HIP HOP AND BOOKS - March 23, 2010
On March 27, in conjunction with the West Palm Beach Library, Dance Florida Academy's Burcin Gursel will be teaching a Hip Hop Class for children (Grades 1 - 5) in the Library's Pre-Function Room on the third floor. Class time is 3:00pm to 4:00pm. Pre- registration is a must - space is limited! Call the Library at (561) 868-7700.

WELCOME CARMEN - March 20, 2010
The dancers for Palm Beach Opera ’s production of Carmen will be rehearsing at Dance Florida Academy studios March 20 – 22!

FREE LATIN CARDIO - March 18, 2010
The Free Latin Cardio Class was full of ladies of all ages and sizes working "it" to everything Latin! It was a fun class. If you missed the free class. Regular classes meet Monday and Thursdays from 6:45 to 7:45pm.
MEN ARE MORE THAN WELCOME!

FREE Latin Cardio Class on March 18 from 6:45pm to 7:45pm.
TRY IT OUT!

There's nothing to lose...but maybe some inches!

CHICAGO BOUND - March 12, 2010
Congratulations to Dance Florida Academy's Luca De-Poli for his acceptance into and scholarship for the Joffrey Ballet's Summer Intensive Program in Chicago, IL! As stated below (March 6), this will be the second year Mr. De-Poli will attend this prestigious workshop.

OFF TO COLLEGE
Dance Florida Academy's Mia Cushine has been accepted in the University of North Carolina School of the Arts!

A NIGHT OUT – March 6, 2010
Dance Florida Academy students Johanna Hurmemaa, Vanessa Contreras, Mia Cushine, Luca De-Poli, and Gaby Ursine were invited by The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts -- for a night out on the town.  As guests of The Center, they went to dinner at City Cellar and to see the Joffrey Ballet. Following the performance, they went backstage to meet the cast.

The following day, Luca auditioned for the Joffrey Ballet’s Summer Workshop. If accepted, this will be the second year Mr. De-Poli will participate in the program!

BACK ON SCHEDULE - March 1, 2010
We apologize for the inconvienence over the past few weeks. Now we're back on schedule! Latin Cardio will be on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:45pm to 7:45pm with Geneveve Gort
...Pulsating Latin sounds to wild Latin moves!

GREAT TURNOUT - February 24, 2010
The Parents Meeting - Open House on Wednesday:  February 24, 2010 had a GREAT turn out with EVERYONE being so positive and helpful. It is wonderful to see so many parents who feel the importance of getting involved with their children!

With refreshments and a mingle first, there was a brief talk from Mrs. Hale followed by the new fundraising efforts talks from Mrs. De Poli and Mr. Bucheck.

Special thanks to Mrs. Tovar, Mrs. Lindner and Mrs. De Poli for arranging the refreshments and cleaning up afterwards! (Mrs. Tovar made homemade treats.)

More photographs are available on Dance Florida Academy's Facebook Fan Page!

PARENT MEETING - February 23, 2010
On FEBRUARY 24, 2010 there is a Parent Meeting-Open House. Don't forget to call and confirm attendence!
(There have been notices sent out with each student, eblast was sent AND posters were put up -- over three weeks ago.)

ZUMBA CANCELLED - February 22, 2010
Zumba Classes have been temporarily cancelled. Keep your eye out here for further updates!

NEW YORK BOUND - February 18, 2010
The last few weeks, Kimberly Dawn Smith been splitting her time between Dance Florida Academy and Nashville where she is choreographing and rehearsing the -- New York bound -- show My Catskills Summer. The show features over 25 actors, singers and dancers including TV Icon and Award Winning Musical Theatre Barry Williams. More about the production...

NEW ADULT CLASSES TO BE OFFERED - February 17, 2010
In the very near future, Dance Florida Academy will be offering three NEW adult classes: BalletFitness, Pilates Mat AND Pilates Reformer.
CLASSES WITH CARL KING START MARCH 1.
Class times and days ...

PERFORMANCES - February 12, 2010
Performances Peter and the Wolf has been announced. See more...
ZUMBA Classes NOW begin at 6:30 to allow people more drive-time after work!

MORE PICTURES - February 10, 2010
More pictures have been addad to Dance Florida Academy's Facebook Fan Page. To see them - "Become a Fan!!!"

GUESTS FROM A CHORUS LINE - February 5, 2010
This morning, Dance Florida Academy had the honor of hosting, A Chorus Line -- and theatre legend MICHAEL GORMAN as he used the Studio I for private rehearsals.

In the afternoon EMILEE DUPRE (Swing; Cassie, Sheila) from the National Tour of  A Chorus Line came to Dance Florida Academy as the Special Surprise Guest Teacher for combined Levels 3-4 & 5-6.

