tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31078609499436161012024-02-19T00:52:49.154-05:00The Uptown BeatA Dance Blog, the latest news and information about Uptown Dance Studio, and a student recognition siteLeslea Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579377644551707704noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107860949943616101.post-28031711599768006072013-02-10T07:09:00.000-05:002013-02-10T07:11:23.693-05:00End Of Our 20th Season ReviewWe went out with a bang! Our 20th season of dance was definitely a memorable one. We are currently celebrating 21 years as of February 1st! Last I posted, I left you off in May 2012. As I have mentioned before, we have converted to newsletter form, however, its always nice to sum things up in a good ol blog post! So here we go...<br />
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June: Recital Time! Our show appropriately named "The Time" Celebrating 20 years of Dance.<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150965339334218.442814.325426864217&type=1&l=3ea01dd4b2" target="_blank">Picture Day </a>and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151012700159218.448376.325426864217&type=1&l=ed40d6ec9f" target="_blank">Recital Day</a><br />
Miss Leslea also had a little secret that she would reveal soon!<br />
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July and August: Summer Classes!<br />
Miss Leslea was also busy getting Zumbafied! She created <a href="http://www.zumbainnj.com/" target="_blank">Zumba in NJ</a> and is working hard to bring this fitness party to our studio. <br />
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September: Welcome Back! New Schedule, Students, Season and more.<br />
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October: Halloween canceled AGAIN! oh boy...<br />
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November: Recovering from Sandy and Being Thankful for all we have, including our studio and our dance families.<br />
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December: Holiday Season. Miss Leslea and Miss Camille also received their <a href="http://www.lesleaclarkpiscatowski.zumba.com/" target="_blank">Zumbatomic Certification</a><br />
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January: A New Year<br />
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February: All caught up! The month of love...Just in time for the new arrival... and we are celebrating season 21!!<br />
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Leslea Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579377644551707704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107860949943616101.post-13611768968108876352012-09-16T14:55:00.000-04:002012-09-16T14:55:00.256-04:00Welcome to the 2012-2013 SeasonWe are excited to teach our new students and welcome back our old. This year is another exciting one for us. The studio was open for summer Zumba, Hip Hop, and Ballet. We also had some minor renovations and we are so ready to share a new year of dance with you. Remember, you can keep up with the Uptown Beat by subscribing to our monthly newsletter. If you have missed anything I will be posting bellow. Please also see previous post, as I try to put the newsletters here on our blog as well. See you all soon! Happy Dancing!<br />
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<br />Leslea Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579377644551707704noreply@blogger.com0Belleville, NJ, USA40.7936744 -74.150046940.7696319 -74.189528900000013 40.8177169 -74.1105649tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107860949943616101.post-11964694088426453722012-03-05T07:36:00.003-05:002012-03-05T11:27:44.683-05:00Two Exciting Contests!We are happy to announce that it's contest time.<br /><br />The first contest is for currents students and is running from February 15th-March 15th. There is still plenty of time to get in on this one. Current students are able to bring a friend to class with them for FREE! If that friend happens to register, the current student's name gets put in a raffle to win April's tuition! Also, the student that brings in the most friends during this time, regardless of signing up, will receive a special prize.<br /><br />The second contest is for those who have not been a student at Uptown. We are asking for the communities help to "Nominate a Dancer" to receive an entire year of dance lessons. The entree should be in letter form and submitted to Uptown Dance by June 30th. Make sure you include why this child deserves to receive the lessons, and let us know the potential students situation. We are hoping to give back in a way were a child is able to experience dance next season where as he/she may not have been able to due to circumstances out of their control, such as financial means, etc.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Both contest are pretty simple, but feel free to check with us for full rules and regulations. Also, check out February's newsletter bellow. We had a visit from a well know casting director. See pictures bellow.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0MEiYcHsCABP9Rw5aoEE-_u7Snv_UXFMAFpj4g7FiEQFWeoPBHdo8Qzbm-t_0gqL2AftW7oxYQ-XYH13Z_TxYxUNLrAhJC6f1GvTCoCOEaajC5aM52Z2ZV0-eYHPIU97-PoyU9Qa-FE/s1600/the+uptown+beat+2.05.12.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0MEiYcHsCABP9Rw5aoEE-_u7Snv_UXFMAFpj4g7FiEQFWeoPBHdo8Qzbm-t_0gqL2AftW7oxYQ-XYH13Z_TxYxUNLrAhJC6f1GvTCoCOEaajC5aM52Z2ZV0-eYHPIU97-PoyU9Qa-FE/s200/the+uptown+beat+2.05.12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716449696174676146" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE20MdUMdugrWcaBBYzjdDBg3gBdwXmL9oq1aVuifGUhgr5HiQGvHXq4TEsKFQ_z_wyb3rxW-uD57rciLAgkGFhUg2_Yg_Pk6SrTxfXtlAusOwMXXxO-cRr7em_glek_TdFkmsfeCyYG8/s1600/iphone+photos+17+047.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE20MdUMdugrWcaBBYzjdDBg3gBdwXmL9oq1aVuifGUhgr5HiQGvHXq4TEsKFQ_z_wyb3rxW-uD57rciLAgkGFhUg2_Yg_Pk6SrTxfXtlAusOwMXXxO-cRr7em_glek_TdFkmsfeCyYG8/s200/iphone+photos+17+047.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716449713504924322" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hiC1GNbMTOW1P2B17o-81OH1IxjCPkSW7vKnyp3u5uhFoBto-nZQzQ9l1YmEmqQgzIrZDgDrnL_cimYGsAoSurdy9MH6jEHBQzUA2IJstfPWRAr9l8m37fgU7mDOXIHclLupLljR1dw/s1600/iphone+photos+17+046.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hiC1GNbMTOW1P2B17o-81OH1IxjCPkSW7vKnyp3u5uhFoBto-nZQzQ9l1YmEmqQgzIrZDgDrnL_cimYGsAoSurdy9MH6jEHBQzUA2IJstfPWRAr9l8m37fgU7mDOXIHclLupLljR1dw/s200/iphone+photos+17+046.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716449707713168482" border="0" /></a></div>Leslea Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579377644551707704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107860949943616101.post-37516523345559903142012-01-23T08:20:00.010-05:002012-01-23T13:06:48.987-05:00What Uptown Has Been Up To...Happy 2012 readers!!! We have not official posted since October 2011, so you know we have been busy. Also, The Uptown Beat has evolved into Newsletter form, so please check out some of the issues below. We find this method more effective, but not to worry, we will still blog when time permits. I love sharing the excitement of our studio with you all!<br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbQ9PFzmhtTLn1_XTxfh1YhVXkYJImL566U0zJheRw38c2Nh-OrUqSvWiXqCFcj54l-gY5ac7-CiV-EoZaU6e1FgUBASjjRRoBgIGdtIH6LDsTJaMMLyd_eMMylCyG_ungRUpS4gdGvs/s1600/the+uptown+beat+10.17.11.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 146px; HEIGHT: 241px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700817895015216098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbQ9PFzmhtTLn1_XTxfh1YhVXkYJImL566U0zJheRw38c2Nh-OrUqSvWiXqCFcj54l-gY5ac7-CiV-EoZaU6e1FgUBASjjRRoBgIGdtIH6LDsTJaMMLyd_eMMylCyG_ungRUpS4gdGvs/s320/the+uptown+beat+10.17.11.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jQIKF9EQZCd4mNMjhhxVQRD3NxqdpgRDkrd6i2KNPb6KVNksCqTnRoIHuxstMQ1fT1eP5hgIICG3Fk4RvE7ypN2-_6wvfiWjKzIp-v1As16N8XlST5bm8a1jU1ZU512Od6-ZjL_NSDw/s1600/the+uptown+beat+11.14.11.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 146px; HEIGHT: 241px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700817897815141474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jQIKF9EQZCd4mNMjhhxVQRD3NxqdpgRDkrd6i2KNPb6KVNksCqTnRoIHuxstMQ1fT1eP5hgIICG3Fk4RvE7ypN2-_6wvfiWjKzIp-v1As16N8XlST5bm8a1jU1ZU512Od6-ZjL_NSDw/s320/the+uptown+beat+11.14.11.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfSneFBW48cG7M7ZQEeYHGDTrGk5De2XK3XTxq9SCX8xUMsYGkcZ1egFIC5L4X1cIVSHEiXrk49xZvDhgYbnwkyCFUga1xKJ6l2YpW2rHomkurQWaFJOqkKB77KE1L8GemUBaTsOcKpU/s1600/the+uptown+beat+12.06.11.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 146px; HEIGHT: 241px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700817901036688562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfSneFBW48cG7M7ZQEeYHGDTrGk5De2XK3XTxq9SCX8xUMsYGkcZ1egFIC5L4X1cIVSHEiXrk49xZvDhgYbnwkyCFUga1xKJ6l2YpW2rHomkurQWaFJOqkKB77KE1L8GemUBaTsOcKpU/s320/the+uptown+beat+12.06.11.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bqTmotDnXd4dKpK7YZfXf65uN8H02CAwGdqkozyIa5XQf34IOqpl7UbLGUjLOcIn102sD_tzhGJ0518Eb8yFph9ZaKGeBzk1Oe-aClTWWe2uspu_iqA65h7KoZNeVynltFGKNhV9lpU/s1600/the+uptown+beat+1.05.12.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 146px; HEIGHT: 241px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700817904924705266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bqTmotDnXd4dKpK7YZfXf65uN8H02CAwGdqkozyIa5XQf34IOqpl7UbLGUjLOcIn102sD_tzhGJ0518Eb8yFph9ZaKGeBzk1Oe-aClTWWe2uspu_iqA65h7KoZNeVynltFGKNhV9lpU/s320/the+uptown+beat+1.05.12.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>As you can see, at the end of October we were thrilled to host our first Zumbathon. We raised almost $600 for Susan G Komen for the Cure in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Then before you knew it the Holidays were approaching. Our Halloween was as festive as possible. We had an unlikely snowfall in October which "canceled" Halloween in our neighborhood. We did our best to keep the Halloween spirit in the studio. </div><br /><br /><div>In honor of Thanksgiving we had our first official "Friend Week". The students were allowed to bring a friend with them in class, when they did so they both received a special gift from Uptown. It was lots of fun to meet new children and have our students share their dance class with them. We plan on doing another friend week soon!</div><br /><br /><div>We all know what happens after Thanksgiving... more holiday buzz! Ah yes, hearing Miss Leslea saying, "Santa is watching" all December when the lil ones are not standing in first position =). Needless to say, the Holidays were wonderful around Uptown. We had our usual week of parties and started introducing Recital songs and choreography. Santa was even there, and my son and husband joined in on the fun too! It's very heartwarming to see the kids with my son, they all love when he is there and it puts a huge smile on my face to see how loved he is. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKd71xN0WsgGmhpE9WDj5ByNGOkz1IoZTvr5dj9XCz6L31IlOOQYeCKZwIAJYoVoQCJjXhC5nf_2ngb4tU2KdK2EMYMP8ZHWifHxWHS7ALntz6rOHi3vBE9gAlJfd4bryPksWvyRhEjKQ/s1600/iphone+photos+15+026.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700880724799867746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKd71xN0WsgGmhpE9WDj5ByNGOkz1IoZTvr5dj9XCz6L31IlOOQYeCKZwIAJYoVoQCJjXhC5nf_2ngb4tU2KdK2EMYMP8ZHWifHxWHS7ALntz6rOHi3vBE9gAlJfd4bryPksWvyRhEjKQ/s200/iphone+photos+15+026.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD62YfJoWofHtm9myj797vhrB6tPU1CLfnPktLS4XRBH9HDv9Y4Dopscqj4RQDXj46ASH09-hX3wZ3vodxFQzrv6RpIzXYp32v4bHcO5U-yVRXoATW2P_U4wmzYPwMhSWwBU0TzEhIo8w/s1600/iphone+photos+15+028.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700880730257391250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD62YfJoWofHtm9myj797vhrB6tPU1CLfnPktLS4XRBH9HDv9Y4Dopscqj4RQDXj46ASH09-hX3wZ3vodxFQzrv6RpIzXYp32v4bHcO5U-yVRXoATW2P_U4wmzYPwMhSWwBU0TzEhIo8w/s200/iphone+photos+15+028.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9u1aVdN2p53Rx28oYjwH02e6XZC9sAqRq9VzRs-AOky6MKO5pKtak-NlkOKuSqt7gQiesNTgaBKbKqFT-eXegJylQRabjomkDI8RyBjEyQRpfljkQw5qTPWz3HXA4u5kwNGSaYgHL9_k/s1600/iphone+photos+15+034.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700880745429781394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9u1aVdN2p53Rx28oYjwH02e6XZC9sAqRq9VzRs-AOky6MKO5pKtak-NlkOKuSqt7gQiesNTgaBKbKqFT-eXegJylQRabjomkDI8RyBjEyQRpfljkQw5qTPWz3HXA4u5kwNGSaYgHL9_k/s200/iphone+photos+15+034.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQZ5WITdQR5bZG_BNbWcmhh8glD89sVSNlnkJVX2rT0ZvVwOV05NAG6gA2jPxW-F5KgNU4C71lt-m9gPQikLvZCUCYLBTMVGqAjduubYAKAr19ee6n56p4e-OSQYg3X4Km68C7mQfFGU/s1600/iphone+photos+15+035.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700880749242186274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQZ5WITdQR5bZG_BNbWcmhh8glD89sVSNlnkJVX2rT0ZvVwOV05NAG6gA2jPxW-F5KgNU4C71lt-m9gPQikLvZCUCYLBTMVGqAjduubYAKAr19ee6n56p4e-OSQYg3X4Km68C7mQfFGU/s200/iphone+photos+15+035.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>We all took a much deserved Holiday break, having a week off to rejuvenate and let the creative juices flow. Miss Pat and I picked out costumes and finalized songs and put a dent in choreography. January is all about Recital excitement; measurements for costumes, learning dances, asking 1567 times, "can we see our costumes", etc.