Dance Etc. Home Page
Dance Etc. Home Page
  

News, Etc


Below, you will find links to upcoming and current events, downloadable newsletters, calendars and important dates to remember.
2009-2010 Calendar
Tuition Due Dates
Newsletters
Registration Handbook

Other fun newsworthy events:

Ballroom Comes Back

Ballroom Classes Begin March 5

Dance Etc. is offering a four-week trial class on Friday nights, 7:30-8:45 pm, beginning March 5. These beginner lessons will teach the Foxtrot, Cha Cha and Swing. The cost is only $59.00 per person or $99.00 per couple. Beginners and intermediates both welcome. No partner required. Classes will be taught by David Frautschi, certified instructor.

Competition Team Team Recital 2010

Teams Perform at Mason High School

On February 7, Dance Etc.'s competition teams performed their routines in front of judges, family and friends at Mason High School. The event, which is called the "Team Recital" was free to the public. Dance Etc. has been doing a "mock" competition every year for over a dozen years. It gives valuable stage time for the groups, solos and duets before heading off to a real competition. The highly trained judges give quality feedback. The performers listen to the comments and apply corrections. It is also a good time to work out the kinks with costumes, props, and nervousness that all performers have. Thankfully, we didn't have to cancel due to the snow!

Dance Etc. Gets a New Look

Dance Etc. Gets a New Look

During the holiday break, we replaced the gym floor with a new, Olympic style 42 x 42 sprung floor, purchased new mats, replaced all the dance floors with suspended wood flooring, repainted all the walls, put in a new floor in the Tumblebear room, and much more! Makng improvements to be the best we can be!

Dance Etc. Performs at Tree Lighting
Dance Etc. Performs at Tree Lighting

Dance Etc. Performs at Tree Lighting

Dancers from Dance Etc. performed at the Miami Township Tree Lighting on December 5th. Dancers ranged from age 6 to 14, and routines were choreographed by Anne, Nicole and Catherine.

Dance Etc. Instructor Trent Williams

Trent is Honored for Choreography

Trent Williams, Dance Etc. instructor, was recently honored for his choreography by the Phoenix Dance Alliance. His piece, "Sweet Honey in the Rock" (a duet modern piece) was selected from 30 dances submitted, to be one of just ten finalists. As part of the award, he traveled to Arizona, where he staged the choreography on professional dancers. "Having my work presented on professional dancers made the piece more organic, more real... they could interpret the piece more realistically," said Trent. We at D.E. have long recognized Trent's talent when it comes to choreography. Trent is staging pieces on our competition teams, solos and duets this year. We are very lucky to have him. Congratulations to Trent on winning this honor!

Veronica Day Returns from Cruise Ship

Veronica Day Returns From Cruise Ship

Veronica Day, Dance Etc.'s former Dance Director, is coming home! She completed a six-month contract to perform as a dancer on Holland America Cruise Lines! The ship toured Alaska, the Carribean and even went through the Panama Canal. Join us on Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 7:15 pm for a Welcome Home party!

Dance Etc. Performance Team Performs at Winterfest

Dance Etc. Performs at St. Andrew's Winterfest

Dancers from Dance Etc. Performance Team performed a few routines at St. Andrew's Winterfest on December 5th.

Dance Etc. wins Best Dance Studio by Cincinnati Family Magazine

Dance Etc. Wins Best Dance Studio!!

Dance Etc. was named best dance studio by Cincinnati Family Magazine. We also won this award in 2005, and was named a runner-up in 2008. Thank you to everyone who voted for us!

Dance Etc. wins Best Gymnastic Studio by the Enquirer-Community Press Readers Choice Award

Dance Etc. Wins Best Gymnastic Studio!!

Dance Etc. was named Best Gymnastic Studio in Clermont County by The Enquirer/Community Press Readers Choice Awards! Every year, the Community Press presents awards for more than 100 categories of business within Clermont County. Ballots could be submitted by mail or online. Look who else won in your community! And thanks to everyone who voted for us!

DE on Facebook

Dance Etc. is now on Facebook!

For those of you who have Facebook accounts, please join our group! Follow this link to go there now! Don't have Facebook? Dance Etc. also sends out weekly newsletters to keep you informed. Join our e-mail list by going to our home page and scroll down to the bottom; look for the box that says "join our mailing list."

