That's Dancing Receives 2012 Best of Lake Worth Award

Lake Worth Award Program Honors the Achievement

LAKE WORTH October 15, 2012 -- That's Dancing has been selected for the 2012 Best of Lake Worth Award in the Dance Instruction category by the Lake Worth Award Program.

Each year, the Lake Worth Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Lake Worth area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2012 Lake Worth Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Lake Worth Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Lake Worth Award Program

The Lake Worth Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Lake Worth area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Lake Worth Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy.

SOURCE: Lake Worth Award Program

CONTACT:
Lake Worth Award Program
Email: PublicRelations@awardprogram.org
URL: http://www.awardprogram.org

The Dance Magazine of Florida
Promoting, Supporting and Preserving Dance in Florida 

AW Spotlight

That’s Dancing: Bringing Excellence in Dance to our Community

That’s Dancing co-owners Andrea LaMaina and Michele Walsh answered our questions for this “AW Spotlight” piece to give us a glimpse into what makes their dance studio so successful.

What’s the best thing about That’s Dancing?

There are so many great things about the studio. Some things that we think make it great are the amazing faculty and staff that are committed to our students. With such an outstanding faculty, we are able to offer a large variety of classes for all types of dancers. We take pride in educating our pre-school aged students, elementary, middle and high school aged boys and girls, as well as adults. Our studio is operational 6 days a week and classes are offered at convenient times for all skill levels.

What’s unique about what you do? What makes you stand apart from others who do the same type of business, in your opinion?

Co-owners of That's Dancing Andrea LaMaina and Michele Walsh

As owners and artistic directors that both have come from college level dance degreed programs, we understand that students learn in a variety of ways. Our philosophy has always been to maintain a studio that gives individual attention and proper technique training in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Describe the scope of classes & training that you provide.

We teach ages 3 though adult in Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Lyrical / Contemporary, Tap, Jazz, and Hip Hop. We offer a Young Dancer Program for our students ages 3 - 6 that prepares them with the skills and vocabulary needed to have a successful transition into the upper level technique classes. We also offer an in house audition only dance company for more serious students. Our Fusion Force Dance Company performs for local benefits and well as competing regionally and nationally.

How long have you been doing this? How did you get started?

It is hard to believe that we are in our 12th season of That’s Dancing! We got started in our driveway! We would choreograph routines in our driveway to perform for friends, family and neighbors! It was a childhood dream for both of us and we couldn’t imagine not having each other or another job!

What’s the most challenging thing about this business?

The most challenging thing about our business is probably the same thing that challenges all working women. It is the constant struggle of balancing evening and weekend hours and family life.

What do you think your students appreciate most? What do you think the parents appreciate most?

Fusion Force Dance Team, That's Dancing students who audition for this high-powered dance group

We would have to say that our students definitely value the individual attention and support that our faculty offers. It is evident and very satisfying when current students write you little love notes or give you hugs and extremely rewarding when students that have graduated and moved on continue to stay in contact. Prior students still come back to help out during recital or just sometimes to stop in and say hello. They really seem to value the relationships that they built when they were students of That’s Dancing and make it clear that they want to give back for all that they have received. The parents feel good to leave their children in a positive environment and around role models that encourage learning.

What’s the male to female ratio of students? How do you incorporate male students into the choreography when, for example, there’s just one or two boys?

There are definitely a larger percentage of girls than boys. We range between 24 to 30 boys during a dance season. Obviously, boys become a focal point in choreography when they are surrounded by girls. We try to choose music and choreograph movements that accentuate their athleticism.

How has the “big show” at the end of the year evolved over the years?

The show is definitely longer these days! In year 1, we had 1 show that lasted about an hour. Today, we hold 5 shows that are 2 acts long each. The preparation and planning needed has also increased. Technology has also evolved during the 12 years. Our show is run completely by computer! Twelve years ago all of the lighting and music cues had to be run and called manually. This change has definitely led us to a much smoother and professional looking show. The most rewarding evolution would definitely have to be the technique level of our students. We put on a great show that sells out yearly.

What are some of the best honors or results you’ve seen, in terms of your past & current students?