</div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhynI7kneQk9Z756AG2VAI_gzzP1LsTG4Y6hrYDXef2hlPi_08sgnrc8MK_Fkd_Hp8cVT3M7kaRqu4u6Gy8AxoufslA1NlbGNjLKAxdZXwdkFrIVCfBW-8QR02YPCwTOkDfKAzH4Es6moY/s1600/rsz_official_bfc_logo.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 158px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700877923105981490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhynI7kneQk9Z756AG2VAI_gzzP1LsTG4Y6hrYDXef2hlPi_08sgnrc8MK_Fkd_Hp8cVT3M7kaRqu4u6Gy8AxoufslA1NlbGNjLKAxdZXwdkFrIVCfBW-8QR02YPCwTOkDfKAzH4Es6moY/s320/rsz_official_bfc_logo.jpg" /></a>On top of all that excitement, I have started a program for Belleville residents called the Belleville Fit Club. My goal is to encourage the community to stay fit and healthy. The program is for grade school children and adults and best of all it is FREE! I am very pleased to report that the program is going very well. Even the town is supporting the program, so I feel very honored. I will keep you posted on the progress of BFC for sure. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Other than that, we have our Recital and Rehearsal dates set. We were lucky enough to secure the same location for the show. The community center had changed ownership, so we were uncertain whether or not we would be able to have our show there, but we were lucky to have secured the venue. I am also learning web design, yes I have time for this, why not... I'm a mommy, wife, business owner, dance teacher, fitness instructor, personal trainer, community volunteer... why not add web design to my resume ;) Anyhoo, check out how I have spruced up the site a bit "on my spare time" lol. <a href="http://www.uptowndancenj.com/">http://www.uptowndancenj.com/</a>. Speaking of spare time, I'm looking into getting other Zumba Fitness certifications since our Zumba classes have been taking off at Uptown. One of my assistance is even in the process of obtaining her degree this March, I am so proud of her! </div><br /><br /><div>We are wishing you all a very joyful, healthy, happy 2012! Did you know that we are celebrating 20 years of dance. Yup, 2012 marks 20 years of business for Uptown Dance. I could not be more excited for this milestone and am excited to share 20 more great years with you all. Thanks to you for making those years so special. I will close with a post I made of Facebook not to long ago...</div><br /><br /><div>"Feeling so blessed to have been able to bring dance to so many in the past 20 years. Sitting here thinking of all the kids I have taught and watch grow up and all the people who have passed through our studio...the lives we have touched and changed... the joy... the art of dance... the extended family we have created. I love this time of year when old students come in to visit or send u Holiday cards. Even if they stop dancing with us they still find a way to remind us of how we were an important part in their life. Getting very emotional. Here is to another 20! So happy I found my calling in life."</div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaOd8g3AY56uUNjJo3d5bczoSHKO6Tu6tIU8waqsvqkXbX84AHrABo_oh2OFTA01qbZIonxOHw4uyZwhrh6JhqPfiHcgTMOyEWeBzIylFHgEFM98PoFxGtkPoAxunoOx3AxTgtvGn-aY/s1600/iphone+photos+14+038.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 134px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700888935811966594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaOd8g3AY56uUNjJo3d5bczoSHKO6Tu6tIU8waqsvqkXbX84AHrABo_oh2OFTA01qbZIonxOHw4uyZwhrh6JhqPfiHcgTMOyEWeBzIylFHgEFM98PoFxGtkPoAxunoOx3AxTgtvGn-aY/s200/iphone+photos+14+038.jpg" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Leslea Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579377644551707704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107860949943616101.post-73646817113722395532011-10-10T12:11:00.010-04:002011-10-10T14:53:56.460-04:00An Exciting October!<div style="text-align: center;">October is a busy and exciting month for us and we would love to share with you what is happening at Uptown...<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYTvPMD4EE1MiBazcK48Kk9xNVg1gv5BURJ-ZJ7LB_o61UeJFX-x6EFQ7QEUchsDEvdCHKio5OukOWxQXdGTMWtiJhmUxFdGLQDfXv8OUFINbjVeHqjjYc1xBdiwJuTXBEtlDOYHeRS4/s1600/photo_1%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 149px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYTvPMD4EE1MiBazcK48Kk9xNVg1gv5BURJ-ZJ7LB_o61UeJFX-x6EFQ7QEUchsDEvdCHKio5OukOWxQXdGTMWtiJhmUxFdGLQDfXv8OUFINbjVeHqjjYc1xBdiwJuTXBEtlDOYHeRS4/s200/photo_1%25282%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661898709548556962" border="0" /></a><br />Our performance team had the opportunity to dance at another <a href="http://www.njspartans.com/">Spartans</a> game on October 8th.<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/W2Y5uy2asF0?hl=en&fs=1" allowfullscreen="" width="425" frameborder="0" height="349"></iframe><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>My friend Charmaine from <a href="http://www.themainestep.com/">The Maine Step</a> and I attended the <a href="http://udma.org/">UDMA</a> costume preview show on October 9th. I was thrilled to be able to bring her to this wonderful event for the first time. We had a blast and received valuable information from the vendors to ensure both of us have a successful dance season.<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QFzT9bitvozDezICfVdIz5BcKNBg1gysCmxhEm-1qdoeZOzvqjih8Fiw0ZsYpwJh5Knyc9fs1KEkEzFRRhtPS60SZz1dNqN06d4a9id_ui-1R5WBTElrP52DDQQJjkqTJ0QDeIJ0beM/s1600/photo_4%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QFzT9bitvozDezICfVdIz5BcKNBg1gysCmxhEm-1qdoeZOzvqjih8Fiw0ZsYpwJh5Knyc9fs1KEkEzFRRhtPS60SZz1dNqN06d4a9id_ui-1R5WBTElrP52DDQQJjkqTJ0QDeIJ0beM/s200/photo_4%25282%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661900797647837330" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5natI-ysGIC-iI-SGtF8qLUDnHiZMUBIxegZ3rZG7v4IufYb0MsYNGJFOher3vTOu9RvaXUj3zzMB9sNsKEEinEVzIBcs8wVKJlgRT-UNIBtGJfIvlD2ul7vye0Vvzj-exzdusDEYOD8/s1600/photo_3%25283%2529.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5natI-ysGIC-iI-SGtF8qLUDnHiZMUBIxegZ3rZG7v4IufYb0MsYNGJFOher3vTOu9RvaXUj3zzMB9sNsKEEinEVzIBcs8wVKJlgRT-UNIBtGJfIvlD2ul7vye0Vvzj-exzdusDEYOD8/s200/photo_3%25283%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661902760815441586" border="0" /></a><br /><br />October 15th is the kickoff to <a href="http://nutleynj.org/content/nutley-fit-kids-wellness-pledge.html">Fit Kids</a>, a Nutley healthy town initiative. "Partnering with the Nutley Board of Education, this Healthy Town Initiative is designed to engage Nutley school-aged children, grades K thru 12, in activity to help fight childhood obesity and promote a healthy mind, body & spirit." Uptown is so excited to be involved in a program like this, we are firm believers and supports of <a href="http://dance4yourlife.org/">Dance 4 Your Life</a>, so this was the perfect opportunity to show kids, adults, seniors, and families that Dance is an awesome way to keep your self active and healthy. To help kick off the event Nutley Fit Kids has organized an expo in the NHS gymnasiam this Friday. We will have fabulous giveaways at our booth (but you will have to work for them!) and a high energy demo/mini class for the kids and their families.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GUWbftuyp718581j_6nM07fQAJg76IHOmEaNCLZAMl1UoRYGRGb0M1Ge8l8GuqD5kYnJ3XdTdvBhmA8vIbbtYoIS3lmZms1bNSpQ-5sDUp2WqR_4_OjvKEFCQQJWBe-SCsi2Sjx_SCg/s1600/logofitkids.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 177px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GUWbftuyp718581j_6nM07fQAJg76IHOmEaNCLZAMl1UoRYGRGb0M1Ge8l8GuqD5kYnJ3XdTdvBhmA8vIbbtYoIS3lmZms1bNSpQ-5sDUp2WqR_4_OjvKEFCQQJWBe-SCsi2Sjx_SCg/s200/logofitkids.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661906029904122530" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1j1Hq0HuJKpMKlVMg0DNe-UAQvW1RaXK2bFUS0sBs9zllXxfN86fYNHehiIDEOytcr3iZuIQTXWl3z0-jqb-SYs_FKie4vTreKCFeh4MTIXcHXLHUwntljeCGYxUMB6D9BX5vXKj9Ts/s1600/promofitkidflyer.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1j1Hq0HuJKpMKlVMg0DNe-UAQvW1RaXK2bFUS0sBs9zllXxfN86fYNHehiIDEOytcr3iZuIQTXWl3z0-jqb-SYs_FKie4vTreKCFeh4MTIXcHXLHUwntljeCGYxUMB6D9BX5vXKj9Ts/s400/promofitkidflyer.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661911667384725442" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Lastly we will be having a Zumbathon at the studio on October 23rd in honor of breast cancer awareness month. Come out and show your support and lets shake it for a good cause! Tickets are $17 and will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The event is from 1-3 and we ask that all participants wear pink! We recommend you purchase your tickets in advance, space is limited.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOd8z_ij70th3a3kqCRirJtZDHcdYjuND2EcN2Eu4Ssvj6uKocr9-hm-YqX4uNEKF5yqL-1OZN8_iKRxRAiyY8eyV-Y7OHwcsmMTQsqNnb8savSuqUWPHJyC1vj25WYlvPepds2JoNT8/s1600/Party+in+Pink+-+Leslea+Clark+Piscatowski+-+Facebook+image.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 106px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOd8z_ij70th3a3kqCRirJtZDHcdYjuND2EcN2Eu4Ssvj6uKocr9-hm-YqX4uNEKF5yqL-1OZN8_iKRxRAiyY8eyV-Y7OHwcsmMTQsqNnb8savSuqUWPHJyC1vj25WYlvPepds2JoNT8/s320/Party+in+Pink+-+Leslea+Clark+Piscatowski+-+Facebook+image.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661912579739332162" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Finally, on Halloween, October 31st, we will have a Halloween Play Date Party for children 2 and under. The purpose is to have the lil lil ones involved in something for Halloween since they do not get to enjoy the trick or treating festivities. Come and hang out at Uptown, show off your costume and play with kids your age! We will be there from 4:30-5:30(or longer) and the group will be led by Miss Leslea and her son Carl.<br /></div>Leslea Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579377644551707704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107860949943616101.post-52414975353438096572011-09-25T12:56:00.005-04:002011-09-25T13:11:43.395-04:00Uptown Performance TeamLast night, we had a very unique opportunity, we were asked to perform at the halftime of the NJ Spartans football game! We were honored and thrilled, and the experience left us with wanting more. Thanks to Charmaine and the welcoming fans of the NJ Spartans, we are happily looking into more opportunities like this one. We have been asked to return to another Spartans game and can not wait to do so on October 8th. This experience has inspired us to do more and I am please to announce we now have a Performance Team... yet another addition to Uptown.<br /><br />If you would like information on how to audition for our Performance Team, visit the <a href="http://uptowndancenj.com/entertainment.html">Uptown Entertainment</a> page on our main site.<br /><br />Form more information about the NJ Spartans, please visit their page<a href="http://www.NJSpartans.com"> </a><a href="http://www.NJSpartans.com">here.</a> I think here is where I'm suppose to chant "<span class="messageBody" ft="{"type":3}">AaaHhhOoo!!!</span>" (something we learned last night :-))<br /><br />See you at the next game!<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/l1Sxs1WWLYY" allowfullscreen="" width="560" frameborder="0" height="315"></iframe>Leslea Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579377644551707704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107860949943616101.post-36199398753327235582011-09-19T08:13:00.003-04:002011-09-19T12:53:35.380-04:00The 2011-2012 Dance Season...Welcome Back!First, we would like to welcome you (or welcome you back) to Uptown Dance, Belleville's Premier Dance Studio. This year is very special for us because we will be celebrating 20 years of business in dance. Thank you for being part of our dance family and helping us celebrate!<br /><br />We have an exciting<a href="http://uptowndancenj.com/schedule.html"> fall schedule</a> for you with Ballet, Tap and Jazz for ages 2.5-Adult. We also have Hip Hop for ages 7-Adult, Pointe for ages 11-adult, and much more! New classes such as Kids Yoga and kids and adult ZUMBA fitness!<br /><br />Also, don't forget about our Fitness program which includes personal training for all ages, and remember if you ever need dance outside of our studio, do not hesitate to contact us. We have our traveling dance teacher program, <span style="font-style: italic;">Around the Town Dance</span>, which will come to your facility or party. We are currently bringing dance to <a href="http://www.littlescholar.org/">Little Scholars </a>Nursery School in Belleville and have made appearances at many of our student's birthday parties. Then we have <span style="font-style: italic;">Uptown Entertainment</span> which provides party motivators and choreographed dancers for your next special event. We would also be happy to choreograph a piece for your special day. We have done Mitzvahs, Weddings, and Sweet 16's. Check out the fun <a href="http://uptowndancenj.blogspot.com/2009/08/uptown-entertainment.html">here</a>! Last but not least, the <span style="font-style: italic;">U Can Dance</span> program is back and in full swing! This is our program for children with special needs. We were featured in the Belleville Times! check it out <a href="http://www.northjersey.com/arts_entertainment/news/105410798_In_motion.html">here</a>.