With the closing combination of her class was choreography from the actual show -- Ms. Dupree gave a wonderful class while sharing her great insight into being a good dance student and in the future, a well rounded professional dancer and performer.

Extra thank you's to Michael Scirrotto, also from A.C.L. and a native from Palm Beach County, for helping make the arrangements for this wonderful experience provided for Dance Florida Academy students!

More about Ms. Dupree and Mr. Scirrotto in  A Chous Line ...

Look for more pictures on the Dance Florida Academy FACEBOOK Fan Page!

SINGULAR SENSATION- February 2, 2010
Kimbery Dawn Smith will give the Pre-Performance Talk for A Chours Line at the Kravis Center Tonight.

DON'T FORGET
The Tuesday Adult Beginner Tap Class has now been mvoed to 7:45 to 8:45pm 

AUDITION SITE - January 30, 2010
On January 31, 2010, auditions for School of Washington Ballet will be at Dance Florida Academy at 1pm.

TO GREAT PERFORMANCES - January 29, 2010
Best wishes for good performances for ALL BAK Middle School of the Arts this weekend! Let all their hard work be seen!

NOW ON THE NETWORKS - January 17, 2010
Join Dance Florida Academy on Facebook Fan Page and/or on  Myspace!

GREAT AUDTION FOR STUDENT - January 14, 2010
Dance Florida Academy Student Claudia Anel has been accpeted in the New World School of the Arts College program for next year. This has been a long-time dream for her.  This past December, Claudia danced the role of Sugarplum in many of the performances of Land of the Sweets.
We are very proud of Claudia and all of her accomplishments!

MASTER CLASS WITH TINA SANTOS - January 9, 2010
Thank you to Tina Santos from New World School of the Arts for giving an INCREDIBLE Master Class.
 
Ms. Santos is one of the most prominent educators of dance. With her high energy, wit and positive force -- students were very attentive as they listened to her combinations and most valuable corrections, and advice.

Students at Dance Florida Academy are very fortunate to be exposed to such extarordinary teachers throughout their extensive training.

FIRST DONATION - January 6, 2010 Dance Florida Academy recveived its first donation from a major supporter of dance!
Thank you to Theodore Bartwink and The Harkness Foundation for Dance (NY, NY) for their support and their efforts to continue the tradition of dance in West Palm Beach
and the rest of the nation, as well!

FACULTY MEMBER IN THE PAPER - January 1, 2010
Dance Florida Academy Ballet Teacher Ida Marie Bucheck was interviewed by Leslie Gray Streeter in the Palm Beach Post on the way she keeps fit -- Tips from the experts.

STUDENTS IN THE MOSCOW BALLET - December 26, 2009
On December 24, Dance Florida Academy's ten students walked in to the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts to rehearse with the Moscow Classical Ballet's The Nutcracker. The students, along with Ms. Cravey and Mr. Bucheck, were met by two Kravis liaisons and two interpreters. Shortly after being in their dressing room, the children were led upstairs for their rehearsal with the director, the two interpreters and the two dancers that would be helping them onstage

Hanging on every word, as directions were given in Russian, the children (with Ms. Cravey and Mr. Bucheck) listened to the translation. About 30 minutes later, the director said "thank you and good luck." A slight look of panic hit everyone's eyes as the children who were going to be mice, only ran through their section twice. The children in the first scene did get a run through -- at all.

After costume fittings, the curtain went up and the performance started. All ten students took to the stage like old pros! They looked like they been traveling with the company and performing their roles for months. 

Everyone associated with the Moscow Classical Ballet was extremely nice and treated the children like gold. Most importantly, the students shared a very valuable experience as they performed with a professional dance company.    

Congratulations to Dance Florida Academy Students in The Moscow Classical Ballet's production of The Nutcracker. They looked GREAT and did an incredible job as they spent three days of their Holiday Vacation -- on stage -- in front of thousands of people!

LAST PERFORMANCE OF LAND OF THE SWEETS - December 19, 2009
Today's performance of Land of the Sweets was exceptional. Everyone from the Mice (adorable) to the Sugar Plum and her Cavalier (stunning) were great. All students did their best and it really showed! 
...A great end-of-the-year closing performance. CONGRATULATIONS -- Be very proud!!!

Thank you to all the parents who took an active part in bringing this production the the stage! A special thanks to Teresa Depoli and Ida Marie Bucheck for their tireless help backstage with costumes, hair and make-up! Mr. Hoff and Luca Depoli had the difficult and "heavy" job of unloading and laying the floor AND afterwards rolling it up, loading  it and bringing it back to the studio -- to unload it again into the building.
 
