2250 E. GERMANN RD., STE. 18, CHANDLER, AZ
Summer Concert
June 7 - 9
Now is the perfect time to sign up for classes and to be in our Summer Concert. See the front desk for more information.
Company&
Dynamite Express
Performances and Competitions are starting! See the front desk for times and schedules so you can come out and support these amazing dancers!
Spring Break
March 12-17
It will be here before know it! There will be no scheduled classes this week.
The Company consists of our most advanced dancers in each age group in all areas of dance. These dancers (ages 6 and up) take classes in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Tumbling, Contemporary, Lyrical & Hip Hop.
The staff at DC2 encourages the Company to learn and discover all new styles and dance techniques. We offer a professional faculty of teachers and choreographers. Company dancers participate in conventions and competitions, and also receive instruction from professional master teachers.
The Company attends regional and national competitions and performs throughout the valley. Our Dance Connection 2 Dance Company has received national recognition for excellence and choreography.
Dynamite Express Jazz dance team consists of talented young dancers, ages 5-17. They perform for distinguished audiences and sporting events throughout the valley. All the girls LOVE performing. Being part of a team is something special that builds camaraderie, dedication and confidence. Along with building talent, the Dynamite Express inspires “life lessons” of teamwork and commitment.
Some of their performances include:
The Dynamite Express dance program offers classes in Jazz, Ballet, Pom Pom, and Tumbling. The teams that make up the Dynamite Express are Snapcaps, Sparklers, Firecrackers, Hotshots and Xplosion.
Another part of Dynamite Express is our all-star team the “Knockouts.” The Knockouts are advanced members from each age group that show outstanding ability & interest. The Knockouts have the opportunity to compete as well as perform.
Dynamite Express has won numerous awards such as:
We have been selected to participate in the Disney Magic Music Days and perform at Disneyland & California Adventure, as well as halftime shows for the Oakland Raiders and Seattle Seahawks.
Good sportsmanship, responsibility, dedication & teamwork are qualities learned and built upon to remain for a lifetime.
Ballet
Ballet is the foundation of all great dancers! This style of dance requires the most focus and discipline. Beginning classes will incorporate some creative movement to allow students to gradually work into ballet structure.
Pointe
This class will be taken at teacher’s discretion. Training in Pointe begins only after a strong comprehensive understanding of ballet technique has been developed and the feet, back and legs are structurally strong.
Fairytale Ballet
Girls are introduced to dance in a fun and creative format through fairy tales. Class involves story telling followed by creative dance and Ballet related movement in costume.
At a Glance
CLASS
Pre-Ballet Tots
Ballet Beginning
Ballet Intermediate
DAY
Tuesday
Saturday
Monday
TIME
9:45
12:30
4:00
5:00
7:00
6:00
8:00
AGE
3 to 5
5 to 7
6 to 8
11+
6 to 9
Funky Jazz Beginning
Lyrical Jazz Beginning
Jazz Beginning
Funky Jazz Intermediate
Jazz Intermediate
Lyrical Jazz Intermediate
Jazz
Your dancer will learn jazz technique and movement quality. Jazz is excellent for developing body control, flexibility and strength while emphasizing individual style and expression.
Funky Jazz
This class is a combination of Hip Hop and Jazz. This class will teach some of the fundamental technique of Jazz dance mixed with the exciting world of today’s music culture.
8 to 10
Wednesday
Friday
Thursday
Lyrical
Lyrical classes combine technique from both the jazz and ballet genres with movement inspired by song lyrics. Perfect classes for developing young dancers who are seeking to enhance their performance abilities as they learn to tell stories through movement, expressing powerful emotions and creativity to reach their audiences.
Tap/Jazz/Tumbling
Tap/Jazz
Combo Classes
Specifically designed for the young dancer, these classes are an exciting and stimulating introduction to the basics of a variety of dance subjects, Jazz Ballet, Tap and Tumbling. Using fun, age-appropriate music, each class is taught according to age and ability.
2 to 3
3 to 4
4 to 5
9:30
10:30
8:45
11:30
Tap
A style of American theatrical dance using rhythmical patterns of foot movement and audible foot tapping. Tap helps students develop rhythm, coordination and timing as well as allowing them to make music with their feet.
Tap Beginning
Tap Intermediate
4:15
7 to 10
Hip Hop Beginning
Boys Hip Hop
Hip Hop Beg/Int
Hip Hop Intermediate
Hip Hop Advanced
Hip Hop
This high energy class incorporates the latest street-style moves. Short routines are taught, covering a wide range of hip hop styles. This class is great for the student who just wants to come & have fun, as well as for the serious dancer looking to improve his/her hip-hop skills.