<br /><br />So, as if that was not enough dance for you... Uptown is constantly growing and evolving with our community. We are proud supporters of <a href="http://www.dance4yourlife.org/"><em>Dance 4 Your Life</em><em>!</em></a> <blockquote>Established by the Dizzy Feet Foundation and the Larry King Cardiac Foundation, with the assistance of CRT/tanaka, in 2011, <strong><em>Dance 4 Your Life!</em></strong> is a national initiative to promote dance as a daily part of an active, healthy lifestyle. Dance is a fun and proactive way to get moving, to reduce the risk of heart disease, and to combat the obesity epidemic. Anyone, young or old, can dance anywhere, without need for a gym membership, good weather, expensive sneakers, or any equipment. So what’s stopping you? DANCE 4 YOUR LIFE! </blockquote><br />We want nothing more than to be a part of keeping our community active and healthy. We are also proud sponsors of <a href="http://www.nutleynj.org/content/nutley-fit-kids-wellness-pledge.html">Nutley Fit Kids</a>. This brings us to yet another addition to our fall schedule... Healthy Habits for life seminars based on the platform of Ms. United states 2008, <a href="http://msunitedstates08.com/">Graziella Baratta</a>. The seminars will be held the last Saturday of every month from 4-430pm.<br /><br />Other than our schedule, we have fun opportunities for our students to stay motivated throughout the year. We have our student of the month program for children who who are dedicated to dance/fitness, have good attendance, participate with enthusiasm, work well with their other classmates, keep the classroom a positive environment, and show progress in their classes. Applying is simple, just message Miss Leslea on <a href="http://www.uptowndanceconnection.com/">The Uptown Connection</a> (you must be a member first and don't worry, its FREE) and tell her why you or your child/family member should be The Student of the Month. This special student will recieve recognition in our Newsletter and Blog, a unique photo/video montage, and a special gift!<br /><br />I am so proud to be sharing this news with you and honored to have served our community for these 20 years! It has been quite a journey, to think I was just a teenager and a student teacher when Miss Pat opened Uptown... and here we are today... Some of our students are still with us! This is more than dance to us... its our lifestyle, its our passion, its our family. We bring dance to you from the heart. I look forward to the next 20 plus years of dance with you all!<br /><br />If you are as excited as I am about the new season and want to show your support by wearing your Uptown Gear, you may visit our <span style="font-style: italic;">U Dance Apparel</span> store <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/lesleac">here</a>. We have samples in the studio for you to try on or take a look at.<br /><br />See you all in class!<br />Peace, Love, and Dance!<br />Miss Leslea<br /><br /><blockquote><strong><em><br /><br /></em></strong></blockquote><strong><em></em></strong><strong><em></em></strong>Leslea Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579377644551707704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107860949943616101.post-52654105903231222612011-08-17T18:07:00.007-04:002011-08-17T18:37:19.144-04:00Student SpotlightWe would like to announce a new feature to our blog... The Student Spotlight. Each month we will highlight a special student...The Student of the Month. We will also recognize other achievements in dance from our students in this section.
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<br />To apply for student of the month you and/or a member of your family must apply on our members only, private site, <a href="http://www.uptowndanceconnection.com/">www.UptownDanceConnection.com</a> (please ask your parents/guardians permission before joining our website.) We are looking for students who are dedicated to dance, have good attendance, participate with enthusiasm, work well with their other classmates, keep the classroom a positive environment, and show progress in their classes. Applying is simple, just message Miss Leslea on <a href="http://www.uptowndanceconnection.com/">The Uptown Connection</a> (you must be a member first and don't worry, its FREE) and tell her why you or your child/family member should be The Student of the Month.
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<br />If you are not a student at Uptown Dance, don't worry. There is a similar opportunity for you on <a href="http://www.newjerseydancers.com/">New Jersey Dancers.com</a>. You may apply to be Dancer of the Month! This contest is open to anyone involved in the dance field in NJ. Simply message "LesleaC" the founder of NJDancers with why you should be Dancer of the Month. Tell her about your achievements or goals or any dance related awesomeness =)
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<br />We are looking forward to your participation!
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<br />Congratulations to Uptown's first Student of the Month... August's Ashley V.
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<br />Leslea Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579377644551707704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107860949943616101.post-62867937435395708492011-07-15T15:42:00.002-04:002011-07-15T15:44:02.596-04:00National Dance Day 2011The second annual National Dance Day is quickly approaching. This year it will be on July 30th. I will be celebrating by being at the Dance Teacher Summit in NYC with my family and friends. I encourage you all to participate in NDD and would love to have my Uptown crew represent by choosing one of the 3 videos below, learn the choreography, then tape yourself and send it to our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/uptowndance">Facebook page</a> .<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4s-eH2aJU4w" allowfullscreen="" width="560" frameborder="0" height="349"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HwiqrtTBYBg" allowfullscreen="" width="560" frameborder="0" height="349"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jSzT_ahH5PA" allowfullscreen="" width="560" frameborder="0" height="349"></iframe><br /><br />Need more information...<br /><p><strong>WHAT:</strong> NATIONAL DANCE DAY, a grassroots initiative that encourages the nation, young and old, to move! Individuals, families, organizations and communities from across the nation come together through their creative expression in dance. Any style of dance is welcome and imagination is recommended in order to get the most out of this celebratory day.</p> <p><strong>WHEN:</strong> Saturday, July 30<br /><span id="more-2039"></span><br /><strong>WHY:</strong> To continue to generate national awareness for dance, a medium of expression and storytelling which, through shows like So You Think You Can Dance, has proven its value in bringing individuals from all walks of life together through a positive platform that has no boundaries and cultivates imagination and passion. Most importantly, the day is intended to promote health and wellness nationwide.</p> <p><strong>HOW:</strong> Three videos will be released Wednesday, July 6 with different levels of choreography, making it possible for people of all ages and dance backgrounds to celebrate.</p> <p>National Dance Day was recognized by Congress last year. <a href="http://dance.blogs.fox.com/2010/07/23/national-dance-day-being-recognized-with-official-act-of-congress/"><strong>Learn more</strong></a> about the movement brought to Washington, D.C. by Nigel Lythgoe and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC). Share your D-Day ideas in the <strong><a href="http://dance.community.fox.com/">SYTYCD forums</a></strong> and stay tuned to this site for more information to come.</p> <p>Visit <a href="http://www.dance4yourlife.org/" target="_blank">Dance4YourLife.org</a> for more.</p>Leslea Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579377644551707704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107860949943616101.post-91625959740082914982011-05-16T10:39:00.002-04:002011-05-16T10:42:21.047-04:00Help bring the U Can Dance Program back!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlieYLI4oDmHvZagVrXsVL7peUp5Y1jjpPWjh7MJksiPnOdCe1DSmoSxQ8E2FDRIkhIlN9dXadoklZPR-zcKhB6hAGwJR6PHnuhbPzFk_I_NT8apsGCEiW-BJR8Io0d6hOy04-bwsV5w/s1600/ucandance.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 155px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlieYLI4oDmHvZagVrXsVL7peUp5Y1jjpPWjh7MJksiPnOdCe1DSmoSxQ8E2FDRIkhIlN9dXadoklZPR-zcKhB6hAGwJR6PHnuhbPzFk_I_NT8apsGCEiW-BJR8Io0d6hOy04-bwsV5w/s200/ucandance.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607323863074691938" border="0" /></a><br /></div>It was always Miss Leslea's goal to start a program for children with special needs. This year I am happy to say that we finally did it! Unfortunately, timing was not on our side. Most of you know I was pregnant at the start of the program, and extremely pregnant towards the end. Sadly, I had to finally discontinue. I had high hopes on returning 4-6 weeks after delivery but once lil C arrived we realized that almost all of my free time needed to be dedicated towards him. Being down the studio for longs stretches at a time was just not working for us. With my sons demands still being pretty high, I am working towards hiring other instructors to take my place. With that, I would also love to expand the program with performance opportunities and take creative movement to a new level with props and fun games for the kids. That being said, I am reaching out to the community with hopes of some small contributions. The program was at no cost to the children or their families and I would love to keep it that way. The location will still be sponsored by Uptown Dance and some of our assistants will be donating their time. Let's see where this takes us, and high hopes for U Can Dance!! Thank you for checking out or page!<br /><br />http://ucandance.chipin.com/the-u-can-dance-program<br /><br />Peace, Love, Dance<br />Miss LesleaLeslea Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579377644551707704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107860949943616101.post-53788742612786743772011-03-22T13:37:00.003-04:002011-03-22T13:49:58.756-04:00Dance Advantage's Spring Fever Giveaway<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVf_KWtj1JVRF8PY-H-F8MfdKuky1t2Kfr5f-k2y71LgRMcEQYtku2hrjXZG7EABWINLeAtqnpsn71w1b8GibQ0h_iipi5z5CA24579ybheKDa6eVTgOVn_t7i05mfAJOZZB0J2_MGs_Q/s1600/SpringFever5.jpeg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVf_KWtj1JVRF8PY-H-F8MfdKuky1t2Kfr5f-k2y71LgRMcEQYtku2hrjXZG7EABWINLeAtqnpsn71w1b8GibQ0h_iipi5z5CA24579ybheKDa6eVTgOVn_t7i05mfAJOZZB0J2_MGs_Q/s200/SpringFever5.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586961765348362498" border="0" /></a><br />Seems it is that time again and we are super excited to share another week of giveaways provided by Dance Advantage. The last set of giveaways was lots of fun and we were lucky enough to win the Cynthia King ballet slippers! You can read all about it bellow(info taken directly from DA's post) or simply go to Dance Advantage now!<br /><br /><a href="http://danceadvantage.net/2011/3/18/spring-fever/">Spring Fever Giveaway!!!!</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><h4><br /></h4><h4>When will it begin?</h4> <p><strong>Monday, March 21.</strong></p> <h4>When will it end?</h4> <p><strong>Sunday, March 27.</strong></p> <h4>What could I win?</h4> <p>Oh no you don’t. We like to surprise you! I CAN share that we’ve got you covered – your A-B-C’s and 1-2-3′s! Wearables, gear to help you practice and improve, teaching and curriculum aids, and more!</p> <h4>What will I have to do?</h4> <p><strong>All you have to do is show up and comment. </strong>Stay tuned all week to <a title="Dance Advantage home page" href="http://danceadvantage.net/">DanceAdvantage.net</a>. There will be a link to the giveaways on the home page. Or bookmark <a title="Spring Fever Giveaway Announcement" href="http://danceadvantage.net/2011/03/18/spring-fever">this post</a>. I’ll update it to include links to the daily giveway.</p> <h4>What are my chances?</h4> <p>It depends. There will be up to three winners on each giveaway. Winners will be chosen randomly from those that comment on each individual giveaway.</p> <blockquote><p>Subscriber PLUS members will have the opportunity to earn extra entries. Good news! There’s still time to sign up… <strong><a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/eepurl.com/fb5M');" title="Get Subscriber PLUS" href="http://eepurl.com/fb5M" target="_blank">Join HERE</a>.</strong></p></blockquote> <h4>Why do you hold giveaways?</h4> <p>I see it as a way to show appreciation to readers as well as highlight interesting companies and products with which you may not be familiar. And it doesn’t hurt Dance Advantage, either! It brings new readers and sponsors, creates a bit of buzz, and gives us a warm, fuzzy feeling.</p> <h4>What happens if I win?</h4> <p>After I randomly draw your winning entry comment, I’ll contact you via email. <strong>You’ll only have 48 hours</strong> to get back to me. I’ve got to put a limit on it or it drags on and on and on…. So stay close to your email throughout the coming week (and a half). When I don’t hear back from a winner, I move on to the next drawn winner which makes another person happy (yay!) but another one pretty disappointed. I’d rather that no one is disappointed!