At Joy of Motion Dance Center, “Dance is for Everyone.” is our mission. To that end, we are always creating new and different ways to engage people in the dance and expand our community of dancers. This blog will serve as yet one more access point. As the director of Joy of Motion , I am continually approached by a vast array of individuals excited by what we do and how we do it. So, now we are online, and I am here to share the joys of Joy of Motion. This blog will create a means of convening, a place to share information, a place to receive answers and a place to be inspired – all with the intent to have you move and dance with us in any way you choose. As I say time and time again – “Those who dance are better for it.” So if I could have one request, that request would be – take a dance class. Bring dance into your life and experience the joy of motion.
I hope that questions and comments around a specific theme will engage us in a constant discussion of dance . Over time, we look to include other authors and blogs that will enhance you overall “dancing blog experience.”
We are looking for feedback, stories or comments about why Joy of Motion is special to you and why do you believe Joy of Motion is a place to dance like no other?
I will start, although somewhat biased. I believe Joy of motion Dance Center is a place to dance like no other because we have a list of world class educators who bring tremendous experience and knowledge to every class they teach. What do you think? You can always be assured that those who teach dance are those who have a calling and desire to share their dance. Ask a teacher, “Why do they teach?” – you will be rewarded with great stories and great answers. Let’s get the conversation started.
I hope to hear from you.
Let’s dance!
For me, Joy Of Motion is “like no other place” because of it’s homey, and welcoming environment. It’s not like many other studio’s where a new beginner might go and get intimidated by the staff and other dancer’s (I have been to too many of those studio’s, and these places make you not want to go back). Every time I have walked through the doors of JOM, I have always felt this very special feeling inside. I am ALWAYS greeted with a lot of enthusiasm by staff and other dancer’s each and every time that I walk through the doors of JOM to take a class.
Before leaving Shenandoah Conservatory, a teacher of mine told me all about JOM and told me to get involved right away. This teacher of mine also said to me that I would really enjoy taking classes from Douglas Yeullel. When I left school and came home, I was very inspired and excited to see what JOM was all about. I took my teacher’s advice and took one of Doug’s classes and immediately became hooked. I didn’t just fall in love with amazing excitement of the class. The class was always filled with a lot of joy, social contact, laughter, and professionalism while working on very challenging/creative material. Doug always brought forth a lot of energy and passion into his work with his classes, and still remains to do so. How could you not want to take class at JOM with all that exciting energy and passion?
I have danced on and off with Helen Hayes throughout the last several years, and what can I say abour her, other than that she is one SPECIAL gift to the JOMDC. Ms. Hayes is what DANCE is ALL ABOUT. Like Doug, Helen also teaches with a lot of enthusiasm, honesty, and creativity. She is very invested in the creative process as a Dance Educator, and works really hard to help her dancer’s find growth and success in their dancing. I have worked with some of the most amazing professionals growing up and all throughout college, but I have to say, Helen Hayes is by far the b teacher that I have ever taken from. There is so much value, and truth to her classes. Her classes are filled with a time for finding meaning and purpose in yourself through the artistic world of dance. Helen is always challenging dancer’s to dance with meaning from within. This is something that I really appreciate in her work.
There are so many other wonderful teacher’s at JOM that I have not mentioned.
With the mission in mind that “DANCE IS FOR EVERYBODY”, it allows a wide array of people to come and join a safe place that is so unique, special, fun, social, creative, and talented. Every day is a day to come take class with one of the very amazing teacher’s at JOM. Whether your goal is to work on becoming a professional dancer, or whether it is to just enjoy the passion of dancing, JOM is the place to go. There is no other place that beats this place. JOM works from the heart. That is why people want to go to JOM, and that is also why so many people drive an hour or two just to take a class at one of the amazing locations. I leave class always feeling empowered, and also very grounded within myself. It is a very nice feeling after a long day’s work. I have NOTHING but only THE BEST things to say about JOM.
Take a class today! You will be hooked. Come join the creative power of dance, the enthusiasm, all the other wonderful assets that JOM has to offer each and every individual.
I have JOM SPIRIT! (-: Always have, always will.
Kelly
Douglas Yeullel– Why do you love teaching so much? How has JOM positively impacted your life? Do you think down the road again you will teach some jazz classes again? They are missed greatly by many! (-:
Helen Hayes– What has been your MOST rewarding experience at JOM? What do you like most about dance?
My most rewarding experience at JOMDC happens each and every day I walk into the classroom. Dance transforms and being a vehicle for that is magical. When students have a ‘lightbulb’ moment, I am more excited than they are. Knowing that what I do makes a difference in the quality of people’s lives is the MOST rewarding experience. I am blessed to have that opportunity. Joy of Motion Dance Center is THE only place that would give me the freedom to develop MY teaching voice in the way that I have. For that, I am eternally grateful.
Helen Hayes
KF
Helen Hayes: What inspires your ‘creative process’ when creating new work for each of your classes? What was your favorite combo that you created last year and why was it so special to you?
Doug Yeullel: How would you describe your work in 2 words? What do you enjoy most in your Broadway Jazz class? Who inspired you to dance growing up ?
-Kelly Forte