Performance Team at Meadowbrook

Performance Team Delights Audiences at Senior Center

Dance Etc.'s performance team, ages 5 to 8, performed a short show in ballet, tap and jazz at Meadowbrook Care Center, Weller Rd., in Montgomery. The girls are pictured here in their costumes for "Lollipop, Lollipop." The Performance Team is dedicated to bringing the art dance to the community. They perform at senior centers, festivals, and other community shows. If you know of a performance opportunity that our team might be interested in, contact Miss Nicole.

Taste of Clermont

Dance Etc. at "Taste of Clermont"

Dance Etc. performed at the Taste of Clermont Fair at Eastgate Mall this month, September 11-13. This is the first year that the Taste has been held at Eastgate Mall. (Its usual location has always been Batavia.) The new location worked out beautifully. The weather was perfect and everyone had a great time! We'd like to thank everyone for coming out to see us.

Cincy Kids 4 Kids

Dance Etc. at Cincy Kids 4 Kids Carnival

Dance Etc.'s new performance team performed for the first time at the Cincy Kids 4 Kids Carnival, September 12 at the Union Township Veterans Park. The carnival was an annual fundraiser for the organization, which is is a local group of concerned kids and their families working together to raise money to help local children who are going through a rough time, emotionally, physically or financially. This is a great organization with a great cause! Thanks to everyone who stopped by to see us and say hello! Kids for Kids Website

Ballroom Instructor David Frautschi

Ballroom Dancing Returns to Dance Etc.

Dance Etc. is offering a four-week trial class on Friday nights, 7:30-8:45 pm, on September 18, September 25, October 2, and October 9. These beginner lessons will teach the Foxtrot, Cha Cha and Swing. The cost is only $59.00 per person or $99.00 per couple. We are also offering an Early Bird Discount of 10% off if you register by September 5th! Classes will be taught by David Frautschi, certified instructor. More information

Alexa and Monica

Dance Etc. Students Perform at Kings Island

Two of Dance Etc.'s competition team members, Alexa Helwig (17) and Monica Hannan (17), were hired as dancers for Kings Island this summer. These two talented girls were two of only five dancers hired for the season. They danced in two shows: "Flashback: Totally 80's" (featuring songs by Madonna, Bon Jovi, Michael Jackson, etc.) and "Don't Stop the Music" (featuring current music by Rihanna, Justin Timberlake and Beyonce). The shows feature jazz and hip-hop dancing, though both girls have also seriously studied ballet at Dance Etc. "I'm sure that their ballet training gave these dancers a technical advantage over the other candiates," says Anne Kramer, Owner and Artistic Director of Dance Etc. "Ballet is the foundation for all types of dance." Alexa added, "Who knew that I could actually make money doing something I love. How lucky can you get?" Monica added, “I've met so many other talented people, and our cast is so much fun. I'm having the time of my life.” We are very proud of both girls! Congratulations!

Every Season

Dance Etc. Wins at Nationals

Dance Etc.'s competition teams traveled all the way to Panama City, FL for a week of national competition. Out of all the studios and routines competing, our 11-12 year old lyrical routine, "Every Season" came in first place and had an opportunity to compete again in the Star Showcase competition! "The competition was extremely tough," says Owner/Artistic Director Anne Kramer, "so to win anything at all is a great surprise. But to come in first place is a momentous occasion, especially for this group because it was their first year of lyrical. I'm so proud of all the dancers." Dance Etc. competes at Nationals every two years, and have been to Chicago, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach and other cities.

Daisy Troop at Dance Etc.

Dance Etc. Sponsors Daisy Troop

This group of five year-olds are part of a Daisy Troop led by Lisa Murray. Most of these girls dance or tumble with us. Dance Etc. has provided them with turquoise blue T-shirts, proudly worn by the group! If your girl scout or brownie troop is interested in achieving their dance or acting badge, please contact us at 576-1400.

Dance Etc. Performs at Stamp Your Heart Out

Dancers Perform at Stamp Your Art Out

Some of Dance Etc.'s students performed at a local business on Kenwood Road as part of a special in-store event. This type of event gives students valuable performing experience and furthers their dance education. Next year, Dance Etc. will be starting a two performance teams (one for younger dancers ages 5 to 7, and one for older dancers) who will perform at lots of local venues at a variety of events. The groups will not compete. If you are interested in auditioning to be part of the group, contact us at 576-1400.

