New dance studio in Worland welcomes dancers of all ages

WORLAND – Tap's Dance Studio opened this spring in Worland by longtime dancer, Teri Parker.

The studio's summer classes started in June, following an open house in May. Also in May was the studio's "Shopping Soirée" where those preparing for dance classes were offered the opportunity to pre-order dance shoes, leotards and tights so they could be ready for summer and fall classes.

The studio welcomes all ages to sign up for their classes. Previous camps and clinics have included junior dance camp, a cheer clinic and senior dance camp.

Upcoming classes include summer ballet and jazz technique every Tuesday in July for ages 3 and up. They will also be holding another Shopping Soirée on August 31 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in preparation for fall classes starting on Sept. 3.

Classes starting on Sept. 3 include preschool, elementary and older-level classes, hip-hop, cheer and adult ballet and tap classes. Mommy and Me, along with couples ballroom class will also be available.

Classes include ballet/jazz technique, ballet, tap & jazz combo classes, cheer classes (Poms) and ballet/jazz classes.

According to tapsdancestudio.wordpress.com, the 2019 to 2020 class schedule is, on Mondays from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. Ballet, Tap & Jazz Combo (BTJ) for Kindergarten ages; from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Ballet-jazz Tech (non-performing) for ages 10 and up.

On Tuesday, from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. is 3-year-old classes; 10:15 to 11 a.m. is 4 year old classes; from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. is BTJ classes for second grade; from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. is BTJ for third grade; from 5:45 to 6:45 is Jazz classes for seventh to 12th grade.

Wednesday classes start with OWL classes from 9 to 10 a.m.; senior poms for fifth to eighth grade from 4 to 5 p.m.; Junior Poms for second through fourth-grade from 5 to 5:45 p.m.; boys and girls hip hop for third to sixth-grade; and adult ballet/jazz from 7 to 8 p.m.

Thursday classes include Mommy and Me from 10 to 11:30 a.m.; ballet and jazz for fourth grade from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m.; ballet and jazz for fifth and sixth grade from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m.; ballet for seventh through 12th grade from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m.

Friday are the Basin Extension classes for the studio. Parker said she started these classes after mothers from the Greybull and Basin area expressed interest in the classes but couldn't make it to town on time. The classes will be through the recreation center and the studio, according to Parker. Classes are from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. for BTJ for pre-kindergarten for ages 4 through 6, BTJ for first through third grade from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and ballet and jazz from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for fourth through sixth grade.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Also a part of the studio is their sponsorship program. According to Parker, businesses or individuals who are interested can sponsor one or more children to take dance lessons throughout the school year. A donation includes monthly tuition, costume and miscellaneous fees along with any family or class discounts given by Tap's Dance Studio. Four options are available for the scholarship program – including one to sponsor one child, to sponsor two children – or a child taking two classes for the season, sponsor three children, or, funds under a certain amount can be will be given to the general sponsorship fund to be dispersed as needed.

Becoming a sponsor gives the opportunity of making the difference of a child doing something special or great. Dance lessons offer more to the student than just learning to dance, but also determination, self-confidence, discipline, fitness, friendship and much more. If a student is having a bad day or is struggling with personal issues or a hard family life – being able to escape into a world of movement and imagination can help lift their spirits and bring joy into their life.

Sponsors also receive a "Thank You" note for their service.

To become a sponsor, contact Teri Parker at (208) 716-3491, or email [email protected].

ABOUT THE OWNER

Teri Parker has been dancing non-stop since she was 6 years old. For over a decade, she's been teaching dance. This is her first time owning a studio.

To enroll in the studio classes, contact Teri Parker at (208) 716-3491, or email [email protected].