PHOTOSHOOT
The photoshoot AFTER the performance went very smoothly. Even though it was a very long day, everyone was in a good mood and cooperated 250%! Ms. Cravey and Mr. Bucheck worked them hard. With Jared Jacoby (as Janine Harris' set-up and break-down assistant), Stylist Teresa Depoli and Wardrobe Coordinator Ida Marie Bucheck, all students looked beautiful as they participated at a very high and professional level. It looks like we have some great shots which will appear soon here on the website and in promotional materials.

CONGRATULATIONS
Mrs. Linder-Long (Jaquez's mother) won the drawing for the 11lb Turkey. It will add to their Holidays fun with some delicious eating! Thank you to Dance Florida Academy Accomapnist Olga Wescott for donating the turkey in order to raffle it off to help raise funds for all the good work that the Academy does!

Looks like it was a busy day!

STRIKE A POSE - December 15, 2009
This Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, renowned photographer and former dancer Janine Harris, will be in the studio taking photographs during classes. Pictures will be used for press and promotional materials.

As a dancer with Ballet Florida, Ms. Harris performed many leading roles including: Marie Hale's The Nutcracker, Firebird, Cinderella, Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer's Night Dream, Les Petits Reins, QaV, Peter and the Wolf  and Lady of the Camellias. She danced works by  leading choreographers such as, George Balanchine, Ben Stevenson, Peter Martins, Sean Lavery, Daniel Ezralow, Lar Lubovitch, Val Caniparoli, Vicente Nebrada, Micheal Smuin, Mauricio Wainrot, William Soleau - just to name only a few!

As a photographer, she has captured images of great dancers and dance works by most of the above listed choreographers and more. Her photos have appeared in publications all over the world. Dance Florida Academy is very fortunate to have her working with us the next few days and in the future!

HOT, HOT, HOT - December 14, 2009
Anyone that didn't attend the FREE Zumba Master Class, missed a mind melting, fat burning hour and a half of HOT, HOT, HOT --  LATIN moves and wild music. Michelle and LeReese (The Zumba Squad) really kicked it up several notches to a FULL classroom. The diversity of people taking the class was incredible and actually inspirational! Some people in the room follow Michelle and LeResse through out the area -- just to take their classes!

"Oh my God! I had the best time!"  CM
"I actually felt sexy!"  IB
"...can't wait until the next class."  TD
"It's like a huge dance party!"  MT
"Where were these people hiding and I am glad you found them for us!"  PC
"I am glad there is now a studio in this area offering this"  JT
 
Dance Florida Academy and the Zumba Squad will be offering class on Mondays and Thursdays from 6pm to 7pm starting after Winter Hoilday!
Join the Party! (TM)  More about ZUMBA...

LAND OF THE SWEETS PERFORMANCES - December 12, 2009
From the begining of December, Dance Florida Academy has performed several times throught the area. With three huge performances of Land of the Sweets finished, Dance Florida Academy has one more at the Ritz Carlton, Palm Beach. The peformance at the Library in West Palm Beach was so sucessful that we will be doing much more there in the future!

All students have worked so hard and put so much into each show. We are all so proud of them.

Thank you to all of the parents who helped get these shows up and running -- while driving children, props and costumes to and from the venues. 

DINNER WITH BILLY CRYSTAL - December 8, 2009
On December 6, 2009, Laura Llanos and Luca Depoli attended the prestigious 2009-2010 Black Tie Gala at The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts -- Billy Crystal 700 Sundays. The evening included the Gala Performance of Billy Crystal in Dreyfoos Hall and the Gala Dinner at the Cohen Pavillion. Laura and Luca were also able to meet Billy Crystal.

Only six students from each department at Dreyfoos School of the Arts were invited. Of the six Dance Major students invited, Ms. Llanos and Mr. DePoli also receive their primary dance training from Dance Florida Academy! 

An exceptional young woman and a young man,  Dance Florida Academy is very proud of these two and  of their accomplishments both at the Academy and at DSOA!

POLAR EXPRESS APPEARANCE - December 4, 2009
Dance Florida Academy's Nutcracker and Sugar Plum Fairy made a huge impression youngsters at the City of West Palm Beach's Polar Express Holiday celebration. Though the evening began with some rain, it did not dampen enthusiasm. Children attending the event took pictures with the characters as they posed inside the foyer of the West Palm Beach City Library and The Palm Beach Photograhic Centre.

Luca DePoli made a dashing Nutcracker while Laura Llanos was an exquisite Sugar Plum Fairy. They were wonderful dealing with all the children with whom they posed and patiently answered all of their questions.

