columbus centre danzarts toronto
DanzArts Toronto , the Columbus Centre ’ s school of dance , achieved its 2017 goals to increase student enrollment , improve dancer training , enhance community outreach and improve client communication . Key developments included :
• New workshops were introduced , providing additional training opportunities for dancers along with a unique conditioning workshop in the Columbus Centre pool that is otherwise available only at the National Ballet of Canada .
• DanzArts introduced adult dance programs and dance for seniors at Villa Colombo Toronto ; after a successful first year , the programs are eyed for expansion .
• New classes were added to expand and improve the recreational dance program .
• Facilities were renovated with a more comfortable waiting area ; a new window for parents to view their children in class ; new lockers and an improved change room ; a new , quiet room for students to do homework ; photos and collages from DanzArts ’ past and present ; and improved office space .
• Discounted gym memberships were introduced for dance families .
• The “ open house ” and “ bring a buddy ” events were expanded to introduce more families to the studio .
• The school added talented new instructors to its faculty .
• Some of Toronto ’ s top dancers and choreographers were brought in as guest artists to work with the dancers ; these included members of ACE Dance Theatre , a new company started by DanzArts ’ Interim Artistic Director Tara Pillon .
DanzArts Toronto adds to its Trophy Cabinet
Members of DanzArts Toronto ’ s Competitive Company won numerous awards once again :
• At On The Floor Dance Competition , the Advanced Company won the Senior Dance Off , the highest award in their division , and the Junior Company won third place .
• Dancers Piera Raffoul and Alyssa Scocco won the highest scoring duet at various competitions and received the highest score of all routines at On The Floor Dance Competition .
• At the NUVO Dance Convention , DanzArts ’ Piera Raffoul , Victoriana Belperio , Alexia Giannakas , Alexia Pace and Mia Mazzaferro won scholarships and received special recognition , competing against thousands of dancers from across Ontario .
• Dancers Piera Raffoul and Katerina Servello performed in a professional dance show with ACE Dance Theatre , performing alongside some of Toronto ’ s top dancers and choreographers .
• DanzArts dancers and staff were featured in a new music video by internationally acclaimed vocal group The Tenors . Tara Pillon cochoreographed the video for “ Santa ’ s Wish ( Teach The World ),” which featured DanzArts dancer Katerina Servello and faculty members Liana Bellissimo and Kathleen Legassick .
ANNUAL REPORT
17