What's New For Fall

We 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.

A Newly Renovated Studio
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.

An Adult Dance/Fitness Program
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...

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 Graziella Baratta

Cardio Hip Hop: Learn to dance like a music video vixen in this 45 minute calorie blasting class. Sweat = sexy, trust us! Taught by Graziella Baratta

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*

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*

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*

"U Can Dance"
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.

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*

As Always,
Peace, Love and Dance
~Miss Leslea

National Dance Day

"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."

Thanks Nigel! What a perfect way to blend my passions in life for dance and fitness!

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 Facebook Fan Page. 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. *The deadline to submit your video is July 31, 2010 at 11:59pm ET.*

The NappyTabs Dance Day Routine




A Post from the SYTYCD Blog...

Get Excited for National Dance Day

So You Think You Can Dance executive producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe would like to declare July 31, NATIONAL DANCE DAY.

WHAT: 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.

WHEN: Saturday, July 31

WHY: 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.

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^st. Share your D-Day ideas in the SYTYCD forums and stay tuned to this site for more information to come.

Take It A Step Further...

Submit your plans for National Dance Day to the SYTYCD website and you may be contacted by the producers and mentioned in an episode! *The deadline to submit your idea is July 16, 2010 at 11:59pm ET.* For more information please visit www.fox.com/dance/ndd/

Hope you all have fun with National Dance Day and I look forward to your contributions.
Peace, Love and Dance!
~Leslea