6+
Don't wait. Enroll today!
Contact ustoday at 480.558.2055 to register for upcoming classes.
Check out the 2012 Class Schedule and downlad the Registration Form here.
Our program provides an academically-based curriculum with a performance arts influence to prepare 3- to 5-year-olds for Kindergarten. P.A.K.K. focus on creating self esteem and developing life-long learners. We believe the arts play an undeniable role in every child’s cognitive and language development, as well as helping develop imaginative thinking.
Our program:
Promotes social skills through dramatic play, dance, movement and cooperative learning
Strengthen listening skills through daily calendar time and share time
Develops large motor skills by learning tap, jazz and tumbling weekly
Increases literacy awareness and extends vocabulary through sequencing and rhyming
Song and storybook reading
Expands mathematical skills by counting, exploring patterns and reading graphs
Builds confidence and self-esteem while learning new skills and discovering new talents
Two ages groups (three-year-olds and four-year-olds) spend a majority of the class time with Miss Peggy or Miss Chrissy. They divide their time between academics, crafts, play, music and movement classes. Our four-year-olds will receive more academic time as we prepare them for Kindergarten. Miss Lisa also spends time with the individual age groups, during specialized music and movement instruction.
February 20
April 6-7
May 18-19
May 28
June 7
June 8-9
June 11
No Classes/Presidents Day
No Classes/Spring Break
No Classes/Easter Break
Recital Class Pictures in Costume
No Classes/Memorial Day
* Summer Recital Dress Rehearsal*
* Summer Recital Performance*
No Classes/Studio “SunSplash” Fun Day
* Full Schedule of events will be distributed closer to this time
2011-2012 Class Schedule.doc
Download the 2011-2012 class schedule by clicking the link. to the left.
Download the 2012 Registration Form by clicking the link. to the left.
Registration Form new 11-12.pdf
MaryAnna Gooch is the originator and present owner of the Dance Connection 2, along with her daughters, Tally, and Chelsea. MaryAnna’s dance training comes from Highschool & College modern dance, and pom&cheer spirit squads. MaryAnna developed the Dynamite Express Dance and Drill Team in 1986 and from this beginning the Dance Connection 2 Dance Studio had its start.
Many, many, young ladies over two decades, have enjoyed the experience of performing throughout the Valley of the Sun and across the US, in parades and halftime shows for various sporting events, and festivals with this award winning dance team. One of her greatest joys is to have the pleasure of teaching the daughters, and granddaughters of some of these past students. MaryAnna especially enjoys teaching the youngest dancers, the 2 to 6 year olds. She feels a big responsibility to have this first dance experience be a very rewarding and enjoyable time for each of them.
MaryAnna wants the Dance Connection 2 to fill the needs of all recreational dancers, as well as beginning “performers” gaining their first experiences, and a place for serious dance students to gain the technique, and training to become a professional dancer.
Tally started her dance training at the young age of 3yrs old. She started off as a Mesa Star under the direction of her mother, MaryAnna Gooch. (This is where it all began!) She has fond memories of Donny & Marie Osmond in the 4th of July Firework Celebration at ASU stadium, when she was performing with the Mesa Stars.
At 10 yrs old while touring in Russia, she had the opportunity to meet Lisa & Lori Waddell and join their dance company at Dance Connection. She performed on Star Search at age 12 in 1990 while at DC. After Dance Connection 2 opened, she started teaching Dynamite Express & DC2 Company at the age of 16.
After dancing many years in DC2’s senior company she auditioned for the Phoenix Sun’s Dance Team. She became a Phoenix Sun’s Dancer then choreographed for the team her second year. Wanting to challenge herself more she had the opportunity to audition for the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular” as a Radio City Rockette. Tally became a Rockette and was part of the Broadway show for 5 years in various cities such as Branson, MO; Cincinnati, OH; and Phoenix, AZ.
Meanwhile, she married her high school sweetheart, Mountain View’s all-star Nathan Nikolaus in 2000. They now have two little boys, Deacon and Baron. She enjoys balancing being a mom, wife and teaching/directing the DC2 Company. Tally has many opportunities to choreograph award wining numbers at Dance Connection 2.