2009 That's Dancing Performance, Photo: Gary Coronado, The Palm Beach Post.
Many of our students successfully audition for dance major programs at both BAK Middle and Dreyfoos High School. Students continue to earn spots in prestigious summer dance intensives. We have also had many graduates successfully auditioned for college level dance programs. One of our very first students completed her dance degree at New World School of The Arts in Miami and has returned to That’s Dancing this past season as a full time faculty member.

Numerous students have earned dance titles in regional and national competition. Our groups have received special awards for choreography and entertainment as well as technique. We have even had a student travel to Germany for an International Dance Competition placing 4th in the world! As a studio, we were recognized in South Florida Parenting Magazine as the Silver Crown winner for Best Arts Class. We have also been recognized as Best of Palm Beach and Treasure Coast for the past 2 seasons and are hoping to earn that spot again for the 2010 polling.

Tell us about your families.

Our mom and dad are the reason that this studio exists! They have been our support system throughout. We are so blessed that they have been able to help us realize our dream and watch us make it a reality. In the past 12 years they have been there for us through good and bad times. We have been able to bless them with 4 grandchildren as well! All of our children now dance at the studio and it feels amazing to be able to share this with them!

What’s coming up in the future at That’s Dancing?

We are excited to announce our 2010 summer dance program. Our six-week program will run from June 14th to July 24th, 2010. The six-week program consists of evening and Saturday classes. We have also increased our popular intensive camp from 2 to 3 weeks. Camp meets from 9am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday. We will offer a variety of exciting classes, master teachers and an informal Friday performance each week. Camp weeks are June 14th - 18th, June 20th - 25th and July 26th - 30th.

***

That’s Dancing
6169 Jog Road A-15
Lake Worth, FL 33467
(Corner of Lantana Rd. & Jog Rd.)
(561) 642-9677
www.ThatsDancing.com

AW SPOTLIGHT

That’s Dancing’s Fusion Force Company Rehearses

Young dancers from That’s Dancing in Lake Worth, Florida rehearsing for an upcoming show. Members of That’s Dancing’s Fusion Force Dance Company (approximately 60 total in the group). Artistic Directors Andrea LaMaina and Michele Walsh have helped this dance company to become very successful in their 12th year at That’s Dancing.

In these videos, they are rehearsing for their performance set for Saturday, February 13th at 12:30pm at the Canyon Town Center Amphitheater located in Boynton Beach for “Artcetera” an arts, crafts and entertainment show. The Arts and Crafts show is held both February 13 & 14 from 10am-5pm. 8802 Boynton Beach Blvd. SE Corner of Lyons Road and Boynton Beach Blvd. For more information, call That’s Dancing at (561) 642-9677 or visit www.ThatsDancing.com.

Click here to get to the site for videos

Members of Fusion Force Dance Company performs at the Anti Deformation League's Palm Beach Educators Award Luncheon January 8th. 2009. Members of the team are photographed below.

Hank Aaron praises Palm Beach County educators on peace lessons

By DIANNA SMITH
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Friday, January 09, 2009

WEST PALM BEACH — When people hear the name Hank Aaron, they think of the baseball legend who broke Babe Ruth's career home run record.

Even more than 30 years after his retirement, fans are still mesmerized in his presence and everyone wants to meet the Hall of Famer called Hammerin' Hank.

Those who met him on Thursday at the Norton Museum of Art didn't talk baseball or home run records, but peace, equality and trust.

Aaron, who wore uniform No. 44, was the guest speaker at the Anti-Defamation League's Eighth Annual Palm Beach Educator Awards Luncheon, where 44 education centers in Palm Beach County were honored for merging diversity programs into lesson plans on kindness and tolerance. Liz Knowles of Pine Crest School in Boca Raton received a special award for her dedication to diversity.

Aaron, 74, shared with the crowd the discrimination he endured during his 23-year professional baseball career. He recalled nights on the road, when he wasn't allowed in hotels because he is black. He told of countless meals he ate on the bus because he wasn't allowed in restaurants with the white players.

And when he was about to beat Ruth's record for most career home runs with a whopping 755, Aaron said he went through "pure hell."

