By Shannon Hatton Dance Xtreme Studi
“If you hit a wall, crawl over it, climb under it, or dance on top of it.”
No one’s sure who said that, but it’s a pretty fair description of the soul-affirming joy dancers often feel, and of the happy culture and motivation you’ll find at Dance Xtreme Studios in Napanee and Trenton. From the fun of a recreational dance class to fulfilling dreams of becoming a dance instructor – it’s all available at Dance Xtreme Studios’ locations at 113 Richmond Blvd. in Napanee and 17538 Unit D Highway #2 in Quinte West.
Now nine years old, Dance Xtreme Studios is a family and community-oriented business whose mission is to help dancers enjoy themselves and achieve success. And through its examination program, dancers are also offered a level of training required to become qualified instructors.
Led by qualified dance teachers and industry pros, there are literally programs for dancers of all ages and abilities. And they really mean ALL ages! Toddlers as young as 2 are participants. Ten-week programs for tiny dancers start for as little as $115. In addition to the basic fundamentals, social interaction and making new friends are emphasized.
Programs run each year from September through to June, culminating in the year-end showcase, a demonstration of students’ talent and progress. All students from both our recreational and competitive programs participate in this annual performance.
Recreational & Competitive Programs
DX provides quality dance instruction not only for the competitive program, but also for our dancers who choose to dance for enjoyment only.
The Recreational Program is ideal for students looking to get fit and have fun. The focus of these classes is on co-ordination and rhythm, but also on life skills that will remain with students in their future endeavours; social interaction, confidence, discipline and creativity. Personal attention is guaranteed in our recreational classes, to ensure students are meeting their full potential.
The Competitive Program prepares dancers for the professional dance world. Acceptance into this program is by audition. These classes concentrate on developing and strengthening a strong balance of technique and performance through intense conditioning and technical training. Teachers are happy to discuss the qualifications required to enroll.
Adult programs are also available throughout the season. Teachers-in-training can lead discounted dance class programs for as little as $200, which means full-season dance classes at discounted rates. These classes are taught by our young instructors-in-training as a component of exam programs for which “hands-on” experience” is a requirement for graduation. Dance Xtreme Studio offers exams at all levels, from B.A.T.D. to Acrobatic Arts. All of the above programs are posted on our website.
Class Placement
Recreational classes are available for boys and girls of all ages and levels, in all disciplines. An extensive class schedule allows for classes that suit your needs, at ANY age. DX offers beginner classes at every age…so it’s never too late to start, and you know you’ll be learning comfortably with other students at the same age and at your level. Students are assessed regularly to make certain they are placed in classes that are best suited for them.
Competitive Team
Dance Xtreme Studios is also well known for its award-winning competitive team, and recreational dancers looking for that next level of accomplishment can always be assessed for inclusion on the competitive squad. The team was outstanding this past season, bringing home choreography and other special awards, and earning scholarships for dancers to travel to the U.S.. The novice dancers are “Victory” champions, and all our teams received marks over 90.
Dance Education
“We’re also about dance education,” explains owner and founder Shannon Hatton. “We feel strongly about educating our dancers about the history of dance and anatomy, to understand how our bodies move. We want them to be knowledgeable when they move on in the world.”
“We also offer a professional dress code for each genre, which helps the teacher examine and correct technique and form without the distraction of excessive accessories or additional fabric. All outfits are age and activity-appropriate. Dance Xtreme Studio teaches young dancers self-respect, and respect for sport generally.”
Hatton adds visitors who want to get a feel for the studio and its environment are welcome anytime.
Need more information?
www.danceextremestudio.net
Photos by Becky Hinch