Chelsea began her dance training at the age of three. Every since she was little, she loved to make home dance videos for her brothers when they were away on their missions. Chelsea has since performed in ballet ensembles, marched in parades, competed in countless regional and national competitions, and participated in many workshops with professional dance choreographers. She has had the opportunity to appear in instructional dance videos and a music video with Glenn Campbell.
Chelsea has been teaching dance at DC2 ever since she was in high school. She realized, after going away to college that her passion for teaching and choreographing couldn’t keep her away. She has choreographed many award winning numbers and continues to branch out, exploring new styles that know no boundaries. Chelsea believes in the art of dance and wishes to inspire young dancers to be the best they can be and more importantly, to follow their dreams.
Tanya’s first dance class at Dance Connection 2 was with Miss MaryAnna’s beginning jazz class. She was turning 9 at the time of her first dance recital. Her passion for dance grew quickly and she wanted to become more involved. After her second dance recital she tried out for the drill team and became a Dynamite Express member. In 2001 at the age of 13 she danced with their junior company and competed in her first nationals in Hollywood. Tanya danced for the next couple years in junior company improving and growing as a dancer, and by age 15 she moved up into their senior company.
She has built her progress and talent through excellent and amazing teachers and choreographers. Tanya was chosen as the 2005 dance scholarship winner for her dedication, hard work and integrity. She continued to gain experience by also dancing for Highland High Schools One Image Dance Company throughout high school. Her senior year ended with two honorable awards for Outstanding Choreographer & Senior of 2006. After her last nationals competing with such an amazing and award winning company, she decided it wasn’t over yet and continued her journey at DC2 by teaching. She was one of the assistant teachers for the Dynamite Express team for the next two years and is now directing the performing dance team!
In 2004, SCDI (www.swcdi.org) was founded as a Not-for Profit organization to give Arizona students a true home for classical ballet. SCDI founding directors Joshua and Natasha Brooksher had the goal and vision to bring the best in Vaganova based classical training to the Arizona desert, allowing the students of the southwest the chance to achieve their dreams closer to home. Our training is rooted in the traditions of the Vaganova method, while also being applicable to the needs of today’s artists and eclectic styles of choreography. By 2007, SCDI had transformed into a more mobile operation with the mission of reaching out to area dance organizations in order to provide quality instruction in classical ballet to the hundreds of area students already studying dance. We have found that through these collaborations, we are able to have a much broader effect on the local dance community. SCDI has developed associations with regional and national professional organizations in order to assist our students in their transition from graduation to the professional or educational arenas.
The drive and passion to dance can lead to excellent opportunities for university education or professional careers IF a student can obtain and complete the proper training. SCDI’s mission is to provide this training for all students, regardless of their social or economic status. To this end, SCDI seeks donations for scholarships for those students who cannot afford such training.
We believe that training the body is not enough…to create the artists of the future, a true nurturing of the student as a whole person is required. Development of the mind and body through discipline and hard work in a positive training environment is at the heart of SCDI’s philosophy. We strive to be the crucible by which the fires of training burn away everything except the essence of what it is to be a true dance artist. Students are challenged on a daily basis to surpass what they believe is possible. SCDI is a beacon of excellence in the dance world; a place of hard work, dedication, passion and personal achievement.
Lisa has been teaching for 20+ years. Lisa started her young career as an outstanding gymnast, winning many state championships and making it to an elite level. After ten years, she decided to take dance more seriously, joined a dance company and attended conventions and competitions. Lisa continued her dance training with various instructors throughout the Valley, having the opportunity to dance her way to New York and perform in Russia. Lisa opened The Dance Connection with her sister Lori right after graduating from high school while still studying dance with a local studio. Lisa splits her time between Dance Connection and Dance Connection 2.
I started teaching for “Art Linkletter Dance Studio” many years ago. In fact I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to teach my past students children…What a gift. I also coached the gymnastic teams of many local gyms in Phoenix and Scottsdale, as well as the gymnastic team at Glendale Community College. My daughters Lori & Lisa opened the Dance Connection 28 years ago, and of course that’s where I’ve been. My specialty in the dance program is “Tap” and “Tumbling”. I consider myself so fortunate to have been able to teach my grandchildren; Aspen, Kassidy, Savannah and Sierra. How lucky I was to have more girls! I am currently teaching at the Dance Connection in Scottsdale as well as the Dance Connection 2 in Gilbert. I truly enjoy my “Little” dancers as there sweet spirits still inspire me to keep my “Old” Feet Tappin!