"I had to navigate the waters of racism to survive," Aaron said. "There were days when it was extremely hard for me to go the ballpark."

After retirement, Aaron became a successful businessman who also founded the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation, which provides grants for children with talents in fields such as music, dance and athletics. He asked educators to continue their work, so one day the world can be rid of hate.

"We have taught too many of our children to hate. They need to understand that their classmates are all God's children," he said.

Morgan Jessell (left) and Alyssa Neill perform at the Anti-Defamation League's Eighth Annual Palm Beach Educator Awards Luncheon at the Norton Museum of Art Thursday. Baseball legend Hank Aaron was the speaker and 44 education centers were honored for their efforts to teach children about kindness and tolerance.

Fusion Force Dance Company performs at Future Stars Talent Competition in Boca Raton. Jr. Company takes the Director's Choice Award and is mentioned twice in the following article. It was said that they captured the essence of the competition. Way to Go Fusion Force!

Printable PDF

Congratulations Brittany Murray! That's Dancing student and Fusion Force Dance Company Member!

Making the cut: FAU dance team tryouts

April 28, 2008

The Florida Atlantic Dance Team held its first round of tryouts for the 2008-09 season on Sunday, April 13. Thirteen dancers made the cut and are participating in 'Boot Camp' this week, with the final tryout this Sunday, when eight dancers will be chosen.

Dance Team coach Dyanne Loput conducted the tryout, teaching the candidates two dances that they practiced for several hours before performing before three judges.

The Dance Team performs at a variety of functions during the year, including all home football and basketball games, along with pep rallies and other athletic functions. (Sun-Sentinel/Ted Hutton / April 15, 2008)

Around Wellington Magazine
March 2008

County teen will compete at an dance showcase in Germany

By Mary Thurman Yuhas
Special Correspondent
Posted November 3 2006

When Andrea LaMaina opened That's Dancing west of Lake Worth in 1998, Carolyn Lamour was one of her first students.

The little girl stood out, and she recalls thinking to herself, "someday she's going to be good," she said. LaMaina's hunch proved right.

Lamour, 17, who lives west of Lake Worth with her parents, has been selected to represent Team U.S.A. at the World Dance Showcase in Riesa, Germany, Nov. 22 to 26. More than 40 countries are taking part, and more than 200 dancers from the United States will compete.

Before being selected, Lamour competed in the Headliner's Regional Championships 2006 in Coconut Creek. In July, she competed and won the Headliner's National Championships 2006 in Lancaster, Pa., against more than 400 other dancers.

"I was really, really excited, and I skipped when I received my award, because I was so happy," Lamour said.

Her teacher said Lamour is not just talented, she's tough.

"Carolyn doesn't mention that she has scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, which makes dancing much more challenging and demanding for her," LaMaina said.

When she's not practicing, Lamour wears a brace and says sometimes her back hurts. "I've known since I was 4, and my doctor said to be careful and know my limitations and stop when I'm having a lot of pain," she said.

It's impressive that Lamour earned a spot on Team USA, said Shari Tomasiello, national director of the Headliners competition.

"I would be astounded if she did not place and at least earn one of the medals for the U.S. She is that good," Tomasiello said. "The way she presents herself on stage is breathtaking, and she's a very sweet person."

The host in Germany, the International Dance Organization, will judge the showcase competition. The nonprofit organization was started in 1981 to give amateur and professionals a place to compete, according to the organization's Web site.

"This is the one event that happens annually, where dancers can compete against other countries, rather than be a team member for a specific dance studio," Tomasiello said.

Lamour is trained in lyrical, modern, ballet, pointe ballet, jazz and tap and practices six or seven days a week, said LaMaina, co-owner and artistic director of her dance studio. At nationals, when the five judges held up placements card, every judge held up one for Lamour. "It was a unanimous choice that she was to represent the U.S.A.," LaMaina said.

Carolyn's mother, Lydie Lamour, and LaMaina are accompanying Carolyn to Germany. Lydie Lamour said her husband, Jean-Michel Lamour, and their other children, Isabel Lamour, 21, and Jean-Paul, 14, can't join them.

