The Passion Dance Project was created to offer students the opportunity to dance outside of the box. For the reasons listed below this is not your typical dance studio!

Artistic Director Holly Poss realizes that individuals approach dance training with different expectations. The Passion Dance Project is split into two separate programs to accommodate anyone with a desire to dance. First and foremost this is a studio for performers. Our “Passion” training program offers challenging and physically demanding classes of all different styles and levels. This program focuses on students who know how to take class, are willing to work hard and who love to perform and move with passion. Classwork is based on proper dance technique, flexibility and strength, and the mastery of several styles of choreography. Students will be required to push themselves for constant improvement and encouraged to express themselves with energy and passion.

For the beginning student and/or recreational dancer we offer the Prep program. We have ballet, jazz, tap and hip hop classes for students starting as early as age 3. Young students will learn how to take class, how to take turns, basic dance steps and to enjoy moving to music. The three levels of Prep classes are divided by age. Students who have been taking prep classes may enter the “Passion” program by instructor invitation. The “Passion” program is not split into age groups but by skill levels.

Why is this cool? Dancers who are at a beginning level will not feel intimidated by advanced dancers in a mixed class. All students who enter the “Passion” program will know how to take class and be prepared for the work ahead. All students in the “Passion” program have developed an understanding of the work involved and will not be held back by students who are not as serious.

The dance year is split into six sessions that are seven weeks long with a “breather” week in between each session.

Why is this cool? Students have the opportunity to sign up for more classes at any time throughout the year. New students are permitted at any time. Parents can make one payment every two months for the session and get discounts for signing up for more than one session at a time.

But don’t dancers need to be consistent with training? Absolutely! The seven week session is very intense and physically demanding for students and a break between sessions gives students the time to rejuvenate their energy and get ready to buckle down and learn even more when classes start again! With scheduled breaks families know the optimal time to schedule vacations or family functions without interfering with any dance activity.

Each dancer will receive a calendar and schedule several months in advance. Company members will know when rehearsals are and can plan accordingly. Parents will also receive an exact list of items to pay for throughout the year so there will be no surprise costs. Parents will receive updates via email and the website will always be updated with current information.

Why is this cool? When life gets busy and the to-do lists are endless, members of the Passion Dance Project will not have to worry about dance inconsistencies.

Everyone contributes to the success of the Passion Dance Project from the youngest of dancers to the oldest and especially dance parents. All dancers and families should have a respect for each other as team members on the same project. We will have gatherings for parents so that we can all get to know each other and so everyone can take ownership in the studio success. We will also have various volunteer opportunities for dance parents who want to be super involved. Dancers will compete in a friendly atmosphere and work together rather than against each other, and all dancers and parents are expected to behave in an appropriate manner to be good examples and represent the studio’s positive values.

Why is this cool? I know from personal experience how amazing it feels to have all dancers and parents on the same page. It makes the work seem less like work and more like fun when the dancers are friendly and respectful to each other, and when parents realize we all appreciate them it makes supporting our dancers easy.

Dance has no age limit. Our “Prep” program starts with classes for kids starting at age three. The Passion Dance Project will have an adult performing company and will start various adult classes in the near future. When dancers graduate high school, they are not kicked out of our program but encouraged to continue dancing throughout life.

Why is this cool? There are a lot of dancers who want to continue dancing but choose not to pursue professional options or have other careers but who would love to keep the passion for dance alive. Also adults are often afraid to begin dancing but want to, so with the addition of adult classes in the future everyone who wants to… will have the chance to dance!

On several Friday evenings throughout the year the studio will host Master Classes of all different dance styles and with different instructors. These classes will range from Broadway to salsa to ballroom to yoga. Dancers will not have to sign up for this or even be a member of the Passion Project to participate.

Why is this cool? It is always beneficial for students to learn from different teachers and choreographers and to study different styles of dance. This will make the project more versatile and will give us something extra to look forward to throughout the year.