Colorado Dance Center was established in 1981 by Bonnie Berman, dancer and performer. For nearly three decades our studio has been dedicated to providing quality dance education in the south metro Denver area.
Our studio is the winner of the prestigious “RAISING COLORADO GOVERNOR’S AWARD” and the Colorado Community Newspapers “BEST OF THE BEST DANCE STUDIO AWARD.”
Professional dancing standards are upheld for all students whether their interests are: educational, recreational, or professional because every individual student’s progress and welfare is of great concern to us. We place students in classes based upon their ability level, taking into consideration individual age and maturity.
PHILOSOPHY & PROGRAM
Colorado Dance Center wants everyone to experience the artistry, physical education, and joy of dance. All ages are accepted and encouraged to dance. We’ve had mothers and grandmothers grace our stage alongside their dancers.
We accept all body shapes and sizes. Physical health and safety are emphasized in our dance curriculum.
Students are taught to become great technical dancers and performers. We believe that it is crucial for dancers to have opportunities to perform. We offer an annual SUMMER PRODUCTION where students learn the aspects of writing and performing in an original dance production. Our studio is truly unique because dancers experience much more than a “recital,” they learn the theatrical art of storytelling through dance.
OWNER & DIRECTOR: Tina Milius is a proud alumnus of Colorado Dance Center. Tina fell in love with dance there when five years old, and idolized Miss Bonnie. Tina has over 20 years of dance and performing experience. She trained with Colorado Dance Center for 10 years and also trained and performed with many Denver ballet companies.
Tina strongly believes that classical ballet is the foundation upon which great dancers are built. All other forms of dance benefit from ballet technique. Tina also has expertise in Jazz, Poms, Modern, Lyrical, Hip-hop, Ballroom, and Tap. She personally studied and performed with the renowned choreographer, Misha Gabriel Hamilton, with Soul Motion Dance Company. Tina continued her dance education at BYU Provo as a Composite Dance Major, with her emphasis in Ballet. She has instructed and choreographed in Colorado, Utah, and Idaho. She choreographed Dance Tech’s award winning Senior Jazz and Hip-Hop III competitive dance routines in 2005, and was a guest judge at 2005 Technical Dreams Dance Competition in Idaho Falls. In August 2007 she returned to Colorado Dance Center as the new owner and director. She believes that Colorado Dance Center’s success is due to the philosophy and quality instruction established by Bonnie Berman. Tina is excited to build upon the studio’s 30 year legacy. She wants to share her expertise and love of dance with everyone who enters the doors at Colorado Dance Center.
FACULTY
The most important part of any dance study is the quality of the faculty. Colorado Dance Center’s faculty has been selected with great care. All instructors are experienced teachers and performers. Our ballet instructors are trained in Vaganava, Cechetti, and Russian ballet styles, making our studio truly American in its collaboration of techniques and styles. Our Hip Hop instructors incorporate classic hip hop, poppin’n’ lockin, breaking, and house styles. Our Jazz instructors incorporate
broadway, pop, poms, and lyrical jazz styles.
FACILITY
Our spacious facility includes a reception room, parent waiting room, dressing room, and most importantly a large well equipped marley dance floor. This professional dance floor is designed with dancers’ safety in mind. The floor is cushioned for ballet dancers with pointe shoes.
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CURRICULUM
CREATIVE DANCE: These classes explore the fundamental basics of dance including: coordination, rhythm, timing, musicality, space, kinesthetic awareness and body orientation. The curriculum is theme-based and incorporates many props to inspire the imagination of young dancers. Children ages 3-7 learn the magic of dance through: ribbons, tambourines, scarves, bean bags, umbrellas, flowers, hula hoops, etc.
ACADEMIC BALLET: These classes provide the technical basics of ballet movement. We offer classes from Beginning level up through Advanced Ballet. Students are grouped by age and ability. Classes progress in strength, flexibility, step knowledge, and vocabulary usage. Correct French ballet terms are used by the teachers. Each child is encouraged to progress at their own pace. Barre exercises increase gradually in difficulty and endurance. Center work adds jumps, turns, and connecting movements to transform simple exercises into dance. Proper body alignment is coordinated with graceful arm and head movements to attain the esthetic beauty of ballet. Poise, posture, and self-confidence develop as the student advances through the beginning and intermediate levels, culminating in the polished performance of an advanced dancer. Ballet teaches self-discipline, determination, concentration, and problem solving skills.
POINTE: Pointe work is for students committed to the serious study of ballet. These classes are devoted exclusively to the technique of performing ballet movements on pointe properly and safely. Dancers must undergo a pointe evaluation from an instructor and be at least 10 years old before getting permission to dance on pointe. Students accepted to begin pre-pointe work must demonstrate adequate muscle strength, body placement, strong feet and ankles. This ballet form is very physically demanding. Students must demonstrate dedication, hard work, and a willingness to take class at least twice a week.
BALLET COMPANY: Students are accepted into this class by audition only. It is an intense Ballet/Pointe class for ballerinas who wish to refine their technique. This class focuses on famous Ballet Variations from renowned Ballets such as Gisselle, Sleeping Beauty, Don Quiote, and the Nutcracker.
JAZZ: Dancers are introduced to the “Melting Pot” of the American Dance scene. Jazz is constantly evolving as music and culture. Students are exposed to a variety of jazz inspired styles including: Broadway/Musical theater, Lyrical, Poms, and Pop cultural styles.
HIP HOP: These classes incorporate “old-school hip-hop,” “poppin’ & lockin,” along with modern Hip Hop styles. Classes focus on body strengthening exercises and on basic “break dancing” techniques. Our hip-hop music is upbeat and positive.
PERFORMING
Dance is a performing art. Dance training must provide students with opportunities to perform and express their talents.
ANNUAL SUMMER PERFORMANCE: This is open to all Colorado Dance Center students.
A story such as “Cinderella” is written and choreographed to be presented on stage. The show is presented FREE to the public. We believe that the Performing Arts uplift and strengthen our community. Our dancers inspire the youth in our community to be creative in an artistic, positive way. Summer Performances are usually held at the end of July or the beginning of August.
TUITION: Tuition is paid in a 4 or 8 week session schedule. We have NO CONTRACTS.
Tuition is based on the number of classes students take per week. New students may be admitted anytime during a session with teacher and Director approval.
Once a year $20 Registration Fee per student.
TUITION
Classes4 Weeks8 WeeksDrop In Class:$20
2 Weekly$90$162 10% Discount off Tuition Total for
3 Weekly$125$224 Families with 2 or more students.
*Students will not be refunded for missing a class during the session. Students are allowed to do a make up class in a separate recommended class from the instructor.
*FREE TRIAL CLASS TO NEW PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
POLICIES
TUITION, REFUNDS, & MAKE-UPS: Registration fee is due for all students in September or at time of enrollment. Registration fee is non-refundable. Tuition is due in advance and payable on or before first class of each session. $5 late fee if not paid within 10 days of due date. It is our policy that refunds will not be given. We do allow make-up classes. Make-up classes are allowed only within the session they are missed. Ask the teacher for appropriate make-up times. No deduction from next session for classes missed. Those who wish to pay for individual classes will pay the single class rate.
OBSERVING CLASSES: Many students are distracted when there are observers in the studio. There are specific days designated for parents to attend their children’s classes. If it is not possible to attend these “Open House” days, or if you have out-of-town guests who wish to observe, please make arrangements with the teacher.
THE STUDIO WILL BE CLOSED: Thanksgiving week and two weeks at Christmas. On days with inclement weather, the studio will close when Littleton public schools are forced to close.