Mr. Bucheck and Mrs. DePoli literally handed out hundreds of information packets. Parents were asking numerous questions about Dance Florida Academy.

It is always great pleasure to be a part of the City of West Palm Beach's Holiday events!

THANK YOU IN ADVNACE - December 4, 2009
All the upcoming performances and appearances couldn't really happen without the hours of hard work by Ms. Bucheck, Ms. DePoli, Mrs. Linder and Ms. Gabor with their endless hours with needles and yards of thread. They made sure that all costumes looked good and fit everyone properly.

F R E E  ZUMBA MASTER CLASS - December 1, 2009 
Monday: December 14 at 6pm, grab your workout shoes and get ready to move to all the hottest Latin beats!
Michelle Gonzales has over 15 years of experience in dance and fitness. She has been certified with the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America for over ten years in Group Exercise and Choreography. Since 2005, Michelle has been certified as a Zumba Instructor and with FITOUR as a Master Fitness Practitioner.

Zumba Classes will officially start after the Winter Holiday on Mondays and Thursdays at 6pm. It there is enough interest, there will be a possibility of Saturday Mornings, as well!

GUEST TEACHERS - November 30, 2009
Deborah Marquez (Former Ballet Florida Dancer) will be the Guest Teaching on Tuesday: December 8 for Level 5/6.

Tina Santos from New World School of the Arts will be giving a MASTER CLASS on Saturday: January 9.
It is a REQUIRED CLASS for Dance Florida Academy Students - Levels 3/4 and 5/6. Students from other dance schools in the invited to attend for a $10.00 fee. More information about Ms. Santos' Master Class will be posted later.

TURKEY DAY IS OVER - November 29, 2009
The Thanksgiving Holiday is over. All of us at Dance Florida Academy hope everyone had a great time. As we get  closer to performances and with the Boutique now open, we realize the Holiday Season has truly begun.

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE - November 24, 2009
The Holiday Boutique is now open. The Boutique features Nutcrackers, Plush Toys, Handcrafted Soap and Candles, Cookbooks and MUCH MORE. Located in the Academy lobby, it is open during Academy hours.  A special Thank you to Mrs. DePoli for organizing the entire project! All proceeds go towards scholarships and everything related.

...And Speaking of Scholarships
When was the last time you donated to The Saturday Morning Bistro?
It is vitally important that you get involved!  Mrs. Napolitano, Mrs. Tovar and Mrs. Linder would really appreciate it. Ask them what they need. A small donation goes a very long way.

THANKSGIVING VACATION
The Academy will be closed for Thanksgiving Vacation.
Last day for ALL classes are November Tuesday: November 24
and return for classes on Monday: November 30.

EVENING REHEARSALS - November 17, 2009
Besides regular rehearsals, Levels 3/4 & 5/6 are having short rehearsals after their respective classes everyday. Please remember to check the schedule - on a daily basis,

SPEEDY RECOVERY - November 17, 2009
Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Mr. Bucheck Jr. (Ms. Swiadon's husband) after his surgery today. This is the second time he has been in the hospital in the past month and a half.

GREAT SHOW - November 16, 2009
The Dance Concert at D.S.O.A. was wonderful. Everyone did great. The energy was incredible. It was a joy to see all that talent!

FIRST RUN-THRU - November 14, 2009
Saturday's Run-Thru of Land of the Sweets (Mini Nutcracker) went very smoothly. Though the day was long, students did a wonderful job.

BEST WISHES - November 11, 2009
Merde and Great Wishes to the students in the D.S.O.A. Dance Concert this weekend! Here's to a run of performances!

MINI NUTCRACKER (LAND OF THE SWEETS) - November 9, 2009
Rehearsals for Land of the Sweets (The Mini Nutcracker) are in FULL SWING! From the Mice to the Sugar Plum, all students are working hard and are giving their all. Performances will be at the Ritz Carlton in Palm Beach and at the West Palm Beach City Library.

Prices and how to attend The Ritz Carlton will be posted soon.
The performance at the Library is FREE to the Public!
 All Performance Dates

ELMO IS IN THE HOUSE - October 26, 2009
As reported on September 30, while at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, the cast of National Tour of Sesame Street LIVE's Elmo's Green Thumb will be in the building. From now until November 1, plan to see the talented and extremely friendly people of the show while they are using Dance Florida Academy for rehearsals and/or taking various classes. You can Count on it!

ABOUT HALLOWEEN - October 24, 2009
There are classes, as usual, on Saturday, Halloween Day. For all listed days off, please check the Academy Calendar.