Dance Etc. Wins at Star Systems

Competition Teams Win in Columbus

Dance Etc.'s competition teams won top awards at Star Systems competition in Columbus the weekend of March 27-28. Pictured here is Tori Patrice (front) and Alexa Helwig (back), who danced in "Silent Night," choreographed by Anne Kramer. The group won top senior group and $100 in prize money! Two teams tied for top Mini Group: "A Tisket, A Tasket," our 6 & under tap team, and "The Munchkins," our 7-8 acro group, both under the direction of Catherine Dresbach. Both Miss Anne and Miss Catherine received "Top Teacher" awards! Congratulations to all the dancers.

Dance Etc. Wins at Headliners

Competition Teams Win in Indianapolis

Dance Etc.'s competition teams won top awards at Headliners competition in Indianapolis the weekend of March 7-8. Pictured here are some dancers from a hip-hop routine called "Mission Impossible," choreographed by Anne Kramer (back row, left). The group won top junior group and $100 in prize money! Dance Etc. also won other judge's special awards, such as the "Age Appropriate Award" for "A Tisket, A Tasket" our 6 & under tap team, "Creative Concept Award" for "Couch Potatoes," a senior acro team, and "Standard of Excellence Award" for the pointe team! Congratulations to all the dancers and teachers!

Dance Etc.'s Doctor Wins!

Dance Etc.'s "Doctor" Wins Contest!

Dr. Sai Hanamanthu, left, trained for just three weeks to learn ballroom dancing, under the guidance of Dance Etc.'s owner/artistic director Anne Kramer (center), and former student Brittany Heskamp, age 19 (right). Dr. H and Brittany paired up to dance together in a "Day of Dance" event at Eastgate Mall February 28 as a benefit for women's heart health awareness. As part of the event, Dr. H and Brittany competed in a "Dancing With the Stars" contest, against three other couples. Happily they came in first place! The award? A large red shoe and the satisfaction of doing something fun for a great cause. Dr. H learned that it is not easy to learn ballroom dancing and compete in just three weeks. After the event was over, Dr. H said, "You have really made me appreciate and respect the hard work that goes into making the routines look effortless. I wish I had taken this up earlier in my life!"

Alexa Helwig on front page of UDA website

Alexa Helwig Chosen to be on Web Page

Dance Etc. dancer Alexa Helwig, age 17, was surprised to see her photo on the main web page for UDA National Dance Team Championships! Yes, that's her in the front and center. We're proud of you, Alexa! Great job!

Marisa Gordon chosen to be a model

Marisa Gordon Chosen to be a Model

Dance Etc. dancer Marisa Gordon, age 18, was chosen to be a model for a book called "A Dancer's Anatomy" by Human Kinetics. The author of the book, Jacqui Haas of Wellington Orthopedics, chose Marisa to demonstrate various dance exercises. Jacqui said, "Marisa was chosen because she has long lines, beautiful feet and long legs. She was the only dancer who could demonstrate one of the exercises!" Jacqui Haas is an athletic trainer and Pilates instructor who visits Dance Etc. to give workshops. Marisa is a graduating senior and has been at Dance Etc. since 1996. Congratulations!

Dance Etc. Collects 368 Food Items for Charity

Dance Etc. Collects 368 Food Items for Charity

Dance Etc. organized a food drive and collected 368 items to donate to the Loveland Interfaith Food Effort (LIFE). Each teacher had a bin for collecting items. The teacher with the most items was made to wear a funny costume in the Christmas Parade on November 20. Take a look at the photo of the winner dressed up as a Christmas tree! Thank you to everyone who participated!

Dance Etc. Participates in Christmas Parade

Dance Etc. Participates in Christmas Parade

Dance Etc. participated in Milford/Miami Township's annual Christmas Parade on November 20. Take a look at the Christmas Parade Photos!

Dance Etc. Wins Award

Dance Etc. Wins Parenting Award

Dance Etc. has been chosen as one of the Best Dance Studios in the area as voted by the readers of Cincinnati Family. Each year the magazine gives readers the opportunity to vote in many different categories for their favorites. These range from best Children's Bookstore, best Baby Store, best Dance Studio to best Rainy Day Kids' Event. Dance Etc received votes in the category of Best Dance Studio!

Breakdancing Workshop at Dance Etc.

Dance Etc. Hosts Breakdancing Workshop

Jaron Joiner makes a guest appearance at Dance Etc. on October 18 to teach breakdancing to a group of boys AND girls. In the intermediate class, the group learned various standing freestyle moves, as well as basic floorwork. The advanced class worked on handstand spins, backspins, and much more! Take a look at the Breakdancing Workshop Photos and be on the lookout for our next workshop!

