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.

Try a class for free in dance, theater or music

You’d be surprised by how many people still don’t know that the Patel Conservatory exists here at the Straz Center!

If you’re reading this blog, chances are that you or your kids already take classes here and you love our progams. We want your help in getting the word out to everyone in our community about the amazing and diverse class schedule here at the Patel Conservatory. How? It’s simple...

Next week, Jan. 2 - Feb. 5, we’re offering the opportunity to Try a Class for Free! Anyone is welcome to come in and try or observe most classes on our schedule in dance, theater or music.

Help spread the word!

• Share this link on your Facebook page.
• Email this link to friends and family and let them know about this opportunity!
• Bring a friend to your favorite class.
• Come in yourself and try or observe any one of more than 100 classes in in music, theater and dance!
• Tweet your plans to try it!

Get your body moving in one of our adult dance classes, or let your preschooler explore in Making Music Magic or Creative Drama.

Now is the time! Classes are available for children and adults of all ages and skill levels. Explore your own potential, reach for your dreams, discover new talent and create magic. It's all right here within reach at the beautiful downtown campus at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

Already enrolled at the Patel Conservatory? Bring a friend to class. If your friend enrolls, you'll receive one month's free tuition!

View a complete list of classes here, then simply register to try or observe your favorites by calling 222-1002. We'll see you next week!

Free Ballet Master Classes

Dancers, mark your calendars now for the upcoming free Ballet Master Classes at the Patel Conservatory in Tampa in January.

Don't miss this opportunity to train with Peter Stark, artistic director of Next Generation Ballet, the apprentice ballet company at the Straz Center.

Participation in either class will qualify students for placement in the Patel Conservatory Youth Ballet, the official school of Next Generation Ballet.

Interested students may audition for the Next Generation Ballet Summer Intensive during either class. A $25 audition fee will apply for anyone auditioning for the summer intensive. Students must be at least 11 years old to be eligible to audition; young women must be dancing on pointe.

Master Classes are free, but RSVPs are requested.

Upcoming Master classes:

Thursday, January 6
5-6:30 p.m.
Advanced Ballet Master Class with Peter Stark
Gr. 8-12

For young men and women with several years of serious, advanced ballet training. Young women must have at least three years of experience on pointe.

[Patel Conservatory students currently enrolled in Levels 4B, 5, Trainee and NGB New Artists will attend this class as a part of their regular training program.]

Monday, January 10
6-7:30 p.m.

Intermediate Ballet Master Class with Peter Stark
Gr. 6-12

For students with a minimum of four years of consistent ballet training.

[Patel Conservatory students currently enrolled in Levels 3 and 4A will attend this class as a part of their regular training program.]

Please contact the Patel Conservatory dance department at 813.222.1263 to reserve a spot in either master class, or to receive additional information.

Nutcracker guest artist Jeffrey Cirio

The Nutcracker is right around the corner, and we are thrilled that Jeffrey Cirio of the Boston Ballet will be among the guest artists to appear in this exquisite production.

Cirio, who trained with Patel Conservatory dance department chair and Nutcracker director Peter Stark, had wonderful things to say of him in a recent interview for The Barre.

“I try to always go back and work with Peter Stark when I can. Taking class with someone who really knows you and wants you to excel is important,” he said. (Click here for full interview.)

Brian Mengini, the Barre

Stark coached Cirio to six international medals in one year, an incredible feat. Cirio’s accomplishments include Silver Medal in the Seoul International Ballet Competition; Grand Prix (best in competition) at the Youth America Grand Prix Finals ; Silver Medal in the National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts; Gold Medal at the Helsinki International Ballet Competition; Gold Medal at the World Ballet Competition; and the Princess Grace Award.

“I have never had a student more disciplined and determined,” said Stark. “To be a soloist at age 18 with a major ballet company is a testament to Jeffrey’s drive to perfection and desire to inspire his audiences.”

In the interview, Cirio also mentions the Straz Center's new apprentice ballet company Next Generation Ballet and his guest appearance.


Cirio will appear in the The Nutcracker as the Snow King. Other guest artists include New York City Ballet principal dancers Abi Stafford and Jonathan Stafford.

“Cirio’s participation in The Imperial Nutcracker at the Straz Center will anchor the first act and, I have no doubt, ignite the stage with fireworks and excite the audiences,” said Stark.

The Nutcracker will be Dec. 22 and Dec. 23, 2010 in Carol Morsani Hall and promises to be one of the highlights of your holiday season!