Twist, tap, tango at ... Future Talent Studio
Campus Times
March 12, 1999
Instructor Julie Rhoton helps student Ashly Barnett in the 7:30 p.m.
jazz session at the Future Talent Dance Studio. The studio on Third and
D streets holds dance classes ranging from tap and ballet for 3-year-olds
to an advance jazz class with students ranging from 15-20.
Full-length mirrors, trophies, ballet bars and parents proudly watching
are what typically line the walls of the Future Talent Dance Studio located
on the corner of D and Third Street.
Sherrie Brush founded the studio in 1977, after moving from a smaller
studio on E Street. There are currently over 200 students, who travel from
all over Southern California, enrolled in various classes. Specializing
in ballet, tap and jazz, the studio offers lessons to people of all ages.
In one room, there are 3- and 5-year-olds learning the basics of tap
dancing, while across the hall, there is a group of adults learning the
fundamentals of jazz.
"We exist to provide a sound and stable learning environment for
your child. We base our teaching on technique, and work to promote a higher
confidence level for our students," said Brush. "We hope to expand
your knowledge of the world of dance and meet every expectation possible."
All students, who receive lessons at this year-round school, are trained
by instructors, who have experience in competing at a national level. The
instructors want to make it a fun learning environment for each student,
while always reinforcing the importance of hard work, dedication and a sense
of responsibility.
Jillian Frediani is a 9-year-old dance student, who has been taking
dance lessons for five years. When asked what she likes best about dancing,
she said, "I enjoy dancing, and the classes are really fun. I like
all of my teachers, and I want to dance forever."
Students get the opportunity to attend competitions where they compete
for titles and trophies in different areas of dancing. Future Talent attended
a competition in February where students won first, second and third place
for overall high scores in group numbers. They were also awarded fifth place
for an overall high score in solo numbers.
"It's very fulfilling to see the students try hard, and to see
your hard work pay off when they go to a competition and they do well,"
said instructor Deanna Brush, who is an alumna of the University of La Verne.
Lori Toups has been bringing her 9-year-old daughter Kimberly to dance
lessons for six years. Parents agreed with Toups when she said, "Deanna
is a good role model for them because they watch her and idolize her. She
teaches them discipline."
In addition to competing, students get the chance to show friends and
family how much they have learned in different recitals that are held throughout
the year.
On June 13, a recital will take place at Citrus College. Two additional
showcases will occur in September at the Los Angeles County Fair.
"I like dancing here. My favorite kind of dancing is tap,"
says 7-year-old Melissa Gattoni, who participates in karate and gymnastics
to supplement her efforts in dancing.
There is also an opportunity for students to get experience in auditioning,
which is a crucial part of the learning process.
Future Talent offers auditions once a year for its performing team,
Class Act. The dance team consists of 27 qualified dancers and performs
each month on a regular basis.
Class Act will be performing in two different championship competitions
this July. These performances will take place in Las Vegas at different
Hotels.
When traveling to the downtown district remember that tomorrow's Barishnykov's
and Nuryev's might very well be learning today at "The Future Talent
Studio."
For more information about policies, hours or tuition, call (909) 593-4195.