Viky Smith visits Dance Etc.

Guest Teacher Miss Viky Teaches Here

Guest instructor Viky Andrea Smith, who taught at Dance Etc. for a year, but now lives in Florida, visited Cincinnati from Dec. 11-14 to work with Dance Etc. students. Viky is a former ballerina who is an excellent teacher, especially in ballet and pointe! For her biography, as well as all the other instructors and guest instructors at Dance Etc., go to the About Us page, then Staff, then Guest Instructors.

Kristi Capps teaches at Dance Etc.

Guest Teacher Kristi Capps Is Teaching at Dance Etc.

Kristi Capps, Principal Dancer at the Cincinnati Ballet Company, will be teaching as a guest instructor at Dance Etc., which is quite an honor! She will be working with our advanced competition groups. For her biography, as well as all the other instructors and guest instructors at Dance Etc., go to the About Us page, then Staff, then Guest Instructors.

Miss Catherine Becomes Mrs. Catherine

Miss Catherine Becomes Mrs. Catherine

Dance Etc. Tumbling Director, Miss Catherine Bissett wed her college sweeatheart, Rom Dresbach on September 7th. The wedding was beautiful and the weather was perfect for the outdoor ceremony. Her Dance Etc. “family” was there to share and celebrate this wonderful day with her. Many of her students were in the wedding including 19 dancing flower girls. We wish Catherine and Rom ("Mr. Catherine") a lifetime of love, laughter and happiness!
Photography was done by Oak Haven Photographer (the same photographer Dance Etc. has used for many years). You can see more wedding pictures and even order some, by going to Oak Haven Photography's Website and clicking on Previews, then Dresbach/Bissett wedding.

Please Welcome Coach Murtaz

Please Welcome Coach Murtaz

There's a new instructor on board at Dance Etc! His name is Coach Murtaz (don't try pronouncing his last name – Tskhvedadze!) and he is from the Republic of Georgia, not to be mixed up with Russia. His background includes 13 years as a competitive gymnast, and many years experience coaching competitive and recreational gymnastic classes. He has coached both boys and girls gymnastic teams to championships at the state and national level.
He has only been on staff for a few weeks and already students are making great progress under his direction!

Please Welcome Michael Tevlin

Please Welcome Michael Tevlin

Dance Etc. is proud to welcome to our staff the Associate Professor of Dance from CCM (College-Conservatory of Music at University of Cincinnati). Michael has a BA in Dance from Butler University, and MS in Ballet from Indiana University. He was the former Assistant Director of Interlochen Arts Camp Dance Program, Ballet Instructor and Production Coordinator for Interlochen Arts Academy, and part-time faculty at Dance Arts Academy in Traverse City, Michigan. He was also the former Artistic Director of Fort Wayne Ballet Company and Memphis Ballet Company, and a former faculty member at Rhodes University, Memphis State University and Millikin University. He performed with Fort Wayne Ballet, Memphis Ballet, Millikin Dance Theatre, Indiana Ballet Theatre, Indianapolis Starlight Theatre, Butler Ballet, St. Louise Civic Ballet and others. Michael was named Master Artist by Indiana Arts Commission in 1985 and 1991. He has taught and adjudicated at numerous ballet festivals, conferences and competitions. Michael will be helping our Company competition teams with their ballet training on Saturday mornings.

Christopher Day lands professional dance job

Christopher Day Lands Professional Dance Job

Christopher Day, a former Dance Etc. student and teacher, who graduated in 2006, was hired (through his agent in Nashville) to perform with Veggie Tales as a featured dancer and Larry the Cucumber in “God Made You Special, Live!" This show takes to the stage this fall to perform for audiences nationwide on a 50-city tour and provides the ultimate live experience for VeggieTales fans. A performance is scheduled for Louisville, KY on November 1, 2008, the closest tour stop to Cincinnati. For entire show schedule, tickets and information, please visit The Veggie Tales Website or check our bulletin board in the lobby. Congratulations Christopher!

Kelli Barton Joins Nationally Ranked UC Dance Team!

Kelli Barton Joins Nationally Ranked UC Dance Team!

In April 2008, the University of Cincinnati held Dance Team Tryouts for their Varsity and Jr. Varsity squads. Kelli Barton, former Dance Etc. student and teacher, who graduated in 2007, wowed judges with her technique. Not only was Kelli selected for UC's Dance Team, but she was the only Freshman to make the nationally ranked varsity squad. Kelli and her 15 other teammates will perform at all the home football and men's basketball games, as well as other community events. For more information about UC Dance Team please visit Kelli on the Bearcats Website. Congratulations Kelli!