Lamour always has been passionate about dance and practices a lot, her mother said. "When she does something, she goes all of the way, and we are very, very happy for her," she said.

Lamour will be wearing a costume her mother made, a black vest with black shorts. She will wear black feathers in her hair for her routine Bye Bye Blackbird.

Lamour's mother said she home-schools her daughter, so she can have a flexible school schedule and practice dance throughout the day.

Loren Foster is a dance teacher at That's Dancing and has worked with Lamour for four years and choreographed Blackbird.

"Carolyn is a dream to choreograph, because she can do any movement you dream up and bring it to life," she said. "She makes something impossible possible."

Winning is a little sweeter this year, because she didn't place in the finals last year, Lamour said. After she graduates from high school next spring, she hopes to get a degree in dance and English literature. She plans to attend a state university and thinks Florida State University in Tallahassee has a good dance program, she said.

She would like to perform with a company in Florida and eventually teach, she said.

Carolyn Lamour does a jump at That's Dancing from the performance that earned her a national title and a trip to Germany in November. Lamour said she started dancing to improve her balance and coordination. 'I'm not the most coordinated,' she said. 'I had balance issues.'

Dancer wins national competition; earns trip to Germany to perform
By Michelle Mundy
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 09, 2006

BYLINE: MICHELLE MUNDY, Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
DATE: December 21, 2005
PUBLICATION: Palm Beach Post, The (FL)
EDITION: FINAL
SECTION: NEIGHBORHOOD POST
PAGE: 6
MEMO: MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR

Greenacres / Wellington

When Carolyn Lamour was 5, she asked her teacher for extra schoolwork. "That's when my mom said, 'There's a problem here,''" Lamour, now 17, said laughing. "So I started dancing because I needed something to do."

Her hard work and dance practice have paid off. Last month, the suburban Lake Worth resident was chosen from among about 15 dancers as the winner of the national Miss Headliner 2006-'07 competition in Lancaster, Pa. The title also earned her a spot on Team USA as one of two main dancers. In November, Team USA will go to Riesa, Germany, to compete against 23 other countries in the International Dance Organization Showdance Championship.

"I'm so excited," Lamour said about the weeklong trip. "This is my first national title in dance. It was really exciting. I actually skipped on stage I was that excited when they gave me my award."

Andrea LaMaina, co-owner and artistic director of That's Dancing in suburban Lake Worth, where Lamour has been a student for about eight years, said she's proud of Lamour. "She is an extremely dedicated student who displays tremendous passion to her art form," she said. "It is fulfilling as a teacher to watch her challenging choreography come to life and to realize her potential."

When Lamour first started dancing, it took her awhile to love it. "I'm not the most coordinated," she said. "I had balance issues. I always kept dancing because of how much fun it is, and it helps me stay coordinated." She found her balance in dance and now performs ballet, modern, tap, jazz, pointe and lyrical. Her love of dance is evident in her dedication. She goes to the studio every weekday and practices at home for an hour or two each day.

Lamour, who will be a high school senior this school year, said being home-schooled gives her schedule more flexibility for dance.
Lamour said her mom, Lydie, had helped her to maintain focus. "She's always pushing me to do my best, and she always helped me stay focused. She reminds me that dance should always be fun."

For Lamour, dance is expressive and helps her stay strong. She's also made friends, and looks forward to making more in Germany. "It'll be fun meeting new people and seeing different dances," she said.

Lamour competes in about seven events a year. When preparing for a performance, she makes certain to practice her solo, eat a good breakfast and stretch."And I try not to get too nervous," she said. "My dance teacher always tells me 'mind over matter.''"

Lamour said she wants to share what she's learned some day."I definitely want to teach," she said. "It's always been on the back of my mind ... Maybe I'll go to Florida State University. They have a really good dance program there."

What are your hobbies?
"Dance is really my life, but I also like to swim and jog."

If you could meet anyone, either dead or alive, who would it be?
"Martha Graham, the famous modern dancer. She's influenced so many modern styles."

What's your favorite book?
Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt.

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Elizabeth Stone of suburban Lake Worth won the Petite Miss Dance of Florida competition at Dance Masters of America in Daytona Beach. She will represent the state at nationals in Las Vegas in July.

