The Dance Workshop

Someone you Should Know: Teanna Zarro

2011-12-14T08:46:00.000-08:00

The Dance Workshop Presents

"Someone you Should Know"

Teanna Zarro

Ballet, Pointe, and Demi Pointe instructor at
The Dance Workshop

“Dance gives me a chance to express myself in my truest form. It is the perfect mix of discipline and freedom."-Teanna Zarro

Teanna Zarro is no stranger to the invigorating dance world. She has been teaching for over 10 years and currently teaches ballet, pointe, variations (choreographed solos from classical ballets), and pas de deux (partnering). Her teaching start came after her performance as a guest artist with a particular company; they asked her to teach a master class and it was then that Teanna discovered a passion for teaching and realized she could relay her valuable experience to students.

Teanna plunged into the professional dance world of the Joffrey Ballet at the young age of 11 years old. Until she was 13 she danced with their Nutcracker children’s cast. From the ages of 14-16 she danced on a full scholarship at the Joffrey New York summer program. She was asked to join the apprentice company to Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, Joffrey II, at 17 years old. After two years she was invited to join the main company. In 2003 Teanna left the Joffrey Ballet but continues to dance as a guest principal. Teanna has studied under and collaborated with fantastic mentors throughout her life: Julie Kent, Susan Jaffe, Allessandra Ferri, Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Jose Carreno to name a few. You may have seen her in the acclaimed dance movie, “Save the Last Dance,” with Julia Styles.

Teanna’s advice to dancers of all ages is to continuously support your peers. She believes in this field especially it is necessary to help out your friends and be supportive of one another because it is such a small world and you never know who you may run into in the future. As for the upcoming year, Teanna is most excited for her pointe and demi pointe students’ progression.

“[They] have been doing so well! I can’t wait for the parents to see what they have learned in such a short time.”

- Teanna on her current pointe and demi pointe students

BESIDES DANCING?

Teanna is a social dancer and can dance Salsa, Merengue, Cha Cha, and Swing. She also loves going out to dance to popular music as well. Besides for social dancing, Teanna is a big fan of going to art galleries, concerts, and other social events. She also has a passion for fashion; she takes ideas from high fashion magazines and uses her own unique twist to create hair pieces, jewelry, and accessories.

Five Fun Facts about Jean Hartnett

2011-12-02T15:16:00.000-08:00

So everyone, before we say goodbye to our November "Someone you Should Know" star- Jean Hartnett, we wanted to give you five random tidbits of information about her!

Enjoy!

Five Fun Facts about Jean Hartnett

1. She is now reading her 98^th Star Wars book
2. She loves claw machines
3. Chinese is her favorite food
4. She likes to snack on cheese at night
5. Her husband is her very best friend

Someone you Should Know: Jean Hartnett

2011-11-13T16:33:00.000-08:00

The Dance Workshop Presents

"Someone you Should Know"

Jean Hartnett

Tap & Jazz instructor at Jo's Footwork Studio & The Dance Workshop

“I believe dance is a beautiful form of physical self expression. The more ways we can express ourselves, the better."
–Jean Hartnett

After teaching dance for over 20 years, Jean Hartnett has learned the ins and outs of technique, physical expression, and choreography, and has relayed the importance of these mechanics to her students. Her teaching began after her mother opened her own dance studio; Jean thought it would be fun to get involved. Before performing with several small modern and improv dance companies and indie art projects throughout Chicago, Jean studied tap, ballet, jazz, modern, pointe, and even a little breakdancing from a wide array of teachers for over 16 years. Bob Fosse, Keith Elliot, and her older sister, Mari Jo Irbe, all acted as mentors and helped guide her along the way. Jean loves performing modern dances, taking tap class, and teaching jazz class. Currently Jean teaches jazz and tap at The Dance Workshop and Jo’s Footwork Studio. Jean is most excited to explore new choreography with her students throughout the upcoming year.

“Dancers need to understand that some days are easy and some days are hard, just keep going and you will see how strong and talented you have become. If you’re a dancer just starting out, relax, have fun, and enjoy the moment. “

-Jean's advice to dancers of all ages and levels

BESIDES DANCING?
Jean has a passion for good food and playing video and board games. Oh and don’t try getting a hold of her via text or social media sites- she does not do either!

New Classes Coming to The Studio!

2011-10-29T07:56:00.000-07:00

We have several new classes coming soon for new and current interested participants!

TURNS/LEAPS/JUMPS: Mondays 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

*This class is used as a supplement to ballet and jazz techniques in an effort to better the execution of turns and jumps! For ages 11 years old and above, must be enrolled in ballet/jazz level III or higher.