</p> <h4>What do I do now?</h4> <p><strong>Tweet</strong>, retweet, tweet again.</p> <p><strong>Share</strong>, like, link on Facebook.</p> <p><strong>Blog</strong>, re-blog, broadcast.</p> <p><em>(Monday – mark your calendar!)</em></p> <h4><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">Any other questions?</span></strong></h4> <p><strong>Ask now in the comments below or forever hold your peace.</strong>..</p>Leslea Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579377644551707704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107860949943616101.post-79281394305836974592010-12-08T16:00:00.004-05:002010-12-08T16:21:26.368-05:00The Dance Advantage Reader’s Choice Top Dance Blogs of 2010 competition<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixra_dCOfmYePTslveT3l62c5qo7xXaW5shiMrlQ7Fx-mBkDgCza2f_DO-I76jpA07mHgZmmc6v9fDCg6dQSEtszcdQwXzBs8N2nPzf3slHiTqwPGjcgPkEK-pNr02s9CpwOnKzM5WpCw/s1600/top-blog.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixra_dCOfmYePTslveT3l62c5qo7xXaW5shiMrlQ7Fx-mBkDgCza2f_DO-I76jpA07mHgZmmc6v9fDCg6dQSEtszcdQwXzBs8N2nPzf3slHiTqwPGjcgPkEK-pNr02s9CpwOnKzM5WpCw/s200/top-blog.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548420138994319154" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Contests are fun, especially those that support our dance community. Nichelle of Dance Advantage has done it again, she is rounding us up and encouraging us to enter her contest <a href="http://danceadvantage.net/2010/12/08/top-dance-blog/">"Top Dance Blogs of 2010"</a>.<br /></div><br />I decided to enter because there is a category for Dance Companies/Schools. I have never considered myself a "blogger" or even a good writer... You all know I (like many other dancers) express myself best through my movement and not my words. But, I do feel like I do a decent job at keeping Uptown Dancers and their family and friends well informed with my blog <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The Uptown Beat</span>. So why not you guys...I'm entering, and I need your help to get to the next round.<br /><br />If you support what I am saying, enjoy reading my blog, or are a new reader and support Uptown, please leave a comment on this post. In order to get to the next round I will simply need comments...easy enough for you guys, right?<br /><br />Wish me luck and thanks in advance for your comments, or even if you are just here reading, I appreciate it! Also please support Dance Advantage and go check out this contest if you have not already done so http://danceadvantage.net/2010/12/08/top-dance-blog/<br /><br />Peace, Love, and Dance!<br />Miss LesleaLeslea Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579377644551707704noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107860949943616101.post-86268566320870386962010-11-09T14:34:00.003-05:002010-11-09T14:46:59.435-05:00The Dance Advantage Giving Thanks GiveawayIf you read our blog you have heard the names Nichelle and Dance Advantage before. If not, I will quickly tell you that Nichelle is an internet dance bud of mine who I finally had the pleasure of meeting in real life this summer. I am a super fan of her blog/website Dance Advantage and have watched her and DA become a huge success over the past few years. I am proud to inform you all of yet another awesome idea of hers. If you are not already a member of her site you must head over there now... <a href="http://danceadvantage.net/">Dance Advantage</a><br /><br />If me simply encouraging you to do so is not enough maybe her newest creation will be...<br /><br />Free Stuff!! Freebies!! Giveaways!! Prizes!! Fun!!<br /><br />Did that get your attention? Dance Advantage has a super fun contest which started yesterday and will continue throughout the week. Details here... <a href="http://danceadvantage.net/2010/11/04/thanks-giveaway-preview/">Giving Thanks Giveaway</a><br /><br />What are you waiting for... GO!!!! =)Leslea Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579377644551707704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107860949943616101.post-37559728468281252752010-10-15T20:10:00.003-04:002010-10-15T20:36:09.282-04:00UDMA Costume Preview Show 2010<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhns9LDFM4mApc0qxjGN7YSZjxMMewbKYHrJ7eg0Y6Iazm6ucKOBSLQsIWdUqVD9BAebD-kdDYR2zBRYVmHXng3sLcsITcvGwB9XtyhYxybyy8G6A4El9OR4adnOZCp4pwMrCJE-TsoNFg/s1600/udma+banner.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 387px; height: 121px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhns9LDFM4mApc0qxjGN7YSZjxMMewbKYHrJ7eg0Y6Iazm6ucKOBSLQsIWdUqVD9BAebD-kdDYR2zBRYVmHXng3sLcsITcvGwB9XtyhYxybyy8G6A4El9OR4adnOZCp4pwMrCJE-TsoNFg/s200/udma+banner.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528434732682233378" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This year I attended the UDMA Costume Preview Show with my friend, fellow dance teacher, and co worker <a href="http://graziellabaratta.com/">Graziella Baratta</a>. For those of you who are not familiar with the show...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfaFlTDUEzr1MzmvXVOgDAOfB3dJC0toiHkRrQgctixKE4dux5LOzYsh6pw5UYNjMajQYc5f-Mtd6ozwzvvfif3u3lF_AsIuUDSJW8mw30D6gON9JrcGUQW-Rwb0TOFiMKyBcSg1wkcs/s1600/SAM_1381.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfaFlTDUEzr1MzmvXVOgDAOfB3dJC0toiHkRrQgctixKE4dux5LOzYsh6pw5UYNjMajQYc5f-Mtd6ozwzvvfif3u3lF_AsIuUDSJW8mw30D6gON9JrcGUQW-Rwb0TOFiMKyBcSg1wkcs/s200/SAM_1381.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528434724253024594" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />"The UDMA Dance Resource & Costume Show is the country’s biggest vendor gathering just for dance teachers and studio owners! It’s all under one roof— costumes, competitions, conventions, video and teaching tools, tours, flooring, fundraisers, magazines and many other organizations all showing their newest products and services to help teachers and studios owners with the business of dance."<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It is an event I look forward to every year to gather info, think about costumes, and just see whats new. It's amazing to think that many years ago I attended the show as a model...now I walk the exhibit hall as a proud studio owner and teacher. The UDMA show is a special event to me for sure, and if you do not attend yearly as an instructor or studio owner you should consider starting a tradition as I did.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWmvaKC9bEKaQTipU_Dk4iSX34pXShcRZiO7FCVn5GNXWx2jdxAy9vxoFag8MWAkTxZS3aKcBJgN_1MIud2LAry5Vyzg3ASGWYyzoVWspi0PBTXUcv6nSHQzvrKr6eFuNzdItPH24HYE/s1600/SAM_1382.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 112px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWmvaKC9bEKaQTipU_Dk4iSX34pXShcRZiO7FCVn5GNXWx2jdxAy9vxoFag8MWAkTxZS3aKcBJgN_1MIud2LAry5Vyzg3ASGWYyzoVWspi0PBTXUcv6nSHQzvrKr6eFuNzdItPH24HYE/s200/SAM_1382.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528434730780528226" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">All the booths were welcoming, there were some great displays and excitement throughout. We were happy to run into Jose of <a href="http://www.backdropsbeautiful.com/">Backdrops Beautiful</a> and meet some new friends along the way.<br /><br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmAy78Ou8MBuBulMC45k9DnmAQRXDVllyHqtqRtHAUUgUDIMDZF0dD6mP3k7nWO1SVn9pH6mmBSAAfdOhYO4e7R89lVQDjizgxh0_di9NBBbzGrfD4k2DYoJMWUVlm-IPIV34C0rXnkE/s1600/Image(3).jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmAy78Ou8MBuBulMC45k9DnmAQRXDVllyHqtqRtHAUUgUDIMDZF0dD6mP3k7nWO1SVn9pH6mmBSAAfdOhYO4e7R89lVQDjizgxh0_di9NBBbzGrfD4k2DYoJMWUVlm-IPIV34C0rXnkE/s200/Image(3).jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528434721270429026" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5LG7sBG70E4ptJy-Ho2T4AQyzN9xeax8-2eV3FHyNDxzUqdr8BTN8jaVupdfrC2jZRGvjdRd0PR5h1nBtRPNTCdVvJWnltkpa4EEjqE5I23nmd0cs3HwoRb0_WI5Jr6mCqOv6WVp0NE/s1600/Image(2).jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5LG7sBG70E4ptJy-Ho2T4AQyzN9xeax8-2eV3FHyNDxzUqdr8BTN8jaVupdfrC2jZRGvjdRd0PR5h1nBtRPNTCdVvJWnltkpa4EEjqE5I23nmd0cs3HwoRb0_WI5Jr6mCqOv6WVp0NE/s200/Image(2).jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528434718809911026" border="0" /></a> </div><br />Looking forward to next year already!<br /><a href="http://udma.org/">www.UDMA.or</a><a href="http://udma.org/">g</a>Leslea Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579377644551707704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107860949943616101.post-40834505522461646322010-10-09T09:44:00.002-04:002010-10-09T09:54:42.456-04:00The Girls Scouts Dance at UptownThis past Thursday we had the pleasure of welcoming 19 Brownies into our studio for a Hip Hop class. The girls earned their Dancersize badge that day. I think it's wonderful that the Girl Scouts incorporate dance and fitness into the badges the girls are required to earn. <br /><br />Having Troupe 762 at Uptown was a blast. Class started with a typical warm up, we then learned a hip hop routine to Dynamite. Miss Leslea taught the class and was assisted by Miss Danielle and Miss Alexandra. Great Job Girls!!<br /><br /><object id="vp1wQR0W" width="432" height="240" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="movie" value="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/vp1&e=1286632321&f=wQR0WinyuWhgWXijl74hnw&d=90&m=a&r=w&i=m&options="></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed id="vp1wQR0W" src="http://static.animoto.com/swf/w.swf?w=swf/vp1&e=1286632321&f=wQR0WinyuWhgWXijl74hnw&d=90&m=a&r=w&i=m&options=" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="432" height="240"></embed></object>Leslea Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579377644551707704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107860949943616101.post-9739601565736778622010-09-09T07:38:00.005-04:002010-09-11T09:14:05.445-04:00The Uptown Connection<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2C3Yj4NXF9Q?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2C3Yj4NXF9Q?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />For me, like many studio owners and dance instructors, summer is always the time where I think to myself...What can I do to make next season even better? Usually the first thing on my list is updating and improving our website. This year I was looking for an opportunity that would better serve our students and parents. I often ask myself, how can our website be more useful to our current clientele and not just be a form of advertisement for potential clientele? With the ideas I had in mind I realized I would need constant access to our site to be responsible for the many updates my ideas required. After a long process and some debating, I came up with a solution that I was very happy with... The Uptown Connection, our new site which is a social network exclusive to Uptown Dancers. <br /><br />So many of you are probably saying, (much like my students would put it) "What's the deal Miss Leslea? Did you get bored again and just feel like creating yet another site for us to join??" My answer would be both yes and no. I do feel an extreme urge to let my creativity out over the summer while I'm not teaching, this year it was in the form of amateur web design and studio renovations. However, this site does have a purpose!! Let me explain...<br />The Uptown Connection will be a place where students and family members of students can go to get the information they need at any time, or simple go to interact with other Uptown Dancers. Memberships must be approved and there will be access levels. For example, currents students will have full access to class choreography, music, tuition and registration where as a friend or fan of an Uptown student just viewing the site would have limited access to things such as U dance apparel, class schedule and general info. This feature also allows teachers and parents access to information students may not be allowed to view. There are many possibilities which I'm excited about, mostly the opportunity for full control over changing content and monitoring the site.<br /> <br />Some features that are available now to benefit students and families of Uptown:<br /><br />~Up to date Schedule<br />~Rates<br />~Online Registration<br />~Online tuition payments through PayPal<br />~Current Events Calendar<br />~Weekly videos of class choreography<br />~Class music downloads<br />~Shopping at U Dance Apparel<br />~Video Chatting and Rehearsing with classmates<br />~Social opportunities<br /> ~Share Photos<br /> ~Blog<br /> ~Join a Group<br /> ~Spark up a convo in the forum<br /><br />Eventually the goal will be to have a network like this one available within our main site. Trust me, I prefer things simple and clean, and yes I believe less is more. But for now, at least members can benefit from the ideas I had for them to make their experience at Uptown even greater. I can't wait to expand upon this creation and I'm hopeful that this site will become a useful tool to the Uptown Family. Thanks for reading as always, and if you have any feedback for me I would love to hear it! <a href="http://uptowndanceconnection.com">www.UptownDanceConnection.com</a>Leslea Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579377644551707704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107860949943616101.post-86860141581567036342010-08-31T15:14:00.007-04:002010-08-31T16:05:16.963-04:00Around the Town DanceAfter a year or so of traveling to students homes that were unable to attend classes at the studio, I decided to offer my services publicly and expand on my traveling dance teacher business. The first thing you need is a catchy name, right? After a nice lunch with my pals at this years Dance Teacher Summit, Maria of <a href="http://www.mariasmovers.com/">Maria's Movers</a> came up with the name Around the Town Dance, knowing I like to stick with the Uptown theme. Perfect I said!! and so it began...