About Dance Connection:
Dance Connection is dedicated to the development of aspiring dancers in mind, body, and spirit. For the young, the “young at heart”, and all ages in between, we take great pride in providing the best in dance education and training. Our goal is to share the joy of dance with all dancers from the novice to the professional.
Dance Connection has enjoyed sharing dance with our community since 1987. Our classes have been offered at the Cubberley Community Center since 1989!
Dance Connection Seasons and Sessions:
Dance Connection offers two seasons of dance: Fall-Spring and Summer Session. Our Fall-Spring season classes are ongoing and progressive, and once registered for a class, the registration is valid through the season. Fall Season begins in late August and continues through the Monday following Memorial Day. Summer Session is offered in either 4 week or 8 week sessions as well as single class/drop in options. A popular option is our 4 week Master Class Series in July!
We also offer Summer Dance Camps, a Ballet Intensive, various workshops and master classes, and our famous DC Intensive! DC Intensive is a mandatory event for our competition company, and consists of a series of master classes with visiting professionals. Camp information is available in January and summer class and intensive information is posted early spring.
Dance Connection Performances:
- The Nutcracker: We produce an annual Nutcracker performance and hold auditions for dancers in ballet classes who are at least 7 years old and who are in the Level IA Ballet level or higher. Our soldier role is reserved for our intermediate level tap dancers. All students are invited to audition upon completion of at least one year of a full graded ballet class, and every dancer who auditions is cast.
- Spring Ballet: Each year we present a Spring Ballet. On the odd years (2019, 2021) we produce a full ballet in two or three acts in lieu of a “recital” and each class learns their role in their dance class beginning in the winter season. Beautiful costumes are ordered, and the full productions are lovely. Past productions include Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and Coppelia. On the even years (2020, 2022) we have a simple ballet concert utilizing dance wear that is also worn in dance class.
- “Let’s Dance!” or “SHOWTIME”: These spring performances include all classes
other than graded ballet classes from Primary Ballet to Advanced Ballet. This includes tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, preschool, musical theatre….. The “Let’s Dance!” performances are offered on the odd years in conjunction with our large ballet. The “SHOWTIME” production is every even year and will coincide with the simple ballet concert year. All “SHOWTIME” dancers will order a performance costume in the late fall and winter for this spring performance. During a “SHOWTIME” year, we will be measuring students in class during November and will be placing an early costume order before we begin our winter break. - Spring Benefit: This benefit performance is held at the Cubberley Theatre, and
features our Performing Company, Ballet Company, Dance Teams, and Hip Hip Krew dancers. - Community Events: Dance Connection dancers, may often be found at many local events, fairs, parades, benefits—-we try to give back to the community by getting involved and sharing dance with others.
Note from the Director:
As a very shy young child, our family pediatrician suggested that my parents enroll me in a dance class as a creative outlet of self-expression. This is how my dance experience began, and I will always be thankful for the advice of our family doctor and the years of dance classes that my parents supported. Dance for the young child began to evolve in my early years of teaching, and I embraced the challenge of providing a positive approach in teaching the young child in a way which helps each person feel successful, valuable, and confident. This same principal applies to dance for all ages, and this is the basis of our school. Connecting the whole person: Dance Connection.
I am proud of the fact that nearly every new student comes to Dance Connection as a referral from one or more of our dance families. I feel honored and blessed to be surrounded by the wonderful dancers and families at our studio, and am most pleased that our dancers are learning so much more than how to dance. Our studio is an extended family and a home away from home for many community members, and we value the positive energy and atmosphere that we strive to provide.
“Girl or boy, gifted or clumsy, learn then, if you can, to dance.
You will stand up straighter and walk prouder the rest of your life.
You will be kinder and more polite in all physical matters, and less afraid.”
-Agnes de Mille
Share the joy of dance with us!
Cindy Ginanni, Founding Director of Dance Connection 1987-present