THE TRICK OR TREAT GOODIE BAGS  were so much fun that they will be ON SALE all week, up until Halloween Day - or while supplies lasts! Students have already won Gift Cards for Muvico, McDonald's and Target. No one has yet to win the ITunes Card and the other fabulous cards so -- there are plenty of more great Treats and Surprises to be had
...Tricks too!

THANK YOU to Ida Bucheck for teaching Jazz -- substituting for Ms. Pearce -- who was sick. Feel better soon!
Did we also see Ms. K.D. Smith making a very special appearance in the Jazz Class reprising one of her most famous Broadway roles???? Yep, she's the One!

Missed was Cathy Goldsmith while she was teaching in a workshop out of state.

GREAT CONCERT - October 22, 2009
Congratulations to the students who played in the BAK M.S.O.A.'s String Concert. It was a wonderful show with lots of incredible talent!

IT'S ALMOST HALLOWEEN - October 20, 2009
On Saturday Mornings, get a taste of Halloween with the Saturday Morning Bistro. Trick or Treat bags will be offered at only $2.00 each.

HERE'S THE TREAT: Each bag will have offering of Halloween candy AND Special Treats!

IN THE TRUE HALLOWEEN SPIRIT
...HERE'S THE TRICK: Not all bags will have "Special Treats."
However, all bags will have Halloween Candy.

Go ahead,
Take a chance
...If you dare.

Bags, Candy and Surprises will be donated!
If you are interested in making a small donation to the Bistro, let us know.

All Proceeds go towards Dance Florida Academy's Scholarship Fund!

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE POSTED - October 12, 2009
The first rehearsal schedule of the season is now posted.
It is the personal responsiblity of each student and their families to get the schedule off the board and not call the Academy Office. SOON - Rehearsal Schedules will be posted ONLINE.

NEW CLASSES ADDED - October 9, 2009
Starting NOW Dance Florida Academy has added a new Pre-Ballet Class on Wednesdays at 4pm.

On Tuesdays, Kimberly Dawn Smith AND Cathy Goldsmith will start a NEWLY added Adult Beginner Tap Class.
Please arrive early to register.

Evan Ferrar is now offering Voice and Piano Lessons. To recieve more information from Mr. Ferrar.

COVERING CLASSES - October 6, 2009
A very special Thank You to Ms. Faye for filling in and covering classes for Ms. Cravey while she was in Texas attending to her new grandchild Oliva Rose.

VOICE AND PIANO LESSONS - October 6, 2009
Dance Florida Academy Accompanist Evan Ferrar is offering Voice and Piano Lessons at the Dance florida Academy Studios. To receive more information, click here.

BISTRO - October 4, 2009
The Saturday Morning Bistro already seems to be a real success this year. The volunteer mothers are taking a REAL and ACTIVE part making sure that happens. They are also making sure the menu items are not only fresh BUT on a healthier side -- with a big selection. This weekend, the homemade empanadas AND cakes SOLD OUT quickly. Next Saturday expect to see the same and MORE!

The Bistro is now so big that we have moved it to the front of the building. It is a great place to relax and have breakfast snacks AND fresh coffee (or tea and juice) while waiting for students to finish their classes. Special thank to Maria Tovar for the incredible homemade empanadas and Lisa Linder for the scrumptious vanilla cake.

Whether or not one bakes, donations -- food AND/OR cash (even $5.00 goes a long way) -- are accepted on a weekly basis for sale items
...And proceeds go to DIRECTLY to scholarships. 

It is VERY important that every single parent get involved in fundraising!

HOSPITALIZED - October 2, 2009
After a doctor's appointment, Ms. Swiadon's husband was admitted in to hospital in the morning for tests. He is expected to remain there for a least few days. His spirits seem to be doing well.

WHAT STREET IS IT - September 30, 2009
While on a short break this week, a few members of Sesame Street Live's production of Elmo's Green Garden will be taking classes at the studio. Last night, they were in adult class and Hip Hop.

When the show is in WPB, they have made plans to use studio space for classes for the entire cast. The show opens here at the Kravis Center soon.

IT'S A GIRL - September 23, 2009
Claudia Cravey’s daughter, Julie Gumbinner gave birth to 7lb, 8oz. Olivia Rose Priolo. This is Ms. Gumbinner’s and husband Lucas Priolo’s second child and Ms. Cravey’s third grandchild.

Ms. Gumbinner is a former student of Ballet Arts (Academy of Ballet Florida) and Former Principal Dancer with the Houston Ballet. She is  currently a Principal Dancer with Texas Ballet Theatre and is on the Guest Teacher and Artist in Residence Staff of Dance Florida Academy.

CONGRATULATIONS!

FIRST WEEK IS DOWN - September 19, 2009
It was a busy day. Starting at nine the morning, all hands were on deck to greet parents and students for a day of Pre-Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop and Tap.