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf12DHAwjtxi-J0zcfADxJOdqzU7cnySdTE05g8fTEJa_4SvNKi6yt7uUZq-EmOfvGhQ8jzgpjUmPTbzycW8oHXGjA2-luQcmVit4ELlgUsjyQ2qyg2P4P4sOwVdFw-5Ugm5R1ZELJCiw/s1600/around+THE+etc.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf12DHAwjtxi-J0zcfADxJOdqzU7cnySdTE05g8fTEJa_4SvNKi6yt7uUZq-EmOfvGhQ8jzgpjUmPTbzycW8oHXGjA2-luQcmVit4ELlgUsjyQ2qyg2P4P4sOwVdFw-5Ugm5R1ZELJCiw/s200/around+THE+etc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511655669762672258" border="0" /></a><br /><!--[if !mso]> <style> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="1026"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:formulas> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" style="'width:252pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\Owner\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.jpg" title="around%20THE%20etc"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><br /><b style="">What is Around The Town Dance? <o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">It is a service Uptown Dance offers for those who are in need of a <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">Traveling Dance Teacher.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style="">Why would someone need a Traveling Dance Teacher?<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">For many reasons! <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">~ The convenience of lessons in your home<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">~ Birthday Parties custom to your needs<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">~ A Dance Tudor providing extra help away from the studio<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">~ A Master Teacher providing that specialty class that your facility does not offer<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style="">Where Does Around The Town Dance travel to?<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">In an effort to keep this experience affordable, we prefer to travel to surrounding towns such as </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">Nutley</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">, </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">Bloomfield</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">, </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">Clifton</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">, </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">Passaic</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">, </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">Newark</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">, </span></b><st1:city><st1:place><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">Lyndhurst</span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">, </span></b><st1:place><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">Rutherford</span></b></st1:place><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">, and </span></b><st1:place><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">North Arlington</span></b></st1:place><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">. If you are not in one of these towns, don’t worry, we would be happy to speak with you and see if Around The Town Dance can make arrangements to come see you!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style="">This sounds like it may be something I can not afford, like the luxury of a personal trainer that only celebrities would have come to their home.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">Even though our very first clients were Jason Kidd’s daughters, we do not just cater to c</span></b><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">elebrities or the wealthy. We keep Around The Town Dance available to anyone who is in need with our affordable packages.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style="">Call us Today for a Quote!<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style="">Ask for Leslea <o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style="">973-450-5882</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p>Below is an example of our latest client, a Uptown Dance student who had a Luau Birthday party in her back yard and wanted her friends to learn the Hula. Thanks Lexi!! Your party was a blast, hope you and your friends had fun too and thanks for having Around the Town Dance there with you to celebrate.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFwxeOS54PUQFaWIiRRoIW0R3AieOooB5bUJXPtH3j_DyAPdXi_p9I1UD0OYab8cLB4IueqTlrIcLBo8Il5Skeg99abYFozOqCSijR-5L3z_rar9zs34U4PirFhu3Ey_T504vkKbUT4w/s1600/SAM_1287.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFwxeOS54PUQFaWIiRRoIW0R3AieOooB5bUJXPtH3j_DyAPdXi_p9I1UD0OYab8cLB4IueqTlrIcLBo8Il5Skeg99abYFozOqCSijR-5L3z_rar9zs34U4PirFhu3Ey_T504vkKbUT4w/s200/SAM_1287.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511666743753716914" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p><b style=""><br /></b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1GPI8IHO8fJ1HWcauQH8VkQRzQiChjjbq14kmLnGDZU4qRL-yFBWHiwBoQmMkpOqzTYN6La3U0N-79LXlCAnpIqk_g81Ns5uRP_jtqMlxMsy1eqtQ8fQUK5E6p-wKwhyphenhyphenVKUKJQ8GK2g/s1600/SAM_1288.JPG"></a></b></div><b style=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQdBLqnJ0O5hji6gI9DvXAtHt0s9D_1L9zdxNcNlmLUzcPi9kqqnDAzqNt01bVApwuKDBJZ8RcGQdeWeivqBA5DROWjUrEGSdmYBxQLL6ApraONcrKTaWmnPvqFq6DrR10FwYJYpPmNc/s1600/SAM_1286.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQdBLqnJ0O5hji6gI9DvXAtHt0s9D_1L9zdxNcNlmLUzcPi9kqqnDAzqNt01bVApwuKDBJZ8RcGQdeWeivqBA5DROWjUrEGSdmYBxQLL6ApraONcrKTaWmnPvqFq6DrR10FwYJYpPmNc/s200/SAM_1286.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511662724013678386" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgWCIpU-hh0def18-wgji3XlrgEYKb1rJtSuibcoQeBQDF5Jj1cNJcV3wTbzBfO_wq_0pJ-ZR03QL37uMTeySUbxLfxAP4IQUtWhmJqeSXdkFwCUCyk-Fo_q-rWKrs4bfaQepukFkIHk/s1600/SAM_1285.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgWCIpU-hh0def18-wgji3XlrgEYKb1rJtSuibcoQeBQDF5Jj1cNJcV3wTbzBfO_wq_0pJ-ZR03QL37uMTeySUbxLfxAP4IQUtWhmJqeSXdkFwCUCyk-Fo_q-rWKrs4bfaQepukFkIHk/s200/SAM_1285.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511662716171456738" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrodConQGatgSYfB35LEJV-hotczy6NaY6neSbFgenXFGRg7iYjy1S_NvMWFu9gHWvmzzjQC3tYaRkYx9fc5aPW5pAaD-KJ8R8QpNzf2GbDXoZ6r95JAxDMirVCasjit2XenLiZ5Rbl2M/s1600/SAM_1284.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrodConQGatgSYfB35LEJV-hotczy6NaY6neSbFgenXFGRg7iYjy1S_NvMWFu9gHWvmzzjQC3tYaRkYx9fc5aPW5pAaD-KJ8R8QpNzf2GbDXoZ6r95JAxDMirVCasjit2XenLiZ5Rbl2M/s200/SAM_1284.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511662706809775826" border="0" /></a></b>Leslea Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579377644551707704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107860949943616101.post-29611550311698777712010-08-09T08:25:00.015-04:002010-09-03T18:44:02.410-04:00Dance Teacher Summit 2010 NYC<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybDN_zmRDmjJcpN1YLuCxsUYy7xnq-tDXb5eNXQYRGe0RWFcvFmYKelQoi44-7iQIVS9INiCrzlH2xexT6irFj3gLfwjPZTYzexcU4VTAA84DBvIUhTgADzolqeLPSvpf-CLXVACFFgk/s1600/SAM_1261.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybDN_zmRDmjJcpN1YLuCxsUYy7xnq-tDXb5eNXQYRGe0RWFcvFmYKelQoi44-7iQIVS9INiCrzlH2xexT6irFj3gLfwjPZTYzexcU4VTAA84DBvIUhTgADzolqeLPSvpf-CLXVACFFgk/s200/SAM_1261.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503415397560681282" border="0" /></a>This year I was fortunate enough to attend more than just the Gala. I must say that spending time at the Summit truly motivates you to become a better dance teacher and studio owner..."unite, share, inspire" really just sums it all up. Also, I got to see some of my online dance buds, some of us meeting for the very first time.<br /><br />Day one was p<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SLYxUezJQEMt-xeAM-LQ3OhrY2MxrZTy24FHMbQxpxgMUfZ4Hun30yJDV7ZAc-_cfOfGne0AvU8CrAKj8Ro0uFqa4NB1HWGxxnJACiBD8mla947K0JpcV1BOEV1DfoC1X4pWJ8htF7w/s1600/Image.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 111px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SLYxUezJQEMt-xeAM-LQ3OhrY2MxrZTy24FHMbQxpxgMUfZ4Hun30yJDV7ZAc-_cfOfGne0AvU8CrAKj8Ro0uFqa4NB1HWGxxnJACiBD8mla947K0JpcV1BOEV1DfoC1X4pWJ8htF7w/s200/Image.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503388331807338242" border="0" /></a>retty hectic, time went by so quickly and everyone was buzzing around to get to classes and seminars and the opening of the exhibits. I arrived early to register and then viewed Sheila Barker's Jazz class. Next I was off to my friend Suzanne Gerety's Social Media 101 Seminar. It was great to see Suzanne and Kathy again, I couldn't believe a whole year had past. Thankfully our tweets and contact on <a href="http://dancestudioowner.com/">Dance Studio Owner</a> keep us close. As the seminar began I noticed a wave from Maria of <a href="http://www.mariasmovers.com/">Maria's Movers</a>. This was our first meeting, but I felt like I knew her already from our tweets and online c<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrG1KEzxJS_dVbjJsUHxAlDYMeR242yaaAZlNCYQ5u5CArQETx6TFwg9dJKaSzthTt-HDVaojlfwWP-TZpqCMcmjKJhngCr_hCHS1pFtEwreCRp0wJJRe1ZR1n9JXwB4AMUxqjQTDuUxE/s1600/SAM_1275.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 155px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrG1KEzxJS_dVbjJsUHxAlDYMeR242yaaAZlNCYQ5u5CArQETx6TFwg9dJKaSzthTt-HDVaojlfwWP-TZpqCMcmjKJhngCr_hCHS1pFtEwreCRp0wJJRe1ZR1n9JXwB4AMUxqjQTDuUxE/s200/SAM_1275.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503409927548268658" border="0" /></a>hats. After Suzanne's Seminar, which reassured the room why Social Media is right for their studio, I finally met Nichelle from <a href="http://danceadvantage.net/">Dance Advantage</a>. This meeting was long over due because I have been in contact with Nichelle for about two years online, she has helped me a lot with her awesome blog and actually inspired me to start my own. This is a picture of Nichelle and I at the Gala. So great to have met you face to face!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLTfu0LOvFtOIrs2qxJ3jsQJj7f-4y4plqcnoHlLeDvQq4PpxmuJ3egwKOsSchyPcJqjMOwihnXLJDY_vjBtfWU834TieKhn2bjmAjd0P1l6zuHlujSYMvizuBjB-rsul4kN-XTQQVtQ/s1600/Image(2).jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 112px; height: 149px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLTfu0LOvFtOIrs2qxJ3jsQJj7f-4y4plqcnoHlLeDvQq4PpxmuJ3egwKOsSchyPcJqjMOwihnXLJDY_vjBtfWU834TieKhn2bjmAjd0P1l6zuHlujSYMvizuBjB-rsul4kN-XTQQVtQ/s200/Image(2).jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503411587321944210" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Next was the Stud<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHALGn5HOUc4-z6BslutoeuXs32zFgEJmdt_BxMxptAMr8QZ-1GkGIGxRVhVVqbxPrhzBMnI-uB7BBNgRoWPlvM6bYMAu3s-5XTCC-4dvgc_SRviaUv2aVhArd6jywFhfkLZLXbM-OlQ/s1600/SAM_1256.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 173px; height: 123px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHALGn5HOUc4-z6BslutoeuXs32zFgEJmdt_BxMxptAMr8QZ-1GkGIGxRVhVVqbxPrhzBMnI-uB7BBNgRoWPlvM6bYMAu3s-5XTCC-4dvgc_SRviaUv2aVhArd6jywFhfkLZLXbM-OlQ/s200/SAM_1256.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503411420746465666" border="0" /></a>io Owner round table. Here is where studio owners get to chat about areas of concern that come with running and owning your own dance studio. I received a lot of helpful tips and new ideas by talking to the ladies at my table. Afterwards I had a nice lunch with Suzanne, Maria and Lori.<br /><br /><br />Shortly after<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0TCO3Q-l0vrriF36Lm8-7Nf93nhKPcSRODvbtFtlVfLWZM7ufhyphenhyphenWSYccxS53yBgXx7Sviqj-q6SYvIpj76eVUU0oRZPo_eUiTpxZTw8ikKS2BeRVXtKJKym-5rd6u1_4FYEZjuIEPqs/s1600/Image(3).jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 161px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0TCO3Q-l0vrriF36Lm8-7Nf93nhKPcSRODvbtFtlVfLWZM7ufhyphenhyphenWSYccxS53yBgXx7Sviqj-q6SYvIpj76eVUU0oRZPo_eUiTpxZTw8ikKS2BeRVXtKJKym-5rd6u1_4FYEZjuIEPqs/s200/Image(3).jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503413330069007138" border="0" /></a> lunch my girls from Uptown arrived for the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjZc-hltIv-u4jD_sUB9Eu4vtfMTCJbuAhEGWnvELKKIlletqXkvr2u_m94tEukB9gtd7qnt0DamMFbSqSdhDTfi3gIcBxGGccpoX8rlTVAbpY2LbXO-zFaKBLZP9PMSvWZN_bmPjdFY/s1600/Image(4).jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 105px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjZc-hltIv-u4jD_sUB9Eu4vtfMTCJbuAhEGWnvELKKIlletqXkvr2u_m94tEukB9gtd7qnt0DamMFbSqSdhDTfi3gIcBxGGccpoX8rlTVAbpY2LbXO-zFaKBLZP9PMSvWZN_bmPjdFY/s200/Image(4).jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503414122911371522" border="0" /></a><br />opening of the exhibits. I really loved walking around and talking to everyone at the booths. I got to meet Jose from <a href="http://www.backdropsbeautiful.com/">Backdrops Beautiful</a> and saw Chad from <a href="http://realdealdancemarketing.com/">Real Deal Dance Marketing</a>. I caught up with Nichelle and Suzanne again, filled my goody bag with more goodies, and got some great info! If you know me, you know I could not leave with out buying something, so I chose my favorite vendor...