BOYS ONLY JAZZ SPORT: Wednesdays 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

*This is NOT a dance class! It is a class designed for boys looking to be stronger, more balanced, and move faster. Strengthening skills (push-ups, sit-ups, core work) will be utilized to help improve balance skills, traveling, turning, jumping, and stopping, along with other agility skills that are necessary in every sport. No experience is needed and the boy does not have to be in a sport to take the class! For 3rd through 6th graders.

ZUMBA AT NIGHT: Mondays 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM

*You know you love Zumba just as much as we do. Now take our newly added night class to get out all the stressors of the day and start your week off right! Get an exhilarating workout in a fun environment and you will be well on your way to a healthy lifestyle.

NEW COMBO CLASSES FOR PRESCHOOLERS COMING IN JANUARY!

*Ages 3 and up

Like what you see? Then register for these classes today and tell your friends before the classes fill up! Any questions or concerns you can call the studio at 708-226-5658 or e-mail Mr. Fagan at danceworkshop1@gmail.com.

It's costume week at the studio!

2011-10-25T16:21:00.000-07:00

Hey dancers, families, and friends!

One of our favorite weeks of the year has arrived at the studio-COSTUME WEEK!

So come dressed in your favorite Halloween costume and be prepared to have a class with lots of Halloween fun! Just make sure you can still dance and move around in your costume.

Also don't forget to buy a Halloween cupcake at the front desk to benefit The Dance Workshop Ensemble! They are $2.00 each and you can also enter to win a very special prize which is:

*A GIANT HALLOWEEN CUPCAKE!*

Now who wouldn't want that?

Have a fun and safe Halloween dancers!

5 Things you don't know about the one & only: JAY FAGAN!

2011-10-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

Five Random Jay Fagan Facts
1. He is an APPLE junky- he’s obsessed with all the new gadgets- iPod, iPad, iPhone, etc.

2. He has his own album he has never released.

3. He likes reality TV- do you think he’s a Jersey Shore fanatic?

4. He just drank Fresca for the first time.

5. He hates mosquitoes- just like all of us!

Someone you Should Know: Jay Fagan

2011-10-08T06:54:00.000-07:00

The Dance Workshop Presents

"Someone you Should Know"

Jay Fagan

Tap & Jazz instructor at Jo's Footwork Studio & The Dance Workshop

“It’s a life long journey but I've enjoyed it so far.”

–Jay Fagan on his dance career

Jay Fagan, international tap master and acclaimed tap, jazz, and social dance instructor got his start when he was just five years old after his mother put him in dance classes because of his natural rhythm. Jay has trained throughout Chicago, New York, and California among other states in the styles of African, ballet, ballroom, break dancing, improvisation, jazz, modern, and tap. After teaching for over 21 years, Jay thinks he just about knows how to do it! Besides for teaching at Jo’s Footwork Studio and The Dance Workshop Jay also teaches at national dance conventions and choreographs couples’ first wedding dances. Currently Jay is in the process of choreographing a very special first wedding dance- his own!

“Dance is important to me because it’s my job, it’s my passion, and it’s my life. People should dance because it’s fun, it’s exercise, it’s meditation, it’s expression, it’s an outlet, it’s everything!”

Throughout his dance career he’s performed with companies such as Especially Tap, AM/FM, and Chi-Town Jazz Dance. As a tap artist he’s collaborated with well-known professionals Lane Alexander, Sarah Savelli, Acia Gray, Nicole Hockenberry, among others. Jay Fagan has also performed with his younger sister, Connie Fagan, in a brother/sister tap duo, Sibling Rivalry, to sold-out crowds at Chicago Drury Lane Theatre as well as numerous theatres in Las Vegas, NV. Nowadays Jay is a soloist and performs at tap festivals throughout the country.

BESIDES DANCING?
You can find Jay playing guitar, singing, writing songs, or tuning into jazz music and talk radio.

Want to learn more about one of your favorite dance teacher's exciting dance history? Visit his website at JAYFAGAN.COM.

Five Fun Facts about Ms. Jessica

2011-09-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

Before we say goodbye to our September "Someone you Should Know" star we have to dish out five random, entertaining, never-would-have-guessed facts about Ms. Jessica!

Five Fun Facts you Don't Know about Ms. Jessica

1. She's a sucker for McDonald's caramel sundaes.

2. She loves paying for one movie but sneaking in another- double feature!

3. Trying on super cute, expensive clothing is one of her favorite pasttimes-

but actually buying them is not.

4. She is a HUGE Packers fan! Uh oh- watch out Bears fans!

5. Social media is not her thing, so don't bother stalking!

Ms. Jessica's Vegetarian 3-Bean Chili

2011-09-18T08:27:00.000-07:00

Here's our September "Someone you Should Know" star, Ms. Jessica Hallam, dishing on one of her favorite recipes!

