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Studio a place for dancing not stressing
Children have a multitude of issues to handle in today's world. From trying to get good grades and dealing with divorce and new siblings, to dealing with just trying to fit in, it's tough sometimes to just be a kid.
At Let's Dance Culpeper, LLC, that's basically what the instructors want each student to focus on. Being a kid.
"We didn't want to focus on competition. We wanted this to be a place where you don't have to be stressed," said managing director/instructor Janna Coppage. "We want kids to walk out of here with self esteem, education, exercise and confidence."
While dancing is certainly a discipline, the instructors also seem to enjoy being a part of each student's life.
"The funnest thing is seeing children come out of their shells," said Coppage who began dancing at the age of seven at Bobbi and Helen's School of Dance in Virginia Beach. "The parent is certain that their child is not going to go out on stage. But then they get out there."
The studio has only been open a few months, but the staff has already grown close to the moms and children with programs that lend support to families.
"It's definitely a family deal," said Coppage who's favorite types of dancing are jazz and tap. "We get very attached."
An after-school program is offered in which students are picked up and transported to the studio where they are assisted with homework. And along with dancing, the students also get to enjoy tumbling, crafts, art projects and field trips.
"I love it so much," said studio manager/instructor Jen Clubb who has a passion for jazz, hip hop and lyrical dancing. "As teachers, we embrace the kids."
Let's Dance Culpeper also offers a "mom's day out" program where preschoolers are taken through academics, creative movements, arts and music.
Families who visit after school are encouraged to stay at the studio with a pink lounge to relax in and toys for siblings to play with.
Dance classes, also available for adults, can be taken in different combinations, but the most popular class right now is hip hop.
"You can do your own thing in hip hop," said Clubb who has been dancing for 14 years. "You can't do anything wrong in that class."
Let's Dance Culpeper has only been in existence since August, but has ten experienced instructors. Although everyone on the staff taught for the now closed studio In Motion, and is at the same location on Culpeper Street, it's a new and different company.
"I want people to know that other than having the same teachers, we are not connected," said Coppage. "We emphasize communication with the parents. I want people to know we're here and we're available."
The instructors include Clair Rosenberger, Sara Say, Allie Wheeler, Emily Wagner, Tiffany Simoes, Dawn Borja, Alli Kampstra and moms' program teacher Misty Wilson.
For more information visit www.letsdanceculpeper or call 540-829-2439. The studio is located at 128 West Culpeper Street, Suite 200 by The Bike Stop.
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