school at steps

Student Spotlight: Claire Joseph

February 3, 2015 by Rachel Hellwig

How old were you when you first started taking dance classes and what did you think of them?

Claire Joseph in class. Photo courtesy of The School at Steps, taken by Eduardo Patino, NYC.

I started dancing when I was three, but I have loved to dance since I could walk. I always loved making up dances when I heard music and performing them for anyone around me. When I was in 5th grade (I’m in 10th now), I started at The School at Steps’ Pre-Professional Program, which turned my dancing from a hobby into a real part of my life. I always knew I loved theater and jazz dance but I never thought I would love ballet as much as I do now. Falling in love with ballet was something I discovered through my training at The School at Steps.

How many classes are you taking now?

I am currently taking 11 classes a week over the course of 5 days. I take ballet everyday, and, in addition, I take pointe, jazz, theater dance, Horton, and partnering.

What has dance taught you about yourself?

Dance has taught me a lot of discipline and control. It has not only helped me in the dance studio but has also taught me to manage my schoolwork and my friends. It can be hard to balance it all, I devote so much time to my dance and homework, yet still want to keep a social life. The key, I have learned, is to have a good work ethic in both my schoolwork and my technique in dance. In the studio, dance has taught me to stay focused and work my hardest each and every day. It has helped me understand what I want, that I may not be perfect at everything immediately, and to focus on particulars. Once I feel I’ve reached my goal, it is about enjoying myself!

What do you think is the hardest thing about dance?

The hardest thing about dance for me has being able to accept my body for the way it looks and is naturally made. I definitely don’t have the “ideal” body type, especially for ballet, and have bad turnout on top of the way I am built. I can honestly say that I haven’t fully overcome what I’m considering the hardest part of dance for me, but that is also what gives me strength as a dancer. I don’t think I am alone in this either, I believe that embracing the way you are made, taking those natural challenges and using them to be stronger and more unique, can create the best dancers.

What is the most enjoyable thing about dance for you?

One of the most enjoyable things for me is seeing the goals you created for yourself become a reality, whether it be perfecting an extra turn, picking up combinations faster, or emphasizing your expressions more. It takes a lot of work, focus, and time to achieve something, but the moment you realize you have succeeded is amazing.

I also think the best feeling in the world is being able to perform on stage in front of other people. The rush of adrenaline and passion that goes into any performance is difficult to describe — the moment when you get to give a performance everything, after working so hard.

Do you think you will stay involved in dance, and if so, how?

I can’t imagine my life without dance right now. That being said, I don’t see myself becoming a professional ballerina, nor did I ever, but I know that whatever I do in life, I want dance to always be there. I originally increased my dance training because I wanted to be an actress, and I knew dance was necessary to pursue my Broadway dreams. Now I have become very interested in choreographing, not performing in the pieces, but rather creating the art. I’m unsure how exactly I want dance to be in my life, but I currently dance so much, I know I don’t ever want to give it up entirely.

claire_ballet_option — Claire Joseph performing ballet. Photo courtesy of The School at Steps, taken by Eduardo Patino, NYC.

What would be your best piece of advice for a new dance student?

I think my best advice for a new dance student would be to go into whatever kind of dance they want to pursue with a really open mind. They should understand that everyone is at a different place in their dancing, and, if they love it, the hard work will pay off. I would also tell them to go see dance, whether it is going to the ballet, seeing your peers perform, or even watching YouTube videos. So much of my inspiration comes from watching other dancers on stage, and finding a piece of myself in those dancers I look up to. When you watch other dancers you can notice things they do that relate to your training, and then take that into the studio the next day to better your technique.

The School at Steps cultivates young dancers, ages 3 mos. – 18 yrs., from their first step in a dance studio through their pre-professional training. Students discover their individual artistic voices in a creative environment with the guidance of an internationally recognized faculty. The personal attention the school provides encourages students to mature as dancers, grow as individuals, and enrich their passion for the art form. School at Steps graduates go on to dance with professional companies, study at top college dance programs, and perform on Broadway. http://stepsnyc.com/the-school-at-steps/

Student Spotlight: Celia Tolan

October 23, 2014 by 4dancers

dance student from STEPS — Celia Tolan at The School at Steps’ Holiday Performance, photo by Eduardo Patino

How did you first get interested in dance?