From five to eighteen, students filed in and out of their classes with excitement and anticipation. However it was sometimes difficult to tell who was more excited. Was it the parents? Was it the students? Maybe it was the teachers or Directors Ms. Cravey, Ms. Swiadon, Mr. Hoff and Mr. Bucheck?

For some students, it was their first day. For others, it was back in the studio after their first week of ballet for more work and movement of another sort. They all so very were focused and worked really hard!

Comments after classes, ranged from, "I think am going to be sore tomorrow but it was really fun," "...But I don't want to go home yet" -- to -- "Can I take that class too?"

Congratulations to staff teachers Burcin Gursel (Hip Hop), Traci-Anne Pearce (Jazz) and Kimberly Dawn Smith (Tap) for making the the first Saturday of a New Era -- a great one!

HIP HOP - September 16, 2009
Last night was the first Hip Hop class with teacher Burcin Gurcel. The class was literally packed with older teens and young adults. EXTREME high energy could be felt through the concrete walls and all the way down the street!

Don't forget that there is a FREE Hip Hop class this Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30am. TRY IT OUT!

FORMER DANCER TURNED MEGA MOVIE STAR DIES - September 14, 2009
Partick Swayze died today at the age of 57. He started his career as a ballet dancer and appeared in musicals before becoming well known as a super star in the movies. Mr. Swayze may be best known for his roles in Dirty Dancing and Ghost while his diversity can be seen in To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything.
Read more: CNN Online

GREAT FIRST DAY - September 14, 2009
First thing at 8:30 this morning, we were greeted by Phoenix Landscape Maintenance -- ready to start the tree pruning in the parking lot. Until 2:00pm, they worked non-stop with chain saws, clippers, tractors and trucks. The lot no longer looks like Halloween or a Harry Potter movie set. Tomorrow they return to finish the mowing and final clean-up.

Phone calls from parents/guardians calls started directly at 9:00am. Some calls sounded panicked, worrying if it was too late to register and others needing to know where to buy dance wear.

The first morning adult class was taught by Mr. Hoff with Sasha Vagner at the grand!  Some were old Academy of Ballet Florida students were present with some new. Even though we are a completely different organization, the former BF adult students were happy to know that we are honoring their class cards from that organization.

In the afternoon, as the children and teens started to filter in -- it got (good) crazy. By looking at all the smiling faces, everyone was so glad to see each other! There was a wonderful and positive excitement in the air.

Well, it was certainly wonderful to see the building full of happy and eager students
...And a GREAT first day!

IT'S ALL COOL - September 12, 2009
The crew from John C. Cassidy converged at the studio early this morning as the new main downstairs air conditioning unit was installed on the roof today and another repaired. Mr. Hoff installed the new lights in front of the building (as Mr. Bucheck held the ladder) in order to brighten things up at night.

The pianos were buffed as last minute finishing touches were handled by Ms. Swiadon and Ms Cravey. Thanks to Hartley Logsdon of Logsdon Plumbing for installing the water fountains. The soda machine should be stocked by Thursday. Students and families will notice containers of hand sanitizer all over the building for their safety.

Monday is the day!

LESS THAN FOUR DAYS – September 10, 2009
Today was the day to start the finishing touches before Opening Day on Monday September 14. Everyone was in the studios scrubbing, cleaning and arranging. 

Roll books are ready. Adult Class Cards are printed and cut. Water fountains for the top of the stairs are going to be reinstalled and the upstairs lounge is now ready for students. The sound systems are hooked up for everything from Bach, Lady GaGa to "42nd Street."

Pianos are scheduled to be moved into the building late tomorrow morning. One of the new air conditioning units is being hoisted to the roof on Saturday and the parking lot landscape will be receiving a major pruning job first thing on Monday morning!

Was Cinderella ever this busy?

Luckily, there is still time to register early. This is highly recommended to avoid the lines and have a chance to sit down and talk to teachers -- either on Friday or tomorrow by noon. People planning to register on the day of their children's first classes should come in early to fill out the paper work and pay the proper fees and first month's tuition.

GETTING READY – September 3, 2009
Now that all inspections have are over and passed, the end of this week has been spent getting ready for student’s exciting first days of classes which begin on September 14. Mr. Hoff and Mr. Bucheck have carrying floors and sound equipment while Ms. Swiadon and Ms Cravey have been taping them. Many hours this week have been spent with City officials and local businessmen.

Taking time with families and students during registration has been fun and at times, educational. People have told us some unusual, interesting and sometimes funny things. For instance today, a grandparent of a new student told us she heard about us at her nail salon. Another little new student told us that she heard about us at Dunkin Donuts. Other youngsters say that have heard about Dance Florida Academy at their school or other dance schools.
Word is getting OUT!

