Dance Lessons and Choreography

In the dance world, there are certain rules of etiquette that should be followed to show respect in the dance studio . Dancers show respect for themselves by showing respect to others. Dance lessons offers discipline, self improvement, and work ethic in a structured environment. The structure of dance is something that helps encourage children to work hard through positive reinforcement and goals. Below is a list of rules that need to be followed when attending a dance studio beginning to professional.

1. To be on time, is to be late! If the dance class starts at 5:00 and you show up at 5:00, you are now considered late . Dancers should always arrive to class no later than 15 minutes prior to the beginning of class . This is very important so the dancer can start to warm up the body and prepare the mind for class.

2. Always wear appropriate attire. Dancers should always wear tights and a leotard regardless of the style of class. You may bring cover-ups to warm up in however, it is important to wear tights and leotard so that the teacher can see the body alignment to help the dancer use their placement to the best of their ability. Hair should be out of the face in a pony tail or bun.

3. Always enter the classroom quietly and find a spot on the floor or at the Ballet barre and begin preparing for class. DON'T enter talking a giggling with your friends! :)

4. Always show respect for the teacher by saying thank you to corrections. Even if you think the dance teacher is "picking" on you, it is most likely because they see potential in you and wants to help you get better!

5. Show respect for others and be aware of your dance space.

6. If you don't know what you are doing, get out of the front of the room, you always want to show that you are working hard, however if you are unsure move to the side so you can see who does know it and try to learn from them.

7. Never judge anyone you are dancing with. The dance classroom is a non-judgmental grounds! ;)

8. Last but not least, after class you should always clap for the teacher and say thank you!!!

Dancebrought2u, owned by Shannon Johnson Thomas and Shane Thomas is dedicated to arts education specializing in dance training, choreography, lighting design, technical direction, and show production. We specialize in dance education from beginning to advanced in various styles of dance (ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, musical theater, lyrical ect.) as well as choreography and music editing. Shannon is a professional dancer and working choreographer and instructor. She has worked for corporate entertainment company Shows in a Box as a choreographer and dancer for Industrials, Conventions and Trade Shows. Shannon was also Magician's Assistant and Dance Captain for The World Of Magic. She travels teaching and choreographing for dance studios and dance teams in the Central Florida area. She is currently working at Amanda's Dance Center and teaches ages 3 to 19 and works with Papillon Dance Ensemble, SCHS Colorguard and mentors dancers seeking professional careers in arts and entertainment. She is available for master classes and choreography for dance studios, dance teams, show choirs, and professional stage shows. Shannon is also available for private lessons, solo choreography and technique training.Click Here to see Shannon' s Dancing Reel!

Shannon grew up in Daytona Beach, FL where she began dancing at the age of 4 at Debco School of Dance now known as Amanda's Dance Center. She studied ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, lyrical, acrobatics, modern, and musical theater. She was a member of ADC Elite Company. While living in Florida, Shannon was extremely involved in the dance community locally and statewide. She was awarded many awards and won the over-all dancer scholarship with Florida Dance Master's at the age of 18. Shannon participated in many workshops and conventions classes with numerous icons in the dance world; Joe Tremaine, Frank Hatchett, Gus Giordano, Dee Caspary, Mandy Moore, Lizzie MacKenzie, Randy Duncan, and Patsy Swayze. She was also a part of Jazz Dance World Congress. Shannon attended Oklahoma City University's Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management to study Dance Performance. She studied extensively in ballet, tap, jazz, theater dance, dance pedagogy, anatomy, and choreography under such people as Jo Rowan, Robert Reed, Tiffany Van der merwe, Patricia Oplotnik, and Kay Sandel. While attending OCU, Shannon was a part of the prestigious American Spirit Dance Company for 4 years. While at OCU, she performed with and honored such celebrities as Susan Powell, Art and Nancy Stone, Cholly Atkins, Leonard Reed, Marion Coles, and Donald O'Conner. She has worked for corporate entertainment company Shows in a Box as a choreographer and dancer for Industrials, Conventions and Trade Shows. Shannon was also Magician's Assistant and Dance Captain for The World of Magic. She travels teaching and choreographing for dance studios and dance teams in the Central Florida area. Shannon is currently working on choreography and developing her grounded style of jazz dance. She is teaching at Amanda's Dance Center and works with Spruce Creek High School's Papillon Dance Team and Color-guard, Creekside Middle School, mentors dancers, private lessons, and her own choreography business, Dancebrought2u. Shannon has won numerous awards for her choreography and attends dance workshops on a regular basis. Shannon is also currently working on her dance studio marketing company Twenty Seven Reasons.
shannon@dancebrought2u.com