Dance Studio 84

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Connie Russo Since 1983 · Combo, Ballet Connie started dancing when she was just 4 years old. Throughout her life, she has extensively studied dance, including: with the Elizabeth Farnsworth Dance Academy in Indianapolis; with Butler University, also in Indianapolis; with Dance Caravans, in both Indianapolis and Chicago; with the Irene Kosmovaska School of Ballet in Beverly Hills; and with the Buddy Ebsen School of Dance in Pacific Palisades. Connie also studied extensively with the UCLA Dance Department. The styles of dance she has studied and passes on to her own students include: Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Jazz, Tap, Folk, Ballroom and Gymnastics.

This Emmy nominated choreographer has worked with such stars as Bette Midler, Gene Kelly, The Nicholas Brothers and Michael Jackson. He directed a commercial for Carvel Ice Cream and performed with numerous music artists including Reba McEntire, Smashmouth, Sugar Ray, Jason Mraz, the B-52's, Toni Basil and Alanis Morrisette. You might have seen him on television in Even Stevens , Buffy the Vampire Slayer , Tonight Show or national Gap commercials. Gregg was also featured on the cover of Dance Teacher Magazine as an entrepreneur who directs his own tap company titled Tap Sounds Underground , travels with the conventions Company Dance and Dance Olympus and owns the corporation 3D Dance Network, Inc. "Gregg Russell brings to tap an eclectic mix of style including hip-hop, jazz and lyrical along with a traditional base, reminiscent of Gene Kelly and the Nicholas Brothers.

Within the dance company are smaller groups, which vary year to year. The groups are often broken up as follows: 'Tweeners - usually 5th to 7th grade, our youngest members of full company; Juniors - usually junior high and early high school; and Seniors - the highest level in full company, high school. Grade levels are approximate; groupings are determined both by age and ability to provide the best training possible for every Company 84 member. Little Company is a fun way to be introduced to Company. It is designed to see who is ready to be pushed more than they may be experiencing in their current classes. It is a training period, a preparation period. Company 84 performs at community events throughout the year, with the busiest times being October and May. All members are expected to be part of these performances. A holiday number is prepared for the studio Holiday Variety show and other community events during the holiday season. And of course, Company 84 performs the opening and closing numbers in the annual recitals, along with company members performing their group class routines - often in more than one show.

At a young age Shirlene Quigley knew that dance was her path in life. She began dance at the age of 4, and was on a national winning dance team all through high school. Once she became 18, she began the pursuit of a professional dance career. She signed with one of the top dance agencies in Los Angeles, McDonald Selznick Associates. Her second audition was for superstar Beyoncé, for her “Crazy in Love” video/promo tour, and she BOOKED! Since then Shirlene has danced around the world, on television, in film, and on stage with artists such as Beyoncé, Missy Elliot, Chris Brown, Destiny’s Child, Ray J, Mary J Blige, Jamiroqui, Rhianna and many more. With the love of dance, she has been blessed to be able to spread her knowledge and inspiration to children of all ages for over 5 years and now is proud to be an instructor at Dance 84.

Hello, My name is Michele Lutes, I am 13 years old and a 7th grader at Arroyo Seco Jr. High. I have been dancing for 10 years but I started in a combo class with Miss Connie then to Miss Shannon for tap and jazz and Shauna for hip hop. After a while I started taking jazz and tap with Carla, ballet with Wendy, tumbling and jazz with Carrie, and this year ballet with Michele. The four years I was on Company I danced with Rob, Melissa, Carla, Denise, Kobi and Shirlene.This year I am not on company but I still dance and enjoy every moment of it. I would like to thank my family (Mom, Dad, Sister, Grandma, Grandpa, Granny, Grandpa, Cousins) for always supporting me in everything. I look up to my sister, Alison Lutes, because she is an amazing dancer and person and she inspires me. Thank you to Shannon, Shauna, Carrie, Wendy, Michele, Rob, Melissa, Denise, Kobi and Shirline for making me the dancer I am today. I would also like to thank Connie for having me assist in 2 of her classes, it is so much fun. I would especially like to thank Carla for all that she provides for so many of us (love you so much). The friends I have made here hold a special place in my heart.

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