Michele Zohn changed her life some 15 years ago to follow her passion. “I distinctly remember sitting in my work cubicle one day, and asking myself, if you could be doing any job right now, what would that be? Without hesitation I said, ‘Teach dance!”
That became the launch of Dance Institute Denver. Zohn, who moved to Denver in 2004 from Saint Paul, Minnesota, had previously taught dance classes in the evenings, but had a corporate day job. Her dance institute’s mission is teaching dance in a “friendly, positive and encouraging environment.” Most of the students are children over 8 years old, but teens and adults also attend classes.
Dance Institute welcomes parents to view classes. “We want you to see what your child is learning and growing from the instruction provided from our teachers,” says Zohn. The school offers combination classes so that students receive a well-rounded dance education without the expense of attending multiple classes. The classes include hip hop, tap, ballet and more.
Dance Institute donates show proceeds to local schools, as well as raises funds and donations for local charities such as Food Bank of the Rockies. The beloved Nutcracker Ballet is the big event of the year for many ballet companies, including Dance Institute, which performs it each year.The company owns the sets, costumes and props for the Ballet. “It is fun, as the director, to see how we evolve over the years,” Zohn notes.
Michele stresses that her staff is made up of dedicated, passionate dance educators eager to work with dancers of all ages. “Each one of our teachers have put in countless hours learning and growing in the world of dance from very young ages. Our teachers have performed in the industry and have taught many students. “We strive for our dance studio to make every student feel at home,” she adds.” We treat all our students like family. With so many activities and sports for children becoming intense, life consuming and serious, II feel it is important to remember we are teaching children. We want to love and nurture their development so they feel successful and confident.”
The Nutcracker will be performed December 19 at 6:00PM and December 20th at
1:00PM at Adam City High School Theater, 7200 Quebec St.
' self-assurance, poise, and confidence.
DanceInstituteDenver.com
MICHELEZOHN@msn.com
“We strive for our dance studio to make every student feel at home,”