REGISTRATION WEEK 2 - August 26
As students and their families come in, it has been nice to sit down and spend quality time with each one of them -- on an individual basis. They are extremely excited that Mrs. Hale, Ms. Cravey and Mr. Hoff are teaching their ballet classes. Great comfort has been expressed that Ms. Swiadon will be teaching their little ones, as well.

Besides the regular staff, Dance Florida Academy has added to the roster extraordinary Guest Teachers and Artists in Residence with more to join soon!
Don't forget to check out our faculty page!

FIRST DAY OF REGISTRATION - August 17, 2009
Parade days are great. Today seemed to be one of those days.

From the time we opened the doors this morning, until minutes before we closed at 7pm, there was a constant influx of students and their families.

It was so nice to see the smiling faces of past students from former Academy of Ballet Florida who wanted to register and take classes with Dance Florida Academy. There were plenty of new faces too! Everyone seems committed and ready to go for another year.

Registration continues right up to the first days of classes.

PLEASE NOTICE that we now have our permanent contact numbers:
Telephone: 561-836-8941 * FAX: 561-832-8957

THE CALLS KEEP COMING - August 12, 2009
Ever since the announcement went up on our Home Page and registration notices went out, the phones and web mail has been very busy.
 
Then, the first print ad appeared and everything went insane.As things have now worked out, Dance Florida Academy is incredibly fortunate to be  able to have some office space and ALL FOUR STUDIOS in the former Ballet Florida Building until a more permanent home is found. Until then, Mrs. Hale, Ms. Cravey, Ms. Swiadon, Mr. Hoff and Mr. Bucheck have been cleaning and reorganizing like crazy to get ready for registration and opening days of classes! 

Some things are changing. Somethings will remain the same. Unfortunately, the orange walls must stay. However, we have even created a comfortable, calm and quiet waiting room for parents/guardians. This will help keep patents/guardians out of the way of all the mayhem. Upper level students may also have a few very special surprises too.

REMEMBER: Registration starts the August 17 at 11AM!

IT'S GETTING CLOSE TO REGISTRATION TIME - August 6, 2009
Registration begins August 17, 2009, Monday through Friday from 11am to 7pm. Students of the former school should look for information in the mail within a few days. Everyone -- including new students -- may start registration on the 17th. It is highly recommended to call for an appointment during registration time. If registering by mail, make sure to include Registration Fee AND at least, the first month's tuition.

OUR LOCATION - August 5, 2009
Dance Florida Academy is very fortunate and extremely excited to be able to temporarily lease some space in the former Ballet Florida Building at 500 Fern Street in West Palm Beach, Florida. This helps solve immediate issues such as proper flooring. By leasing this space right now, Dance Florida Academy has more time to secure a permanent home for our future!

DANCE LEGEND DIES - July 27, 2009
Dance great Merce Cunningham died in his sleep in New York. He was 90.
"You have to love dancing to stick to it. It gives you nothing back, no manuscripts to store away, no paintings to show on walls and maybe hang in museums, no poems to be printed and sold, nothing but that single fleeting moment when you feel alive. It is not for unsteady souls." Merce Cunningham

PLANNING AHEAD - July 27, 2009
A site for our location is quickly narrowing down as we are all in meetings about class scheduling. Thank you for the emails and your interest.

"NEITHER SNOW NOR RAIN NOR DARK OF NIGHT..." - July 17, 2009
OK, so it doesn't snow here but here's is Dance Florida's Academy's Post Office Box:
Dance Florida Academy
P.O. Box 607
Palm Beach, FL 33480.

Drop us a line via snail mail, call us at 561-310-8406 (OUR PERMANENT NUMBER IS NOW: (561) 832 - 8941) or contact us through this website.

SOCIAL NETWORKING - July 16, 2009
Like thousands of dance companies and schools, opera companies, theatres, huge performing arts centers, performing artists, choreographers, individuals and other non-profit organizations, Dance Florida Academy is already on MySpace waiting for you to ad them as a friend. We will have a Fan Page on Facebook very soon! Will we Twitter? Time will only tell.

JULY 9 UPDATE
Though nothing is posted yet, we also will be appearing on YouTube. You may subscribe for future vids! Dance Florida Academy is also mentioned on the website yourpbc.org.

NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER - July 9, 2009
Now, you can call Dance Florida Academy at 561-310-8407. Please leave a message and someone will call  you back as soon as possible!