DEDICATION, AMBITION PAY OFF
FOR DANCE COMPETITION WINNER
By Michelle Mundy
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 21, 2005

BYLINE: MICHELLE MUNDY, Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
DATE: December 21, 2005
PUBLICATION: Palm Beach Post, The (FL)
EDITION: FINAL
SECTION: NEIGHBORHOOD POST
PAGE: 6
MEMO: MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR

Greenacres / Wellington

Elizabeth Stone tries to dance every day. There are only two weeks out of the year that she doesn't practice steps with That's Dancing, a studio in suburban Lake Worth.

The 9-year-old has one word for that short time period: "Torture," she said after a Saturday practice.

When she's not learning new dances, "I make them up," she said.

Dedication has paid off for Stone, who recently was crowned Petite Miss Dance of Florida at the Dance Masters of America competition in Daytona Beach. She will represent the state at nationals in Las Vegas in July.

To win the competition, the young dancer had to go through an interview, classes and perform a solo. She performed a dance solo to Part of Your World from her favorite movie, The Little Mermaid.

It's not shocking that the Freedom Shores Elementary fourth-grader won, said Andrea LaMaina, one of Stone's dance teachers and co-owner of That's Dancing.

"She's a quick learner," she said. "She's eager and ambitious. She's also very consistent."

LaMaina's sister and studio co-owner, Michele Walsh, agreed.

"She always wants to push herself to jump higher to learn more and to take the next step," she said.

Stone does ballet, modern, jazz, tap and lyrical dance. She wants to learn point when she turns 12.

She performs with That's Dancing about 12 times a year. To improve her performances, she points her toes more and shows facial expressions. She also recommends practicing and paying attention in class in order to succeed.

"I'm really proud of her, as hard as she works," said Stone's mom, Lauren, who danced for 16 years. "I'm proud of her no matter what she does. I want her to do well, but I want her to enjoy it."

Enjoying it is something Stone does enthusiastically. When asked whether she gets nervous, Stone is quick to say "no." She enjoys dancing by herself or in front of an audience and said she has fun.

Despite her dedication to dance, the suburban Lake Worth resident is a typical 9-year-old. She loves pizza. Her favorite color is blue. She has a 2-year-old brother, Matthew.

Her favorite subject in school is math, for not-so-obvious reasons.

"I like it because we learn about degrees, and in dance class we move our legs in degrees."

What's your favorite hobby?

Practicing dances with friends, in-line skating, swimming and playing tennis.

What's the hardest thing about dancing?

"Remembering the routines."

What's the easiest thing about dancing?

Having fun.

Where were you born and what brought you to Florida?

Pittsburgh. Her parents, Lauren and Matthew Stone, moved here when she was about 1 month old because they had family in South Florida.

What did you first enjoy about dancing?

"We played flower games and Hula-Hoops" to learn dancing moves.

michelle_mundy@pbpost.com

Illustration: PHOTO (C)

ELIZA GUTIERREZ/Staff Photographer

Copyright (c) 2005 Palm Beach Newspapers, Inc.
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Dance Masters of America Florida Chapter #2 is pleased to announce their title winners for 2005
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
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Alexandra Morgan, Miss Dance; Sean Duvall, Mr. Dance; Eliana Girard, Teen Miss Dance, Marquis Cunningham, Teen Mr. Dance, Ashley Issacs, Jr. Miss Dance, Alex Royal Jr. Mr. Dance; Ariel Reichenbach, Petite Miss Dance, Brian Finnerty, Petite Mr. Dance, and Jillian Medero, Mini Miss Dance.

It was the first time that Dance Masters of America Florida Chapter #2 held all five title divisions together at the fall convention. In all, there were over sixty title contenders. For the title competition, each dancer was required to participate in audition classes, interviews, and finally perform a solo. In addition to the title competition, dancers participated in scholarship auditions in tap, jazz, ballet and acrobatics. DMA gave out over $5500.00 in all. A performing arts competition for solos, duets, and trios was also held plus excellent workshops taught by: Ron Daniels, Nicole DiCicco, Adrienne Canterna, Beth Strazzullo, Kara Spevak, and Jackie Colby.

