enjoyable to express that type of emotion, creating a story with your body.”

The class, taught by Ashley Hilton, introduces students to the fundamentals of contemporary dance.

“(Ashley’s) ability to teach, and take the time with each individual in the class in a way that makes us feel comfortable, is bar none,” said Harry.

Through various exercises, students work on increasing coordination and agility, and building strength, flexibility and endurance.

“This is one of my favorite classes to teach this year,” said Ashley. “The students have a great energy. The best part is seeing them progress and build confidence over the weeks as their movement connections and transitions become more fluid and they take more risks.”

For Francine Romero, the class has been both physically and mentally challenging. 

Adult student Francine Romero
is finally able to pursue her dream.

“At first, I had no idea what I was doing. I didn’t even know what a plié means,” said Francine. “(Ashley) makes it very comfortable to learn. Some students have taken dance, and then there’s some, like me, who’ve never taken dance before.”

Francine always loved to dance, but she was diagnosed young with rheumatoid arthritis, causing chronic pain. Recently, she found a medication that worked for her and relieved her pain, which enabled her to do things she could never do.

“Even though I’m not perfect, or as flexible as other people in the class, I feel like I’ve overcome a big challenge,” said Francine. She’s thrilled to finally be able to participate.

“Like some people do yoga, I dance for my mind and my spiritual well being,” said Francine.

An added bonus for both Francine and Harry was performing in the fall showcase. Neither knew what to expect at An Evening of Dance, a showcase for a variety of dance classes at the Conservatory.

“It was an amazing experience...I was totally blown away,” said Harry.

He enjoyed being a part of the creative atmosphere, watching the other performers, including a piece from the Next Generation Ballet boys and being a part of the Contemporary performance, choreographed by Ashley.

“It was a phenomenal piece and I was proud of it,” he said.

“My mom came to the showcase, and she was so proud of me," said Francine. "When I told her I was taking a dance class, she had no idea I what I was actually doing. She was in awe.

"The fact that I can pursue my dreams now, and get involved in some form of dance, has helped me overcome the physical illness as well as mentally. When you do these things that make you feel good, it brings you a more positive outlook on life.”

*******

Contemporary Dance

Grades 9 through adult  

Thursdays, 7:15 to 8:30 p.m.

Instructor: Ashley Hilton

Cost: $85.75/month

or

$65 for a 5-class card/$120 for a 10-class card

The Contemporary dance class teaches fundamental concepts of contemporary dance, including the use of the dance space, release of weight, and body alignment while traveling in space. The curriculum draws from a variety of modern and post-modern techniques.

Registration is available online or over the phone. Dance cards are also available and offer the flexibility to try an array of our Open Dance classes. For more information, or to register, please call 813-222-1002, or visit patelconservatory.org.

Dance class of the month: Ballet

Stay in shape and awaken your artistic sensibilities with the Open Ballet Classes at the Patel Conservatory.

Whether you’re returning to ballet after a hiatus or trying it for the first time, you’ll find the welcoming studios of the Conservatory a relaxing break from your busy week.

Challenge your body, work on core muscles and posture, and gain strength and flexibility.

The Conservatory offers beginner and intermediate classes for students of all ages.

“I have some beginners and I have dancers with experience. They all benefit from the class,” said Svetlana Datseva, who teaches the Saturday Beginning Ballet class.

“It never hurts for experienced dancers to go back (to the basics). Even with professional dancers, it’s always a good thing to do to refresh the mind and the muscles,” she said.

Ballet classes are perfect for invigorating the mind, body and spirit.

“Ballet awakens all the feelings. Because we’re using classical music, and connecting music with movement...It really awakens every muscle,” said Datseva.

At the Patel Conservatory, you're not just taking a ballet class, you're joining a caring community of artists who enjoy the many perks of being part of the exciting Straz Center.

We look forward to seeing you at any of the following ballet classes:

Beginning Ballet

Mondays, 7:15 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Instructor Claire Olson

Saturdays, 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Instructor, Svetlana Datseva

Learn the fundamental concepts of ballet and basic vocabulary. Students work on exercises both at the barre and in the center of the studio. Recommended for students who would like to try ballet for the first time and those who are returning to ballet class after a hiatus.

Intermediate Ballet

Thursdays, 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

Instructor, Claire Olson

For the experienced student who is technically prepared to take ballet at a more skilled level. Recommended for those who have studied ballet consistently for a few years. Instructor approval is required.

Cost

$85.75 per month

or

Attend any of our Open Dance Classes on a drop-in basis with our Class Cards.

For more information, or to register, please call 813-222-1002, or visit patelconservatory.org.

Dance Workshops feature two days of dance classes!

The Patel Conservatory announces two days of dance workshops on Dec. 15 and Dec. 16, 2012.

The Conservatory offers an array of dance classes for students of all ages and abilities. The upcoming workshops will give participants the opportunity to try several classes in one fun weekend.

Patel Conservatory Dance Workshops

Sat., Dec. 15 from 2:30 to 6 p.m.

and

Sun., Dec. 16 from 1:30 to 5 p.m.
at the Patel Conservatory
at the Straz Center in downtown Tampa
1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa, FL 33602

The two-day workshop will include classes in contemporary, jazz, ballet, tap and hip-hop.

Led by professional Patel Conservatory instructors, the classes are open to beginners as well as experienced dancers from grade four through adults.

Our dance classes allow you to progress at your own pace in a nurturing environment. If you enjoy your workshop experience, you can sign up for one class, or take various classes with the flexibility of a dance class card.

The cost is $30 per day, or $50 for both days. College students receive a 50% discount.

All participants receive a complimentary ticket to An Evening of Dance on Saturday evening, as well as a complimentary pre-show pizza social.

An Evening of Dance will feature dancers from various dance classes at the Patel Conservatory.

Come dance, and enjoy dinner and a show on us!

Reserve your spot now! Register online or by phone.

To register over the phone, please call 813-222-1002.

To register online, click on one of the links below:

Saturday and Sunday, Grades 4 to 8

Saturday only, Grades 4 to 8

Sunday only, Grades 4 to 8

Saturday and Sunday, Grade 9 through Adult

Saturday only, Grade 9 through Adult

Sunday only, Grade 9 through Adult

For additional information, please call 813-222-1002.