THE NEW NAME – July 8, 2009
The new school is now named. We wanted to wait until we acquired our 501 (c) (3) Status from the State of Florida to make Dance Florida Academy a non-profit charitable organization! However we are in the process of applying with the I.R.S. Look for a new postal address and telephone number, as wel as location information soon
– VERY SOON!

THIS WEBSITE
anewerabeginsnow.com was only intended to be temporary until everything was finalized. We are getting really close! With the new name, this site will be changing. The present website will be active for a while with update additions to this page!

CLASS SCHEDULING - July 6, 2009
Today, Marie Hale, Claudia Cravey, Lynda Swiadon and Steven Hoff started planning the roster of classes to be offered. There will be several of these meeting before anything will be set.

RECENT NEWSPAPER ARTICLE - July 4, 2009
Here is a recent article appearing in Saturday, July 3's "Local" Section of the Palm Beach Post about the new school.

SUCH A QUICK RESPONSE - July 1, 2009
It’s just been a few days. The response to anewerabeginsnow.com’s announcement and traffic to this new website has been phenomenal. As the emails come in, we will get back to each individual question as soon as we possible.

Thank you to those who stated they are ready -- right now -- to commit their support with either cash donations and/or in-kind offers. As you know, we are presently wading through the process of filing for our non - profit status and such. When everything becomes finalized, donations will be tax deductible.  We, of course, will be  in touch. Knowing that kind of support is out there in our community is sincerely appreciated!

A NEW ERA BEGINS NOW! -  June 28, 2009
As most already know, after 23 years, the Board of Directors has decided shut down operations and close the doors of Ballet Florida. For all of the dancers of the Company, staff, teachers, students of the Academy and volunteers, as well as, Palm Beach County, it is a very trying and to say the least, a sad time.

BRIEF COMPANY HISTORY
Founded and directed by Marie Hale and co-founded by Lynda Swiadon 23 years ago, Ballet Florida has brought to South Florida the finest dancers seen on the stages in area venues while performing works by world-renowned choreographers. Under Marie Hale's artistic direction, Ballet Florida has toured over half of the US and has been to Europe. In 2001 Ballet Florida became the only American dance company invited for a second time to perform at the prestigious International Dance Festival in Biarritz, France. This Palm Beach County dance company was one of the only companies in the US sanctioned to perform Mauricio Wainrot's powerful production Anne Frank -- performing it to general audiences AND to thousands upon thousands of school children in both Palm Beach and Broward Counties. The Company brought it's famous production of Cinderella to the DanceAspen Festival and Romeo and Juliet from coast to coast. It participated in Dance Chicago, a New York Festival celebrating Hispanic Culture and performed on the famous stage of The Joyce Theatre in New York City --only to name a few highlights.

BRIEF ACADEMY HISTORY
The Academy of Ballet Florida, was founded by Marie Hale and Lynda Swiadon over 35 years ago (as Ballet Arts). Then were later joined by and worked along side of Claudia Cravey and Steven Hoff. Over the years, this “team” has been part of the training of approximately 4,000 students. So many have gone on to professional careers in major dance companies, including but not only, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, American Ballet Theatre, Stuttgart Ballet, Frankfort Ballet, Houston Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, The Joffery Ballet, Eddie Toussaint's Les Ballet Jazz de Montreal, Louisville Ballet, Les Ballet Trocadero de Monte Carlo and Paul Taylor Dance Company. Others have gone on to find wonderful and lasting careers in the theatre like musical theatre (on Broadway, National tours and dinner theatres), cruise lines, Vegas shows, theme parks, music videos, television, movies, as teachers and more.

Hundreds of other students have used their excellent training to acquire scholarships and awards in leading universities across the country. Mrs. Hale has even worked and trained with Olympic Medal winners. One former student is the ballet master of the Ballet de Monte Carlo and two former students went on to found and become artistic directors of their own companies -- one based in New York City and the other in Chicago.

...Over 200 years of combined real-life experience training students while producing and working with the world's finest dancers!

THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA
Several months ago, while meeting with business leaders throughout Palm Beach County, Ms. Hale, Ms. Cravey and Ms. Swiadon quietly set out to search the perfect location for a brand new school. From North Palm Beach to Lake Worth to Wellington, many buildings have been seen and revisited.

Trying to find a space large enough, appropriate, safe and comfortable, affordable, convenient and easily accessible, AND centrally located -- has been no easy task. Due to that, a location and opening date have not quite yet been decided.

So, as it stands right now, though un-named, with several great location possibilities -- and back to basics philosophy

…A much anticipated NEW school will be opening soon.*

Thank you to all of the dedicated parents, The City of West Palm Beach, The Downtown Development Authority, businesses and to the general public who have shown and given their support -- and offered it for our future!

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AND TEACHING YOUR CHILDREN!