Our title winners will go on to Nashville, Tennessee to compete for the national titles at the Dance Masters of America National Convention in July 2005. We wish all of them the best! •

Local student wins title in statewide competition
By Kathi McFarland
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 26, 2005

Jillian Medero is a student at That's Dancing in western Lake Worth. She is also a member of Fusion Force, the studio's dance company. Vada Mossavat/The Post

Jillian Medero has set her sights on a career in dancing, and she's off to an impressive early start.

Jillian, 9, was recently crowned Mini Miss Dance of Florida 2005 in a competition sponsored by the Dance Masters of America, Florida Chapter 2. Dance Masters is an association of certified dance educators that also sponsors scholarship competitions and offers workshops, training and master classes for students and teachers.

Jillian Medero is a student at That's Dancing in western Lake Worth. She is also a member of Fusion Force, the studio's dance company.

Jillian said she was "surprised" to win the title, which she earned tap dancing in a competition with 10 other dancers in Orlando.

Jillian lives in western Lake Worth and is a third-grader at JFK Medical Center Charter School. Dancing takes up most of her free time.

"I used to bowl," she said, "but I wanted to dance more."

Jillian is a student at That's Dancing in western Lake Worth. She takes dance classes at the studio every day except Friday and Sunday. She is also a member of Fusion Force, the studio's dance company.

Jillian said that she began taking dance classes when she was 3, after her mother saw her "dancing around the house." After many more years of training, she hopes to become either a professional dancer or a dance instructor.

Her mother, Tina, said that Jillian really enjoys dancing and "takes everything they offer, except pointe." Jillian receives training in tap, modern, jazz, ballet and lyrical (dance interpretation using a combination of ballet and jazz). She is too young to take pointe (ballet dancing on the tip of the toes).

"She really loves it, and has even had me sign her up for a couple of extra classes," her mother said, adding that entering competitions has helped make Jillian more confident.

"Jillian talks about becoming a dance instructor or professional dancer. It will definitely be something to do with dance."

Andrea LaMaina, co-owner and artistic director of That's Dancing, is thrilled that Jillian won the Mini Miss Dance of Florida 2005 competition.

"Jillian is a dedicated student who worked hard to earn this prestigious achievement," LaMaina said. "I'm proud to be her teacher and choreographer. All the teachers and students at That's Dancing share in my enthusiasm."

As for Jillian, she's convinced the best part of dancing is that "it's a lot of fun, and a lot of learning."

What is the best advice you have ever received?

"To use my expressions more when I'm dancing. To smile more."

If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?

"My dance teacher, Miss Andrea."

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

"Hollywood."

Tap, for two
Wednesday, January 26, 2005

Vada Mossavat/The Post
LAKE WORTH — Savannah Steinberg (left) ties a ribbon on classmate Morgan Grau in their BTC (ballet, tap and creative movement) class at That's Dancing in western Lake Worth. This is the first year the 3-year-old girls have been at the studio. Both girls live in Wellington.

Sun Sentinel - Celebrations
Sunday, January 23rd 2005

NOTABLES; [Boynton Beach Edition 4]
COMPILED BY FAYOLA SHAKES. South Florida Sun - Sentinel. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.: Jan 23, 2005. pg. 3

Mini Miss Dance of Florida

Jillian

While some parents may have a hard time getting their kids to do homework, Lake Worth resident Tina Medero has no problem persuading Jillian to finish her work.

Their arrangement is simple: no homework, no dancing.

So after homework is done, the 9-year-old dedicates herself to a craft she's been honing since she was 2.

Her dedication is paying off. Dance Masters of America recently crowned her Mini Miss Dance of Florida 2005. Asked about winning the crown, she only shyly responded she felt "good" and "it was fun."

"She was stunned," her mother said of her accomplishment. "She couldn't believe it."

But Medero says Jillian has never been shy about her desire to dance.

"Jillian used to dance all over the house, so I signed her up at [western Lake Worth dance studio] That's Dancing," her mother said.

She trains under the eye of That's Dancing owner Andrea LaMaina. Jillian also is part of the Fusion Force dance company.

