Ms. Judy Cottrell
Director/Choreographer/Instructor
Dance has always been a huge part of my life. As a child growing up in a small rural town, dance class was most often the highlight of my week. The fact that both parents as well as 3 older siblings were musically inclined, playing at least one instrument each, gave me the wonderful opportunity to be exposed to music and singing on a daily basis. Even though I was enrolled in piano lessons as well as dance classes, it was definitely the dancing that sparked and held my interest and ultimately led me to the decision to give up piano and devote all of my free time to dance. Looking back on those childhood classes, I now know that I was what we now refer to as "a natural". I credit my early dance instructors with cultivating my natural talents and igniting the spark that has led to my life's work.
After taking a few years off post high school to further my education, get married and have my son, I decided to return to the classroom as a student for a fun outlet and another way to get some fun exercise. After 6 months, that decision led to a job as an assistant instructor. At the end of that 1st season, my instructor offered me a teaching position. At the end of that year, she asked me if I had ever considered opening my own studio. With her help and guidance, in September of 1979, my studio was born and to date, we have produced 38 dance teachers of our own. I apparently have ignited quite a few sparks myself in the past 30+ years.
My belief is... As your child's instructor, my goal will be to give him/her the self esteem and self confidence that no one can take away. I want my students to know that anything can be accomplished if they are willing to put forth the effort. No amount of money can buy the confidence that students gain from the classroom environment and our year end performances. Even though dance classes aren't necessary to graduate, enter college or apply for a job, the lessons learned in our classrooms will give our students an advantage when the time comes for them to compete in real life. Our goal has never been to be the biggest...just simply THE BEST!
Director/Choreographer/Instructor
Dance has always been a huge part of my life. As a child growing up in a small rural town, dance class was most often the highlight of my week. The fact that both parents as well as 3 older siblings were musically inclined, playing at least one instrument each, gave me the wonderful opportunity to be exposed to music and singing on a daily basis. Even though I was enrolled in piano lessons as well as dance classes, it was definitely the dancing that sparked and held my interest and ultimately led me to the decision to give up piano and devote all of my free time to dance. Looking back on those childhood classes, I now know that I was what we now refer to as "a natural". I credit my early dance instructors with cultivating my natural talents and igniting the spark that has led to my life's work.
After taking a few years off post high school to further my education, get married and have my son, I decided to return to the classroom as a student for a fun outlet and another way to get some fun exercise. After 6 months, that decision led to a job as an assistant instructor. At the end of that 1st season, my instructor offered me a teaching position. At the end of that year, she asked me if I had ever considered opening my own studio. With her help and guidance, in September of 1979, my studio was born and to date, we have produced 38 dance teachers of our own. I apparently have ignited quite a few sparks myself in the past 30+ years.
My belief is... As your child's instructor, my goal will be to give him/her the self esteem and self confidence that no one can take away. I want my students to know that anything can be accomplished if they are willing to put forth the effort. No amount of money can buy the confidence that students gain from the classroom environment and our year end performances. Even though dance classes aren't necessary to graduate, enter college or apply for a job, the lessons learned in our classrooms will give our students an advantage when the time comes for them to compete in real life. Our goal has never been to be the biggest...just simply THE BEST!
Ms. Tracie Chamblee
Dancer/Choreographer/Office Coordinator/Dance Team Coach
I began dancing at the age of 5 with "Miss" Judy. I immediately knew dance was my love. I began competing at the age of 10 and I competed through middle school and high school. I was given one of the Junior Assistant positions at the age of 14 and I assisted until the age of 18. I danced for two years with the Columbus State University dance team where we won the PeachBelt Conference Championship both years, and competed in the UDA College National Championship in Orlando. I have performed in the Orange Bowl, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and with the Moscow Russian Ballet in The Nutcracker. This year I was invited to be a "Pro" dancer in the Dancing Stars of Columbus event (an Alzheimer's Association fundraiser). I was also the dance instructor during the summer camp at Ultimate Youth Sports in Columbus. Dance has always been an important part of my life and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a positive influence in the lives of our young girls and boys. I gained so much confidence during my years of dance and I love to watch the confidence grow in our dancers. I have a degree in Sports Medicine and I attend to our dance team members' physical and injury needs and also promote injury prevention. I am the primary Technique instructor for our dance team. |