<a href="http://sugarandbruno.com/">Sugar and Bruno</a> and got two super cute roomy t-shirts for my growing belly. Perfect for when I go back to teaching in September.<br /><br />Wednesday evening was the Gala, the final event for the Summit. Carl and I went into the city together and <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hPRgCQ8yOXE0kfS535yWZoFopLLjnhKNYEle5J5SySCutQbOVWUaXW7D_oa1FEa8qoV5xaDISQp8Z7AYWZ8EmLA2fnK8qivXuoUxWG8V8texa8vGoWpQ6X74O75qRZF1QtaOgZlFSq8/s1600/SAM_1244.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hPRgCQ8yOXE0kfS535yWZoFopLLjnhKNYEle5J5SySCutQbOVWUaXW7D_oa1FEa8qoV5xaDISQp8Z7AYWZ8EmLA2fnK8qivXuoUxWG8V8texa8vGoWpQ6X74O75qRZF1QtaOgZlFSq8/s200/SAM_1244.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503434763241731426" border="0" /></a>had a nice dinner before meeting up with friends. The Gala includes the Dance Teacher Awards, The A.C.E award competition winners, celebrity hosts and some of the best dance companies in the world. I made a video of the nights performances and a photo montage of my experience. I think you will get a better feel for the Summit through these videos. Hope you enjoy and thanks for reading. If you do not already attend the yearly Dance Teacher Summit, its something you should really consider... "unite, share, inspire" and start your new season of dance off right!<br /><br /><br /></div><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/E_j8f_NtI80&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/E_j8f_NtI80&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AOxiHLQBC7s&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AOxiHLQBC7s&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object>Leslea Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579377644551707704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107860949943616101.post-4808480156061696422010-07-21T16:06:00.009-04:002010-07-22T07:28:03.466-04:00What's New For FallWe are pleased to say we have some exciting announcements for the start of our 19th season! The fall will bring many new opportunities to our students and we can not wait to welcome you back. We hope you all are having a relaxing summer and are looking forward to your return and a brand new year of dance. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">A Newly Renovated Studio</span><br />There has been a lot of work going on during the summer such as new flooring, a new restroom, a fresh coat of paint and... well, you will just have to see for yourself. Miss Pat and I are super excited about this and can't wait for you all to dance in our new space. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">An Adult Dance/Fitness Program</span> <br />Have you always loved dance but were afraid to start a class? Did you dance when you were younger and would love to get back into it but don't want to be in a class with teenagers? Do you think dancers have great bodies and feel dance is a awesome way to stay in shape? Do you want to stay fit but don't want to commit to a membership at a gym with a yearly contract and an expensive enrollment fee? If you answered YES to any of these questions then you need to try Uptown Fitness and dance your way to a healthier you!! Classes such as...<br /><br />Cardio Jazz: In this 45 minute class you’ll learn some classic jazz dance steps while burning major calories! You’ll never know it’s a fitness class, and leave with some sassy skills! Taught by <a href="http://graziellabaratta.com/">Graziella Baratta</a><br /><br />Cardio Hip Hop: Learn to dance like a music video vixen in this 45 minute calorie blasting class. Sweat = sexy, trust us! Taught by <a href="http://graziellabaratta.com/">Graziella Baratta</a><br /><br />Cardio Tap: Learn basic tap technique and tone your legs and core. This 45 minute class is all about your feet making a beat and sweating up a storm. *tap shoes required* <br /><br />BalleTONE: 45 minutes of repetitious classical ballet technique with a fitness flare. If the dancers body is something that appeals to you... that long, strong, lean, sculpted shape, then this class is for you. If you like Pilates, you will LOVE BalleTONE! *yoga mat required*<br /><br />Yoga: A combination of different styles of yoga. If you need to unwind from a long day and would like to increase flexibility while learning to use the power of your breath, then try this class. A very relaxing atmosphere where you can let it all go...don't we all deserve time like that to ourselves? *yoga mat required*<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">"U Can Dance"</span><br />A free program for children with special needs, held every other Sunday at Uptown. This program is something I have been wanting to start for sometime now and I am pleased to say I have some participants and people willing to help out to make U Can Dance a success. My student teachers will have the opportunity to donate their time to the program as well. And best of all, the children will also have the opportunity to perform in our annual recital and hopefully other local venues. Just like anything else, this program will take time to build. If you know of anyone interested in helping or participating please direct them to this post and our website. <br /><br />I hope this post builds some excitement for you all for the Fall. This is time where I really start missing my dance family and can't wait to start the new season. By the way, for those of you who don't know, my final announcement...we will also have an exciting new addition in the form of a very tiny dancer in December! *wink wink*<br /><br />As Always,<br />Peace, Love and Dance<br />~Miss LesleaLeslea Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579377644551707704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107860949943616101.post-82440635109527958882010-07-16T12:48:00.005-04:002010-07-16T13:49:40.564-04:00National Dance Day<blockquote></blockquote><blockquote>"As part of his commitment to support dance education and physical fitness in the United States, Nigel Lythgoe is launching National Dance Day on "So You Think You Can Dance." National Dance Day will take place on July 31, 2010 and will include a variety of dance-themed activities for people of all ages. It will empower, challenge and inspire everyone to try various styles of dance ranging from hip-hop to ballroom to anything that moves. Above all, it will encourage everyone to DANCE as a means to stay fit and be healthy."</blockquote>Thanks Nigel! What a perfect way to blend my passions in life for dance and fitness!<br /><br />Miss Leslea and Uptown Dance have decided to challenge their students (and anyone else who would like to be involved) by posting a video response on their <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.facebook.com/uptowndance">Facebook Fan Page</a>. Your video should include your contribution to National Dance Day...be creative!! If you can not think of something original just video yourself performing the NappyTabs routine as I have done. Don't forget to title your video National Dance Day and tag Miss Leslea so she doesn't miss it. Three finalist will be selected based on enthusiasm and creativity. The winner will be based on fan votes and featured in our blog and on our fan page. <b>*The deadline to submit your video is July 31, 2010 at 11:59pm ET.*</b><br /><br />The NappyTabs Dance Day Routine<br /><object width="300" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zKUyp1GMQVg&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zKUyp1GMQVg&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NkocnLMKNzA&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NkocnLMKNzA&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />A Post from the SYTYCD Blog...<br /><h2></h2><h2>Get Excited for National Dance Day</h2> <div class="post-content"> <p>So You Think You Can Dance executive producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe would like to declare July 31, NATIONAL DANCE DAY.</p> <p><strong>WHAT:</strong> NATIONAL DANCE DAY, a grassroots initiative that encourages the nation, young and old, to move! Individuals, families, organizations and communities from across the nation come together through their creative expression in dance. Any style of dance is welcome and imagination is recommended in order to get the most out of this celebratory day.</p> <p><strong>WHEN:</strong> Saturday, July 31</p> <p><strong>WHY:</strong> To continue to generate national awareness for dance, a medium of expression and storytelling which, through shows like So You Think You Can Dance, has proven its value in bringing individuals from all walks of life together through a positive platform that has no boundaries and cultivates imagination and passion. Most importantly, the day is intended to promote health and wellness nationwide.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p>Nigel has been tweeting up a storm about National Dance Day, a.k.a. D-Day. He said the goal is to “prove that the ‘Power of Dance’ can MOVE an entire Country!” So get up off the couch and put on your dancing shoes on July 31<sup>st</sup>. Share your D-Day ideas in the <strong><a href="http://dance.community.fox.com/">SYTYCD forums</a></strong> and stay tuned to this site for more information to come. </p><p style="font-weight: bold;">Take It A Step Further...</p>Submit your plans for National Dance Day to the SYTYCD website and you may be contacted by the producers and mentioned in an episode!<b> *The deadline to submit your idea is July 16, 2010 at 11:59pm ET.* </b>For more information please visit <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.fox.com/dance/ndd/">www.fox.com/dance/ndd/</a><br /><br />Hope you all have fun with National Dance Day and I look forward to your contributions.<br />Peace, Love and Dance!<br />~Leslea<br /><br /><p></p><blockquote><p></p><blockquote></blockquote><br /><p></p><p></p><blockquote></blockquote><p></p></blockquote><p><br /></p> </div>Leslea Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579377644551707704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107860949943616101.post-4668357418485018022010-06-22T13:11:00.014-04:002010-07-10T15:18:49.788-04:00**Guest Blog Post for Backdrops Beautiful**The Benefits of Social Media in DanceI wrote a similar post almost two years ago called <a href="http://uptowndancenj.blogspot.com/2008/11/power-of-net.html">The Power of the Net</a> , It's amazing how things change. We had just started our journey incorporating social media within our studio. I am happy to say I have learned a lot in these two years. For example; what works and what doesn't, what to keep your eyes open for (the good, bad, and the ugly), and social media etiquette. I will speak a bit more about those later, but for now lets talk about the benefits of social media for dance. I will list a few examples, but as most of you already know the opportunities with social media are endless.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A Professional Dancer:</span><br />With a few simple tools such as Facebook and Twitter, you can promote yourself as a dancer and connect with several other people in your industry. You can post your performances to get a bigger fan base and connect with those who may have information on the latest auditions in your area.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dance Teachers:</span><br />Similar to the above, teachers can promote themselves and connect with people in their industry. They can share ideas, thoughts, and concerns with teachers from around the world. Teachers can also stay connected with their students, but make sure you check with your studios policy on contact with students online. My suggestion is create a separate Fan page or Twitter account, keep your personal life personal and your contact with your students professional.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Studio Owners:</span><br />Can do all of the above plus created networks, blogs and of course websites for their business. Please see my networking list in my <a href="http://uptowndancenj.blogspot.com/2008/11/power-of-net.html">previous post</a> for examples. What I have done, and what you will do over time, is narrow down the sites you use for networking. If you have experience with social media you know that it can become a bit overwhelming and time consuming, a great example of less is more and quality not quantity.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Find Out What Works Best For You and What Doesn't.</span><br />For me it's convenience, that's why I love and stick to my Facebook Fan page, YouTube and Twitter accounts for networking. What's great about these three is you can sync your accounts, which saves time. Then of course we have the Blog and Ning Network. What I recommend doing is keeping things clean and simple all on one site. I did this on my <a href="http://lesleaclark.com/">personal site</a> and plan on doing it for the studio soon. You will notice that I have a blog and network all in one place on one site, that way it eliminates your customers and fans from having to navigate away from your main site and eliminates you having to post in several places. With my dance studio I would no longer have to have a Ning network or a blogger account, it would be all in one place as I said before.