30 • The Beacon April 7 , 2022
Elite Dance Force gives dancers opportunities to shine
By Josie Sellers
Miss Jennifer ’ s Dance Studio gives dancers a variety of choices in not only classes to take , but also how often they ’ d like to perform .
“ For some kids dance is their main activity ,” studio owner Jennifer Nelson said . “ We have our recital , and it ’ s wonderful , but it ’ s only a once-a-year chance to perform on stage . Some kids need more motivation and competition to look forward to and work toward . Athletes don ’ t just train for one game or tournament . Dancers are athletes too .”
To assist those who want more opportunities to work on their skills and perform , Nelson created the Elite Dance Force , which is in its 17th year .
“ It ’ s a competition
WE ARE PROUD TO BE ONE OF
AMERICA ’ S
SAFEST
HOSPITALS
team , but it ’ s not just about competing or winning ,” she said . “ It ’ s more about having the opportunity to dance .”
The dancers range in age from 4-18 , and there is a range of commitment levels .
“ Some just do one routine and come once a week to the studio , and we have another handful who train and compete a lot more ,”
Nelson said .
Their competitions are all in Ohio and can mostly be day trips for families . However , they also have had the opportunity to perform at Disney .
“ We are planning our seventh trip there for this November ,” Nelson said . “ It ’ s completely optional . I believe we have 17 dancers going on the trip this time . It ’ s not really a competition . It ’ s a performance . We rework a routine with the group who is going , and they get to perform on an outdoor stage . It ’ s a great experience for the girls to see the backstage working of Disney .”
Routines also have been performed at Cleveland Cavaliers , OSU basketball and local high school basketball games .
“ Those are really fun ,” Nelson said . “ I ’ m hoping we will get to do them again next year , now that the pandemic has calmed down .”
Another special part of the group is the Big Sis Little Sis program .
“ Basically , we see how many dancers we have and split them in half and pair them up with a mentor ,” Nelson said . “ The older ones are role models for the younger ones . We do Christmas gift exchanges , and they support each
other . It ’ s a great way to bond the team .”
Harper Timmons , 12 , loves competing with the other Elite dancers .
“ I get to spend time with my best friends ,” she said . “ They are like family to me . Our dance teacher Jennifer Nelson is the sweetest person / dance teacher ever . It ’ s really exciting when you get out there on stage and dance . I get nervous at first , but right when I hit that stage , I have so much fun , and all my emotions and happiness go right on that stage . We get a little / big sis every year , and it just makes you have someone that you can always count on .”
Adley Brown , 7 , agreed Nelson is a very nice dance teacher .
“ I like to go on stage with my friends and win pins and trophies ,” Brown said . “ Miss Jennifer always
See DANCE Page 31
BANKRUPTCY
Coshocton Regional Medical Center is committed to the highest standards of patient safety .
BF-7196
That ’ s why we earned an “ A ” Grade for Safety Excellence and ranked in the
Top 10 % in the Nation for Patient Safety .
coshoctonhospital . org
Member of Prime Healthcare
Mitchell Marczewski
• Personal & Small Business
• Call for Free Publication “ The 10 Most Common Questions about Bankruptcy ”
• Stop Creditor Harassment , Repossession , Garnishment and Sheriff Sales
• Save Your Home and Car
• Emergency Filing Available
We are a debt relief agency and help people file bankruptcy under the U . S . Bankruptcy Code .
Marczewski Law Offices 1020 Maple Ave ., Zanesville ( next to Dr . Adornetto ) 740-453-8900 | www . zanesvillelawyer . com
BF-8176