Veronica Day Performs in Music Video

Veronica Day Performs in Music Video

Veronica Day, Dance Etc.'s former Dance Director, recently auditioned and was chosen to perform with the new country artist, Jenna Darlleen. Veronica shot a music video in early September in Fayetteville, TN with Jenna for her debut song, "My Truck" and will also perform with Jenna as a back-up dancer in Atlanta on September 27th. Look for the "My Truck" music video to start airing on YouTube and national music stations soon!

Dance Etc. Student Photographed for National Dancewear Catalog!

Dance Etc. Student Photographed for National Dancewear Catalog!

Breanna Ferguson, 11 years old, from Dance Etc. was chosen to model dance costumes for Loshin's Dancewear, a national dancewear and costume company based in Cincinnati, OH. Typically 200 or more applications are received, but only 35 dancers are chosen! Karen Leston, Loshin's owner, explained that they do not use modeling agencies. Instead, the company chooses models based on teacher recommendations and an interview process. Karen also said, “Breanna did a great job and was a pleasure to work with!” To learn more about Loshin's products and services, please visit The Loshin's Website

Dance Etc. Students Chosen to Perform in Cincinnati Ballet's The Nutcracker

Dance Etc. Students Chosen to Perform in Cincinnati Ballet's The Nutcracker

Two of our dancers were selected to perform in the Cincinnati Ballet Company's annual production of “The Nutcracker”. They are Mikaela Vaughn, age 11 (chosen for one of the children in the party scene) and Emily Pirozzolo, age 10 (pictured above, chosen for a gingerbread child). This is the fifth consecutive year that our students have been chosen to perform with the Nutcracker. Both dancers have trained at Dance Etc. for years, Mikaela since 2001 and Emily since 2007 (having moved here from another city). Both girls enjoy taking Jay Goodlett's ballet classes at Dance Etc. on Monday nights. Jay is formerly with the Cincinnati Ballet Company. "Their experience on the competition teams at Dance Etc. gave the confidence Mikaela needed to get through the audition process," says Mikaela's mom, Patty. Congratulations Emily and Mikaela, we are so proud!

Kelsey Krenwinkel accepted to ABT

Kelsey Krenwinkel accepted to ABT

The renowned American Ballet Theatre hosts a summer ballet intensive every year. Students take up to four ballet and pointe classes per day for two weeks, ending in a performance. Students must audition to be accepted into the program. Dance Etc.'s own Kelsey Krenwinkel, age 13, was one of those lucky few to be accepted! In addition, she was placed in the most advanced group for her age. “The program was really intense, but I loved it. I enjoy being around other students who love ballet as much as I do,” says Kelsey. Kelsey started dancing at 5 years old. She attributes her ability to keep up at the ABT with her quality ballet training at Dance Etc. Congratulations to Kelsey!

Dance Etc. hosts ballet intensive

Dance Etc. Hosts Ballet Intensive

Every year, Dance Etc. hosts a week-long ballet intensive for ages 8 and up. For six hours a day, students learn ballet technique. pointe, partnering, terminology, dance history, choreography and much more. Instructors include Jay Goodlett, Tricia Sundbeck, Kelly Yankle and others from the Cincinnati Ballet Company, Michael Tevlin, Associate Professor of Dance at CCM at UC, and more. The students performed for a parent audience at the conclusion of the week. Dance Etc. is committed to bringing quality ballet training to our students!

Anne Kramer, Owner/Artistic Director

Dance Etc. Wins Small Business of the Year Award!

Dance Etc. is the proud recipient of the 2007 Small Business of the Year!! Attended by over a hundred people from the business Milford/Miami Township community, the COVER Awards dinner recognizes the achievments of small and large businesses, volunteerism and life time achievement in the region. We owe this honor to our great staff and dedicated students, without whom this would not have been possible.

Dance Teacher Magazine

Dance Etc. Featured in Dance Teacher Magazine!

Great news! Dance Etc. has been featured in the nationally distributed trade magazine, Dance Teacher, November 2007 issue! The article features an interview with Owner/Artistic Director Anne Kramer, and how to choreograph, costume, and choose music for for competition routines. The article features several photos from Dance Etc.

© 1996 - 2010 Dance Etc.  All Rights Reserved.