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Narrow Down Your Network</span><br />For help and support I've narrowed down my list to <a href="http://dancestudioowner.com/">Dancestudioowner.com</a> and <a href="http://danceadvantage.net/">Danceadvantage.net</a>. Now especially, there are tons of sites and blogs to lend a helping hand and give advice to the dance industry. Again, find what suites you and makes your experience convenient.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What to Keep Your Eyes Open For </span><br />It's ironic because at the same time I was asked to be a guest blogger, my circle of online dance buds did a <a href="http://danceadvantage.net/2010/06/23/social-smarts-live-chat/">Social Smarts Live Chat</a> . This very informative event was hosted by Nichelle of Dance Advantage, Suzanne of Dance Studio Owner, and Marc of <a href="http://tendu.tv/">Tendu TV</a>. By visiting the Social Smarts link you can get the opinions of some great people who have experience with Social Media and Dance. Social media is open for anyone, and we are all here for different reasons. My advice would be to surround yourself with people of similar interest and common goals... not to far off from how you would conduct yourself in "real life."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Social Media Etiquette</span><br />This is something I would like to give my opinion on for those of you just starting out. I know you are excited and see many benefits and opportunities. Just remember that you will build a reputation online just as you do out in the real world. Be polite and courteous of other peoples time and what you ask of them. A few examples...<br /><ol><li>Do not tweet to often and flood peoples stream with tweets</li><li>Do respond to relevant questions or posts</li><li>Do not beg for followers or people to participate in what you are doing</li><li>Do remain professional at all times</li></ol>For those of you still hesitant to jump on the social media ban wagon, think of these questions for yourself and ask the opinions of others...<br /><ul><li>What do you hear of more often, a person reading the yellow pages or a person googling the information they need?</li><li>What do you see more often, a person reading the newspaper or someone with and ipad, personal reader, or iphone?</li><li>How are the younger generation communicating, through telephone or real life conversations or by Tweeting and Facebooking each other?</li><li>How has our lines of communication changed, do we talk on the phone at all anymore or do we just text?</li><li>How has our society evolved as far as communication and advertising?</li><li>Is Social Media right for you and your business?<br /></li></ul>I hope this information is useful for those of you just getting started and even those of you who have been here for some time. It never hurts to share ideas, it's yet one of the other benefits of social media, right? I would also like to say that by creating this post I am by no means categorizing myself as a "social media expert". I just think it's nice to hear from others in your field about what works for them.<br /><br />As I explained before, we will all use Social Media for different reasons. Some are trying to sell a particular product, some simply want to socialize, and some are here just to get themselves out there and known. I happen to like keeping it fun, I'm not pushing my studio or myself in anyway, I just hope people become more aware of my presence and if I happen to get a new student or client this way, then great! Social Media for me is just an addition to the advertising we do already and a fun way to share ideas and meet other great dance industry people.<br /><br />I shall leave you with two perfect examples of what I'm talking about.<br /><br />First example, <a href="http://uptowndancenj.ning.com/">My Ning Network</a>...<br /><blockquote>"Thank you for your support in my effort to create a positive, motivating, non competitive place for us to interact and share our love for dance. My goal is to be well known as a encouraging support system to our Dance community, and best of all, its Free! Help me in my effort and ask others who love dance in NJ to join too. Get yourself a badge or send them and invite. Questions, comments, suggestions are always welcome. I look forward to hearing from you all. Peace, Love, Dance!"</blockquote><br /><br />Second example, <a href="http://danceadvantage.net/why-dance-matters/">Why Dance Matters</a> ... a virtual event that rallies the dance community online created by my friend Nichelle of Dance Advantange. This was an amazing event to participate in and witness...the love and appreciation for dance was overwhelming! Below are my contributions to the event...<br /><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/reTfp3UCD-E&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/reTfp3UCD-E&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LUoK1bFDaBY&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LUoK1bFDaBY&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ckLSGSx3CfE&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ckLSGSx3CfE&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />I hope you find this post and information useful. For me this was just another effort to spread my love and passion for dance. Thanks to <a href="http://www.backdropsbeautiful.com/">Backdrops Beautifu</a><a href="http://www.backdropsbeautiful.com/">l</a> for the topic and opportunity to be a guest blogger for their site. I thank you all for reading and as always...<br />Peace, Love, Dance!<br />~ LesleaLeslea Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579377644551707704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107860949943616101.post-49178648768809702522010-06-19T07:29:00.002-04:002010-06-21T09:33:08.298-04:00More "Why Dance Matters"Uptown Dance Matters<br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/reTfp3UCD-E&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/reTfp3UCD-E&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />In the Life of a Child<br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LUoK1bFDaBY&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LUoK1bFDaBY&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Quotes from some of the Greats<br /><object width="500" height="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ckLSGSx3CfE&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ckLSGSx3CfE&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object>Leslea Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579377644551707704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107860949943616101.post-76586397593789847882010-04-17T08:57:00.003-04:002010-04-17T09:37:24.916-04:00Why Dance Matters<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1Qd5WbeUJoe-LaSaxltW5WC3seBpHY-s_v3DoudLAka2ybX4Z77ys163KFzLlUbeG6YEECO5jMm5cS_KkVeI7pyVbK1mUOsRCXI5rTODzpwKcrSfQ4FJE1NaCqhj5gSkZRUCWweCHMk/s1600/why+dance+matters.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1Qd5WbeUJoe-LaSaxltW5WC3seBpHY-s_v3DoudLAka2ybX4Z77ys163KFzLlUbeG6YEECO5jMm5cS_KkVeI7pyVbK1mUOsRCXI5rTODzpwKcrSfQ4FJE1NaCqhj5gSkZRUCWweCHMk/s200/why+dance+matters.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461090017281455362" border="0" /></a> "Why Dance Matters is a virtual event that rallies the dance community on Facebook and beyond.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>" Nichelle Strzepek of Dance Advantage gives us the opportunity to "affirm the impact dance has on the lives of individuals and communities." The event will be held between Arts Advocacy Day (April 12) and the close of National Dance Week (May 2). Learn how you can participate in Why Dance Matters... <b><a href="http://tinyurl.com/ycgomnl">http://tinyurl.com/ycgomnl</a><br /><br /><br />Why Dance Matters to me...<br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:webdings;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /></b>As a child, dance taught me what is was like to be passionate about something. It gave me confidence and joy... It brought me closer to my soul. As I grew, I learned how dance became an outlet, my stress reliever. When I danced I thought of nothing else... It brought me closer to my soul. As a young adult, I started appreciating dance as an art form. My desire to perform grew stronger, sharing my gift made me happy... It brought me closer to my soul. At this stage in my life I am an instructor and studio owner. I can't imagine my life with out dance or the ability to pass my love onto others. To dance is to be free... It brings us closer to our souls.<b><br /></b><br /><br /><br />Why Dance Matters is brought to you by <a href="http://danceadvantage.net/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this),">http://danceadvantage.net</a><br /><br />With the help of the following friends and partners:<br />Rene Michaels <a href="http://photosbyrene.com/dance_action_portfolio.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this),">http://photosbyrene.com/dance_action_portfolio.htm</a><br /><a href="http://dancestudioowner.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this),">http://DanceStudioOwner.com</a><br /><a href="http://tendutv.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this),">http://TenduTV.com</a><br /><a href="http://movecreateeducate.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this),">http://movecreateeducate.blogspot.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.artintercepts.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this),">http://www.artintercepts.org</a>Leslea Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579377644551707704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107860949943616101.post-41321086243363941172009-08-27T16:55:00.019-04:002009-08-31T09:50:45.776-04:00Uptown EntertainmentAbout a year ago I started advertising the services we provide other than dance instruction to children and young adults. Services such as my mother and I providing Quinceanera choreography, hosting children's birthday parties, or choreographing first dances at weddings to those who inquired. Thankfully, the clients were always very happy with our work. I also have had several years of what is know as "party motivating" experience. This is when a dancer accompanies the DJ to get the crowd dancing at parties. So, I figured why not make this bigger and advertise to our current costumers. Our regular clients had no idea we provide these services, so lets make it known! With that Uptown Entertainment was born.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwE2kwGfWLW5TEVIwqJuovDgh-1Zo8Q_ajl5Tp6dLZH2tUGt-vucmvtNxhlMrREjH2BsZBoJqdxT_gPvmYcVIfvDS8mzKWhwTbuSrKz8Cs-voJfKNeg1TihgEZTNwxkbepAMF-e2zOnrc/s1600-h/UptownEntertainment.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwE2kwGfWLW5TEVIwqJuovDgh-1Zo8Q_ajl5Tp6dLZH2tUGt-vucmvtNxhlMrREjH2BsZBoJqdxT_gPvmYcVIfvDS8mzKWhwTbuSrKz8Cs-voJfKNeg1TihgEZTNwxkbepAMF-e2zOnrc/s200/UptownEntertainment.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375377756772236626" border="0" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>You can have your event at Uptown Dance or we will travel to your location<br /></strong></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Kids:</strong> Great for unique Birthday parties, or any occasion to have fun!<br />*Themed Dance Party (Hannah Montana, High School Musical, Enchanted, etc.)<br />*Freestyle Fun (We will lead, kids will enjoy Cha Cha Slide, Cotton Eye Joe, Peanut Butter Jelly time, etc.)<br />*Learn To Dance Party (You pick the form of dance and we will do the rest)</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Teens & Adults: </strong>Birthdays, Mitzvahs, Quinceanera, Sweet16,<br />30th, 50th, Weddings, Anniversary, Corporate Events, or any occasion<br />*Professional Choreographed Dancers<br />*Party Motivators<br />*<a href="http://www.g-volutiondance.com/" target="_blank">G-Volution Dance Company</a><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Maybe you just need help preparing for your event</em></strong><br />*Ballroom wedding dance instruction<br />*Quinceanera choreography<br />*Learn the latest dances done at parties<br />*We also have a list of vendors we would be happy to recommend</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 151px; height: 154px;" src="http://uptowndancenj.com/Images/Red_smileT.jpg" alt="red" /> <img style="width: 161px; height: 148px;" src="http://uptowndancenj.com/Images/tricks_layoutT.jpg" alt="layout" /> <img style="width: 180px; height: 143px;" src="http://uptowndancenj.com/Images/stripes_bentT.jpg" alt="stripes" /></p><p style="text-align: left;">One of the most recent events was a students Birthday Party. She picked the theme of High School Musical. We warmed up and played dance related games to all 3 soundtracks from the movies, then I taught them some simple choreography to <span style="font-style: italic;">I Want It All</span>. The kids ate, opened presents and had yummy cupcakes. It was a lot of fun and most importantly the birthday girl and others had a blast!<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FurtSxQSu_2M1NMIMGIGsu5Td8w44SmD455QdDPuS1dlGK9lKJs_EXQ2k_pWtA0bwYrQkxZ66O1SpxBUAV81KyCTCbyIwoS5k_pD8a23st4EtY527928tBxuiUkMM13GCnZsbdJ8iJU/s1600-h/holiday+08+-+march+09+116.