My older sister, Hannah, danced at The School at Steps. As a 2 ½ year old, I remember sitting in my stroller outside Debbie Roshe’s musical theatre class every Thursday night watching her dance. I loved watching the class and knew I had to dance too. Soon after, my mom signed me up for tap, ballet, and jazz classes where I discovered dance was my passion.

How many classes a week do you take now, and what kind are they?

Right now I take twelve classes a week. In addition to the five ballet, three pointe and two Horton classes, I take jazz and musical theatre. I hope to add in hip hop and tap if I can fit them in my schedule!

What is it about dancing that you enjoy most?

I enjoy the freedom, empowerment, and positive energy I feel when I’m dancing. As I enter the studio, my mind travels to an entirely different world, where I am able to express myself in various ways. When performing on a stage, I feel empowered, as though I could do anything! No matter what, when I dance I feel as though I am pushing away any negative energy and creating something positive. I love movement – it makes me feel so alive!

What is it that you find most difficult about dance?

What I find most difficult about dance is finding the confidence to believe I can learn new steps and routines. I sometimes think to myself ‘I can’t do that’ when learning new choreography, or trying to hit that triple pirouette. But when I doubt myself, or lose my confidence, I know I need to tell myself “Just relax, you can do it. Just go for it.” And I do!

What have you learned about yourself from dance?

Before I started dancing I felt as though I knew very little about myself or what I was capable of. Now that I have been dancing for 9 ½ years at The School at Steps, I have begun to understand so much more about myself. I have learned I am strong, passionate, disciplined, and focused. I use these four assets throughout not just my dance career, but in my daily life.

What advice do you have for other dance students?

There are two things I always tell myself. The first is not to worry about anything that’s happening in studio or out of the studio. Use dance to free your mind and body, and just have fun when you dance! And the second is when you think you have given it your all, when you feel as though you are done, dig even deeper within yourself and leave it all on stage – or in the studio! You will love the feeling it gives you! Most importantly, love dance as much as dance loves you!

The School at Steps is a training ground for students, ages 2-18, who are interested in exploring various dance styles, as well as for those students already focused on a particular discipline. The school offers an Academic Year and Summer Programs, with classes in ballet, modern, tap, jazz, theater dance, hip hop, and Pilates. Students at the school are also given performance opportunities, and workshops on dance and career-related topics. Beginning with the Young Dancers Program and continuing through the most advanced pre-professional classes, The School at Steps provides children with an opportunity to explore the world of dance, to learn and experiment with technique, and to enrich their appreciation for the various forms of the art.

Student Spotlight: Anya-Jae Brown

January 7, 2013 by 4dancers

This week’s Student Spotlight features Anya-Jae Brown from the School at Steps…

1. Can you tell readers how you became involved with dance?

I first became involved with dance when I was about 6 years old. I had seen the Rockettes perform in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular for the first time and I was absolutely mesmerized by how beautiful they were. After the show, I came out of the theater kicking my legs and swore that one day I would be up on that stage!

2. What do you find you like best about dance class?

My favorite part about dance class is the environment. I am able to work with people who share the same passion for dance that I have. I also enjoy learning from other dancers in my classes. Having the opportunity to watch others dance allows me to learn from them and expand my personal style and skill set.

3. What is the hardest part about dance for you?

The hardest part about dance for me is probably adjusting to corrections. I find this most difficult because I sometimes struggle to forget how to do something after I first learn it a specific way. Therefore, when my teacher gives me a correction, it can take a while before I apply it correctly and master it.

4. What advice would you give to other dancers?

The advice I would give to other dancers is to never give up and always try your hardest. Nothing is impossible if you try.

5. How has dance changed your life?

Dance has given me an outlet to better express my feelings. I have gained confidence in the studio, which allows me to perform better in school and better express myself with friends and family. Dance has also changed my life in the sense that it has given me more to do, so I am always busy.

The School at Steps is a training ground for students, ages 2-18, who are interested in exploring various dance styles, as well as for those students already focused on a particular discipline. The school offers an Academic Year and Summer Program, with classes in ballet, modern, tap, jazz, theater dance, hip hop, and Pilates. Students at the school are also given performance opportunities, and workshops on dance and career-related topics. Beginning with the Young Dancers Program and continuing through the most advanced pre-professional classes, The School at Steps provides children with an opportunity to explore the word of dance, to learn and experiment with technique, and to enrich their appreciation for the various forms of the art.

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