Peggy’s career started at the age of 5 yrs. old in Las Vegas, NV at Carter’s Dance Academy. She has trained in Tap, Jazz, Ballet and Tumbling. Peggy continued her training through College where she was accepted into the Musical Theater Department at Wagner University in Staten Island NY. She earned her early childhood elementary Bachelors degree along with a minor in dance at Wagner College.
After graduating from college she moved to Arizona and taught Kindergarten for 7 years helping to implement the first all day kindergarten program in Chandler, Az. While teaching she also earned her masters degree in early education, curriculum designs. She was the director and coordinator of the cheer program at Sanborn Elementary for 3 years. She then took a leave of absence after the birth of her second daughter. Peggy started teaching dance at DC2 in 2004.
In 2005 she helped coordinate and develop the Performing Arts Kids’ Klub (PAAK) at Dance Connection 2. It has been successful for 4 years. Peggy resides in Chandler with her husband and two children whom are both members of the DC2 Company.
Peggy truly enjoys working with children and watching them grow academically, socially and being introduced to the art of dance. She believes that all students can learn in her classroom by combining the elements of effective instruction with a variety of teaching styles, such as cooperative learning, discovery learning and shared decision making. These styles of teaching help to create a positive, productive, and fun classroom that can maximize a student’s ability to learn.
Christy Zandlo is a visionary artist and choreographer known for her unique style of performance art. Since the age of two she studied off and on again ballet, tap, jazz and gymnastics eventually in her late teens she made the decision to further her education in dance by studying the Royal Academy of Dance Syllabus through Adams Ballet Academy and tap dance through Bridget McCarter. Christy became interested in expressing her own unique passion by adding the art of Fire Dance to her resume in June of 2003, studying through Joanna Lockyear, known as a highly accredited fire dancer in the community.
At the age of twenty-one Christy went on to dance professionally with Grounding Pointe Dance Company, performing contemporary dance pieces choreographed by Carrie Miller and Carly Conder. Zandlo’s family background also comes from a long line of entertainers. Her uncle Louis Crandall founded Legend City, a bygone amusement park that featured many talented vaudeville, cirque, singers and dancers including some of her family members working as dancers, actors, singers and magicians back in the 60s through early 80s. Legend City gave way to many artists including Wallace and Ladmo. Zandlo’s goal is to see her company do the same for artists today.
Erica has 17 years of company dance training in Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Tap, Ballet, and Ballroom. A few of her awards include New York City Dance Alliance 2007 National Senior Outstanding Dance of the Year, NYCDA 2002 National Junior Outstanding Dancer of the Year, WestCoast Dance Explosion 2001 National Junior Dancer of the Year, La DanceMagic 2004 and 2000 National Teen and Junior Performer of the Year,Starlight Productions 2001 National Distinguished Dancer of the year, and Showstoppers National Television Review Dancer 2000 and 2001. She now continues to inspire kids as she teaches as well as pursuing her B.A. in Theatre and training in International Latin Ballroom.
Hutton Peck was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, but considers herself an Arizona native since she moved here at the age of two. She began dancing at the age of five and has been hooked ever since. She was trained in all styles of dance at Julie Renn’s Dance and Performing Arts Center and here at Dance Connection Too! She worked her way up to becoming at senior company member at both studios and competed regionally and nationally for over a decade.
Growing up she performed on the Dolphin Cruise Lines in a Caribbean dance tour, danced in the Miss Arizona pageants and state fair yearly, and danced in an instructional dance video with Bill Hotaling from New York City. After high school she was awarded a Regent Dance Scholarship to Arizona State University, where she danced with the ASU Hip Hop Coalition, Nebellen Dance Company, and Street Jam Dance Company. She temporarily moved to Los Angeles to further her dance training, especially the “underground” styles of hip hop. There she performed in an ADIDAS spec commercial and danced in the Carnival Choreographer’s Ball. After returning to Arizona, she began teaching at local dance studios and found her true passion in teaching.
She recently graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Dance Education. She currently dances in EPIK Dance Company, which is one of Arizona’s premiere street fusion dance companies. When she’s not dancing with EPIK, or teaching around the Valley, she spends her time with her fiancé and two daughter’s Kylee (9, who is Mini Company member here at DC2) and Amari (2).
Kim began dancing when she was toted to her older sisters’ ballet classes. Her mother would stick a sticker on the floor next to her seat in the enormous dance room that made up the studio, and Kim inevitably began following along; dancing at seventeen months on the wooden floors next to mom. Wanting so badly to join Miss Louries’ class at Lauries’ School of Professional Ballet here in the Valley, she was invited to attend Miss Lauries’ youngest ballet class; the “prima babies”.