Vegetarian 3 Bean Chili

Sautee 2 cloves of garlic in Olive Oil
Add 1/2 Red Pepper, 1/2 Green pepper and 1/2 vidalia onion all chopped until softened
Add 28 oz can of San Marzano Crushed Tomatoes
Add 14 oz can each of Black Beans, Chili beans, Red Kidney Beans (drain kidney beans and black)
Add 14 oz can of sweet kernel corn, drained
Add 3 Tablespoons Ground Cumin
Add Chili Powder to you desired heat
Add dash of kosher salt and pepper
Add a pinch of sugar to ease the acidity.

Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes!
Top with sour cream & cheddar cheese.

Yummy!

Try out her recipe and post a review of what you think on our blog and Facebook!

Bring a Friend Week

2011-09-18T08:11:00.000-07:00

This upcoming week is one of our favorite weeks at the studio: Bring a Friend Week! Dancers can take any of their friends to their class, no prior dance experience is necessary. Also if your friend wants to take a particular class that you are not enrolled in, you can both attend that class to try it out and see how you like it! The only exception to "Bring a Friend Week" is that your friend cannot already enrolled in classes at The Dance Workshop!

So dancers come out this week with your friends and share the love of dance! We can't wait to meet your friends!

Someone you Should Know: Jessica Hallam

2011-09-06T08:53:00.000-07:00

The Dance Workshop Presents

"Someone you Should Know"

Jessica Hallam
Dance Workshop Ensemble Director & Dance Instructor

Jessica Hallam pictured with her summer pointe girls.

Jessica's Mission Statement

“I don’t want to be the teacher who just teaches steps. I want to teach the children musicality, expression, things that will make them feel uncomfortable but help them ultimately become more confident.”

A 32 year veteran in the dance world, Jessica Hallam is no stranger to hard work, dedication, and freedom of expression. As a current instructor at The Dance Workshop and Intuit Dance, Jessica specializes in ballet, jazz, and lyrical. She even runs the Oak Park River Forest drill team summer camp!

"The biggest gift of teaching is connecting with my students and developing their skill and expression."

A true Madonna story- Jessica embarked on her dancing journey by driving cross country with almost no money in her pocket from job to job. Her perseverance paid off and you may have seen Jessica in music videos, television commercials, or performing alongside Christina Aguilera, Julie Andrews, or Elton John. A fan of the live stage, she has done shows in Disney World, Disney Land, Atlantic City, Cirque De Soleil, and with Royal Caribbean cruise line. Currently Jessica still professionally performs with Stage Factor and Impulse Talent.

BESIDES DANCING?

* Jessica loves cooking, especially chicken parmesan & butternut squash soup!
* Traveling is one of her favorite pasttimes- especially in Italy and Bali!

Classes start this week!

2011-09-05T19:49:00.000-07:00

Hello dancers and families!

Just wanted to send out a friendly reminder that dance classes begin tomorrow: Tuesday, September 6th. We hope you have all enjoyed your summer and are excited to get back in the studio! We are ready for another great year and hope you all are as well. If you have not completed registration yet please do so ASAP so you can reserve your spot for this year in your favorite classes. Also, if you are interested in always trying a particular class use our first session to test the waters! Rest up and get ready for your first week back to classes!

We look forward to seeing you!

One Week Left to Register!

2011-08-28T07:13:00.000-07:00

The fall season is coming up quickly! We hope you all enjoyed your summer- whether you danced with us or not, fall is coming and it's time to get you dancers back in shape! Don't forget to register for your classes before they fill up. Classes begin September 6th!

View the class schedule on our website: http://thedanceworkshop.com/ and call to register: 708-226-5658.

Can't wait to see your bright smiles and sweaty faces back in the studio!

Open Houses to Kick-Off the Fall Season!

2011-08-11T09:06:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

Today starts our open house three day extravaganza! Stop by and see the studios, meet the staff, and register for fall classes! We are very excited about the fall schedule and have plenty of offerings for all ages and all levels. We will also have dance shoes and apparel available for purchase to get you ready for the upcoming season!

Here are the dates and times for our open houses:

Thursday, August 11- 4:00pm-7:00pm
Friday, August 12- 12:00pm-3:00pm
Saturday, August 13- 1:00pm-4:00pm

For those of you with preschoolers & kindergarteners we have a way for you to win- attend one of our open houses and enter to win your first dance session FREE! Don't miss out on this offer!

Can't wait to see you at The Dance Workshop!
9015 W. 151st Street, Orland Park, IL
708-226-5658
http://thedanceworkshop.com/