Jillian is also following in the footsteps of her older sister Jessica, 13, who also attends That's Dancing.

"When I grow up, I want to be a dance teacher," Jillian said.

(Copyright 2005 by the Sun-Sentinel)

Michele Walsh (left) and Andrea LaMaina always knew they wanted to dance and teach. 'We used to make up dances in our living room and put on shows,' LaMaina says. LaMaina is regional director of Dance Masters of America and a member of the Florida Dance Association.

By KATHI MCFARLAND
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Teaching other people to love dance is one of Andrea LaMaina's key goals in life.

It's a goal she's meeting with increasing success each year. LaMaina and her sister, Michele Walsh, are co-owners of That's Dancing in western Lake Worth. The studio opened in 1998, with a starting enrollment of just 28 students.

LaMaina, 29, said that the early days of the studio were "really scary. I remember sitting in the office crying, saying: 'What did I do? Where are all the kids in Lake Worth?'"

But That's Dancing grew at a steady pace, with an enrollment today of 450. Two weeks ago, the studio was moved into a much larger, 10,000-square-foot space at Lantana Square Shopping Center at the corner of Jog and Lantana roads. In addition to the studio, That's Dancing also has an audition-only dance company, Fusion Force, that performs locally and in competition. The company started with five members, and has 36 dancers from ages 7 to 19 today.

Courses in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern and lyrical (dance interpretation using a combination of ballet and jazz) are available to students ages 3 and older. There is no upper age limit.

Many of the older students enjoy tap dancing, especially rhythm tapping, and are great role models for the younger students, LaMaina said.

"It's important for young students and teenagers to see that dance can always be a part of your life, no matter what your age."

One of the most rewarding parts of teaching dance is "to see children get it, to master a step, and to see their excitement about their achievements," she said.

"When they embrace dance and it becomes an important part of their lives, it's just awesome."

LaMaina, a resident of western Lake Worth, had her first child three months ago, and taught dance "up to the day of delivery." She led a class in the morning, and entered the hospital that afternoon to give birth to her son, Nicholas Vincenzo.

LaMaina said her years of dance training definitely helped her during labor. "I think I had the easiest delivery ever."

Two weeks later, she was back at work. But unlike most new moms, LaMaina was able to bring her baby to work every day. She also had someone who was happy to baby-sit: LaMaina's mother is office manager at That's Dancing.

Family is very important at the dance studio. LaMaina moved here from New Jersey, and was soon joined by her sister, Michele. Their parents provided financial help to get the business started, and later moved to Florida to help when That's Dancing began to grow.

"Our parents made the dream come true for us," LaMaina said.

They also got their daughters interested in dance at an early age. "Our parents put us into dance so we'd become more graceful," La-Maina said. "We used to trip up the stairs."

Both sisters went on to earn college degrees in dance performance and education. LaMaina received her bachelor's degree from Towson University in Towson, Md., and Walsh received a bachelor's degree from the University of Miami and a master's from Temple University.

For more information, visit www.ThatsDancing.com.

@ kathi_mcfarland@pbpost.com

Palm Beach Post Neighborhood News Front Page 3-19-03

NEIGHBORS
Date: March 5, 2003 Publication: Palm Beach Post

Carolyn LaMour, a student of Andrea LaMaina and Michele Walsh from That's Dancing Dance Studio in Lake Worth, won numerous awards at the International Dance Challenge Competition at the Broward Community College in February. LaMour performed a point piece to Habanera, choreographed by Walsh, which received the highest award, a platinum medal. She also performed a lyrical jazz solo to Rosemary's Granddaughter, choreographed by LaMaina, that won a platinum medal and The Breath of Fresh Air Award. LaMour was crowned Miss Global Dance Intenational and chosen to represent South Florida for National Dance Week 2003. LaMour,.13, resides in Lake Worth with her parents Lydie and Jean Michel LaMour.

Palm Beach Post 2002

Front Page Neighborhood Post
Staff Photographer: Damon Higgins

Five year old Staci Sciandra gets a helping hand from her teacher Andrea LaMaina when trying to learn a new tap dance move at That's Dancing studio in Lake Worth, FL.