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 167px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FurtSxQSu_2M1NMIMGIGsu5Td8w44SmD455QdDPuS1dlGK9lKJs_EXQ2k_pWtA0bwYrQkxZ66O1SpxBUAV81KyCTCbyIwoS5k_pD8a23st4EtY527928tBxuiUkMM13GCnZsbdJ8iJU/s200/holiday+08+-+march+09+116.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375384584895721778" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> </span></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcs6ItLz1hjE5Rhawr9kiv8BdjlCv_QLcgIn3K_4kZPQMF40Kdul4CWsETUwrlBzbWuiFnMrKqjtuH2rokErYF4xCWanRJHCD1VEoSrWGdHlikWZ-I-sYQCjC_ZFoxIX0M6wYh7ifGXdg/s1600-h/holiday+08+-+march+09+115.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 164px; height: 123px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcs6ItLz1hjE5Rhawr9kiv8BdjlCv_QLcgIn3K_4kZPQMF40Kdul4CWsETUwrlBzbWuiFnMrKqjtuH2rokErYF4xCWanRJHCD1VEoSrWGdHlikWZ-I-sYQCjC_ZFoxIX0M6wYh7ifGXdg/s200/holiday+08+-+march+09+115.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375386431098053090" border="0" /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2EJ9zIHpoCZa2EkuBIfktM2lvhjEFxz9m2zQUbvTDIWApC7chQvF7hlNWJrxoZSiBtAsMoybqIbBPvSh3IYd8B0KmfHYjt2w0emnuV9jVdxSbpxeIKannLJFRlcIRjEnZy3JWgT4veM/s1600-h/holiday+08+-+march+09+117.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 165px; height: 123px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2EJ9zIHpoCZa2EkuBIfktM2lvhjEFxz9m2zQUbvTDIWApC7chQvF7hlNWJrxoZSiBtAsMoybqIbBPvSh3IYd8B0KmfHYjt2w0emnuV9jVdxSbpxeIKannLJFRlcIRjEnZy3JWgT4veM/s200/holiday+08+-+march+09+117.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375384576265205426" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVt92tJ4hNyfewOr0micEvp3dnSwiTzfXdQx0Dj2pAVn84-rSCWxDRIOzzxbA9VB0CE4xzp4WWnmrWMFJ_P1zI5-OC5b2fFB-HcUKRRspYlyud2J-ma9_6x-Lj42CvKGCG4aHxv9Xerw/s1600-h/holiday+08+-+march+09+114.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 169px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVt92tJ4hNyfewOr0micEvp3dnSwiTzfXdQx0Dj2pAVn84-rSCWxDRIOzzxbA9VB0CE4xzp4WWnmrWMFJ_P1zI5-OC5b2fFB-HcUKRRspYlyud2J-ma9_6x-Lj42CvKGCG4aHxv9Xerw/s200/holiday+08+-+march+09+114.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375383068009965970" border="0" /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2MLaiET1PwWGRIxNUQBZShXs_aoZDVejm7uXLQtIGptXyjM5T4V8GvnuBkPxwo8x65Guo2KMCUCyzE9oFRv_dM5d8szR2F9f-Z2mwdTl0P-b65A4qO2G1sFQBSlv0KyB1AapRwrOlg8/s1600-h/holiday+08+-+march+09+113.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 169px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2MLaiET1PwWGRIxNUQBZShXs_aoZDVejm7uXLQtIGptXyjM5T4V8GvnuBkPxwo8x65Guo2KMCUCyzE9oFRv_dM5d8szR2F9f-Z2mwdTl0P-b65A4qO2G1sFQBSlv0KyB1AapRwrOlg8/s200/holiday+08+-+march+09+113.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375382800604332386" border="0" /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmrJwDFUhV1theu6g-_1ZRIo91FOmxUOegw8o17-kO3NQC17VIFK0m1nh5veySuB7UYDA1q5cqHk7Ej1bCx3o6cGHXdCJto_sUJo77x732WKR3v1lLRjvjJK6rE36cQ6PzKytQANbHQE/s1600-h/holiday+08+-+march+09+118.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmrJwDFUhV1theu6g-_1ZRIo91FOmxUOegw8o17-kO3NQC17VIFK0m1nh5veySuB7UYDA1q5cqHk7Ej1bCx3o6cGHXdCJto_sUJo77x732WKR3v1lLRjvjJK6rE36cQ6PzKytQANbHQE/s200/holiday+08+-+march+09+118.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375384562942234450" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmrJwDFUhV1theu6g-_1ZRIo91FOmxUOegw8o17-kO3NQC17VIFK0m1nh5veySuB7UYDA1q5cqHk7Ej1bCx3o6cGHXdCJto_sUJo77x732WKR3v1lLRjvjJK6rE36cQ6PzKytQANbHQE/s1600-h/holiday+08+-+march+09+118.jpg"> </a></p>Another fun adventure for Uptown Entertainment was choreographing a wedding party and performing a contemporary piece at the reception. This is becoming very popular now a days. I believe the trend started with the Brubaker couple. I'm sure you all remember this one...<br /><object width="320" height="265"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aeoi16lScf4&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aeoi16lScf4&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="265"></embed></object><br />And most recently a entire wedding party brought some excitement to their entrance into the church with this...<br /><object width="320" height="265"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4-94JhLEiN0&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4-94JhLEiN0&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="265"></embed></object><br />The bridal party I worked with did a Michael Jackson melody as a tribute. The bride found the piece on YouTube and I simply recreated it for them. There were 8 couples in total who met at the studio for rehearsal a few days prior to the wedding. This was the end result...<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx9PSzdRhwuWJGnb-SynHmndWRMxSjqvna9-lQrsqE_72wF8ElL1dN3u4-f41YG6N00oxiI1f7TGxrohnF24A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><div style="text-align: left;">After this dance my girls and I performed a contemporary ballet piece to <span style="font-style: italic;">Dangerously In Love.</span><br />It was a very unique wedding which we were thrilled to be a part of. I hope this trend continues, because this line of work is very exciting for us. It also gives my older students an opportunity to perform outside of the studio.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrs6JtMrpTApHGg0tOgGNq2E9i-gvsopZ2PhjtjpYLFc2qKDGQIfxzdpaZ-voVXBVkcgxAEu-MC8_1NUL_Mv_7UrRtjdkGazhmgcxxtkxAGba_xVZ-hnz1utRQKsWMuh-QluesQQzz9bM/s1600-h/uptownEnt.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrs6JtMrpTApHGg0tOgGNq2E9i-gvsopZ2PhjtjpYLFc2qKDGQIfxzdpaZ-voVXBVkcgxAEu-MC8_1NUL_Mv_7UrRtjdkGazhmgcxxtkxAGba_xVZ-hnz1utRQKsWMuh-QluesQQzz9bM/s200/uptownEnt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376117670539552130" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">If you are in the tri state area and have an event that needs a special touch, something unique that will make your occasion stand out, contact <a href="http://uptowndancenj.com/contact.html">Uptown Entertainment.</a> We will help you create an idea that will be memorable for you and your guests.<br /><br />Thanks for taking the time to check us out and reading our blog. If you enjoy what we do please become a fan of the blog by clicking the follow button on the main page.<br />Until next time,<br />Peace, Love, and Dance!<br />~Miss Leslea<br /></div><br /></div></div></div>Leslea Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579377644551707704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3107860949943616101.post-4724156361456641842009-08-12T08:14:00.016-04:002009-08-17T08:20:47.415-04:00Fall Fashions For DancersIf you are like me, then most likely you own more dance attire than regular clothing. I for one look just as forward to making a statement in the studio as I do out on the town. How do you dress for class? I'll be sharing some of my favs as well as the opinions of some other dancers. While reading, let's keep in mind our studios dress code of course, I realize this limits some of us. Enjoy! and please feel free to comment and leave your favorites and the end.<br /><br />I remember the time where there were not many choices for dancers as far as shoes and apparel where concerned. We had Capezio and Danskin, that was pretty much it. Don't get me wrong, I still get products from both these wonderful companies, however today its all about options, there are tons of companies who supply dancers with what they need. We have so many choices! Let's talk about style, preference and a few options that you may or may not be aware of.<br /><br />As far as our studio is concerned, we keep things simple. Little ones shoes are all the same color and brand (<a href="http://www.capeziodance.com/">Capezio</a>) which we provide at the studio. Older students have a more complex shoe list which they can either order through our studio or go to a very nice local shop called Dance Wear Etc. Heather Corneliess, the owner and also a dancer, is extremely helpful and carries mostly Capezio and Bloch for shoes and the trendiest attire for class. I will discuss some of the other brands she carries later on. You can read more about Heather here on <a href="http://uptowndancenj.ning.com/profile/DanceWearEtc">NJ Dancers</a><br /><br />For me personally I have two styles, one if I'm teaching and the other if I'm auditioning or taking a class. Like I said before if you are taking a class it's always a good idea to check for a dress code and respect it. If there is not one I will try to wear something that makes me feel good and flatters my body type, nothing too bold or over the top. Lets face it, when we feel good and look nice, our confidence is up and we will dancer better. Think about performance day in your beautiful costume, well I like to think of classes as mini performances and put a little effort into my appearance. You never know who may be watching. Auditions you have to dress the part, and most likely they will tell you what to wear. Again, you want to stand out but not be the talk of the casting panel (in a bad way). Don't wear all black (unless required) and don't wear florescent pink and mis-matched legwarmers.<br /><br />For teaching, which is where I spend most of my time at this point in my life, I have some links and examples.<br /><br /><a href="http://sugarandbruno.com/pages/home">Sugar and Bruno</a>: can be found at Dance Wear Etc. Nutley NJ<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dancewearsolutions.com/dancewear/Default.aspx">Eighteen21</a>: can be found on the Dance Wear Solutions website<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dancewearsolutions.com/Brands/Urban_Groove/Default.aspx">Urban Groove</a>: also found on the Dance Wear Solutions website<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tiasdancewear.com/">Tia's Dancewear</a>: The official site or Dance Wear Etc. Nutley NJ or <a href="http://www.dancewearsolutions.com/search.aspx?search=tias">Dance Wear Solutions</a><br /><br />You may also want to check out some local designer for a unique look. I was fortunate enough to meet a wonderfully talented young women on Twitter who's designs are perfect for dancers. Studio owners may even want to contact her to make up an original logo or new line of clothing for their students. <a href="http://twitter.com/iFlowSoul">Follow and/or contact Im Soul Fly</a><br />Check out her stuff here<a href="http://imsoulfly.spreadshirt.com/"> imsoulfly.com.</a> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkXT9Vd8g2o7fYTbJc2z2GdX8nxv-gz9pfJ-naolwSTuyhEtyRlrh5r11SJFr8e2qz62N-Fw8t1VqTbsVhHy2qB55Kl5VItW_g5vEWOhXN0SGs3BVgI6isVFKmUltwXKt2fKaq994294/s1600-h/soulfly.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkXT9Vd8g2o7fYTbJc2z2GdX8nxv-gz9pfJ-naolwSTuyhEtyRlrh5r11SJFr8e2qz62N-Fw8t1VqTbsVhHy2qB55Kl5VItW_g5vEWOhXN0SGs3BVgI6isVFKmUltwXKt2fKaq994294/s200/soulfly.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370186192666022978" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdI-0ULTTnEE_k9NLiODIkH6dN0zDHwjAicjsKWiSO_UV7xdGkYWysNCXMvCvVDU9lTlbLMYyZ_eVPoXIlE2Cl3OYRbNyF0CS2s_zPBmvNZeyedoicypCD7mFV5lrBNUDI03q8V4ywoE/s1600-h/imsoulfly.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdI-0ULTTnEE_k9NLiODIkH6dN0zDHwjAicjsKWiSO_UV7xdGkYWysNCXMvCvVDU9lTlbLMYyZ_eVPoXIlE2Cl3OYRbNyF0CS2s_zPBmvNZeyedoicypCD7mFV5lrBNUDI03q8V4ywoE/s200/imsoulfly.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370185604022821714" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />I was also able to get the opinion of two dance friends on Twitter:<br /><br />Victoria, owner of Allegro Dance Boutique in Evanston, IL<br /><a href="http://www.allegrodanceboutique.com/">AllegroDanceBoutiques.com</a> recommends her favorite leos:<br /><br />~<a href="http://www.valadancewear.com/">Vala Dancewear</a><a><br />~Yumiko<br />~</a><a href="http://www.bodywrappers.com/">Body Wrappers Premiere Collection</a><br />~<a href="http://www.jozetteformirella.com/">Mirella Jozette Collection</a><br />Thanks to Victoria for this wonderful information. Make sure to follow her on <a href="http://twitter.com/AllegroBoutique">Twitter</a> or visit her store if you are in the area.<br /><br />TerrenceTaps, one of my first dance friends on Twitter; a professional tap dancer, blogger and founder of <a href="http://tapdanceman.com/">tapdanceman.com</a>. He recommends and wears <a title="processed" class="status-body"><span class="entry-content">Miller & Ben's</span>.</a> He also has a wonderful blog post about Tap Shoes on his website, this is worth the read tappers!! You will notice some really cute, trendy T's for tap class on the bottom left as well. Here is that <a href="http://www.tapdanceman.com/blog/4-things-to-consider-when-buying-tap-shoes.html">link</a><br />Thanks so much Taps, you are the best and you are such an inspiration to me and other dancers. Keep up the great work you do!<br /><br />I'd like to thank everyone who contributed to this post and all the wonderful designers and clothing and shoe lines who make dancers look and feel fabulous. I'm extremely excited about how many options there are for us now. Thanks to YOU too for reading, I hope you enjoyed and got some fresh new ideas.<br /><br />Peace, Love, and Dance!!<br />~Miss Leslea<br /><span title="processed" class="status-body"><span class="entry-content"></span></span>Leslea Clarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08579377644551707704noreply@blogger.com2