Anxious and thrilled to attend ballet school, Kim’s passion and love grew as she studied the art till age five. At that time the meaning and understanding of the word “company” gripped the hearts of Kim and her two older sisters. The desire to do more drove them to audition at a local studio where the opportunity to be involved in jazz, tap, tumbling, ballet, and lyrical was offered. Making it into their youngest performing group, Mini Company, Kim found where her heart belonged.
Competing and performing, she also began dancing for film and other media in 2000 when she was invited to be featured in the Hallmark Film, “The Lost Child”. Kim was later a dancer in a music video for a local pop artist, Stephanie Krist, which was filmed at Tempe Town Lake and in a studio here in Phoenix in 2005. She was also a featured dancer in a Rated E video the next year in 2006 before she received a scholarship invitation to assist with Celebrity Dance Conventions as well as a scholarship to Co. Dance during the same time. Kim has always adored the passion, excitement, and (of course) cuteness of young dancers, assisting whenever the opportunity was presented. She came to teach for DC2 during the summer of 2008 and loves every minute she spends at the studio.
Ricky started dancing at age 19 for ASU Hip Hop Coalition and has since gone from member to choreographer. He spent two years on the WNBA Phoenix Mercury Hip Hop Squad as well as other performance groups around the valley. He currently dances with national recording artist Jasmine Hormez, recently opening for Omarion, and danced for the professional dance company Automatic Response who were featured on Americas Best Dance Crew, opening for Fergie and My Chemical Romance, and worked with Dillards, LRG, Kiss FM amongst others. Has won numerous scholarships including Monsters of Hip Hop, Millennium, IDA, Hollywood Vibe, Muse, Scene Interactive and was a Monsters of Hip Hop and Hollywood Vibe finalist. Choreography has been showcased and seen at LA Choreographers Carnival, for hip hop artist Swag, President Obama’s Arizona State Commencement, MTV Sweet Sixteen, in numerous independent music videos, Jr Miss Arizona pageant, UDA, Phoenix Suns and Mercury, high schools and has won many competition awards at a national level. He has a true passion for teaching and believes in a high energy class, making his students work hard while completely enjoying the class experience.
Elizabeth started her dance training in ballet at age three. She quickly grew to love ballet and expanded her training into other genres of dance, such as jazz, tap, and contemporary. She joined DC2s Dynamite Express drill team at age eight and performed in numerous half-time shows and parades. That same year, she received an invitation to become a member of DC2s Company. For eight years, she competed with them at various regional and national competitions and had the opportunity to travel to cities throughout the country, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas numerous times. Beginning in high school, Elizabeth auditioned for and became a part of Mesquite High’s Beyond Motion Dance Company. She performed at school events and traveled to New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles to participate in classes with master teachers. As a member of their dance company, she took on a leadership role as secretary of the dance council. She also choreographed numerous dance routines for pep assemblies and dance concerts. In 2010, Elizabeth became a staff member at DC2, working as an assistant and instructor for ballet classes. Dancing has been Elizabeth’s passion since she was a young child, and she plans to always have dance as a part of her life.
Aspen is 17 years old and a Senior at Highland High School. She started dancing with Miss MaryAnna and Ms. Virginia aka “Grandma” at age two at the Dance Connection 2 and also at her moms studio The Dance Connection in Scottsdale. She was part of the “Dynamite Express” for four years and became a member of the national award winning DC2 Company since she was seven years old. Aspen continues studying all styles of dance and is a member of DC2’s Senior Company. She has followed her moms footsteps and has realized she loves teaching! This is her second year teaching and being part of the Dynamite Express Dance Team. Aspen was also part of the One Image Dance Company at her High School for two years, and decided this year to do swim team! Aspen also has an interest in Art and hopes to pursue her talent after graduation by attending an Art Institute. Aspen, has competed for several years with many first place awards along with several dance scholarships. But her most accomplished goal was her win this year being awarded Senior Elite Dancer for the West Coast Dance Explosion Nationals. She was able to dance and compete with some of the most talented dancers including a few from her home studio, and around the country. We hope that you get the opportunity to work with Aspen, she is a fun, bubbly, and motivating teacher!
Dancing in regional and national competitions for twelve years since the age of 5. Taking advantage of living in three different areas of the country, Andrea has absorbed the experience of a multitude of Dance and Tumbling Instructors, never passing an opportunity to take master classes which usually included spending countless hours at Broadway Dance Center in NYC.
