Thanks, everyone, for the warm welcomes. I’m so excited to be joining the group!
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| Posted by Susan
Last night I attended a fundraising function hosted by Atomic Ballroom for the benefit of Jimmie DeFore Dance Center, a studio at which I frequently take classes. The past few months have been unusually stressful ones for DeFore; the owners of the complex in which they lease their studio space have decided to transform the units within the complex into condos. About a week or two ago, they were given 30 days to exercise their first right of refusal to purchase the building. When the 30 days expire, their tenancy will become month-to-month and they will have to forfeit the space as soon as someone purchases it.
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For anyone who is unfamiliar with the area, losing DeFore would be akin to losing either Broadway Dance Center or Steps in Manhattan, Pineapple Dance Studios in London, or Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles. It is truly a staple in the Orange County community, and one of the few studios that hosts the needs of dancers from the beginning to professional levels, welcoming all with open arms.
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The fundraiser was fun, with lots of ballroom dancing and performances by dancers who study at DeFore. Exhausted as I was by having taken class right before the function, I wasn’t able to muster up enough energy to stay through the end of the night and so am not sure if any announcements were made as to how much the fundraiser was able to raise. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. Hopefully, it was a success!
| Posted by Susan
tonya
I hope they find a new home! Actually, a similar thing is happening here with Broadway Dance Center. We’re in danger of losing them too.
Sep 01, 2006 @ 11:41
susan
I’m so sorry to hear that, Tonya. I love dancing there when I’m in town. I’m keeping my fingers AND toes crossed for both!
Sep 01, 2006 @ 11:56
ABTJess218
I also was so sad to hear about DeFore’s closing-when I went to take class there about a month ago, I noticed they were having a master class with Jon Bond to raise money. Do you know how that went?
Sep 01, 2006 @ 15:45
Constance
Hi Susan,
I actually recently started dance in Orange County. I’ve taken at Defore, but I was just wondering where else in the area has strong ballet (or jazz/other dance) in the area. I know about Ballet Pacifica, any others?
I love the photos!
Thanks!
Nov 06, 2006 @ 13:25
susan
Hey, Connie.
First, welcome to Orange County! I’m not sure whereabouts you might be, but the few studios that I would recommend for ballet are, besides DeFore’s are: Danse Conservatory in San Clemente or Southland Ballet Academy in Fountain Valley.
I’ve heard good things about Classical Ballet Academy in Aliso Viejo, but have not been able to check it out myself, yet.
If you’re willing to make a bit of a drive, you will also want to check out Lauridsen Ballet Centre in Torrance. Diane (Lauridsen) is a phenomenal teacher and pays a great deal of attention to everyone in class.
Mind you, there are plenty of places you can go where they simply have classes, but I tend to be pretty picky about who teaches and how, and so I would really limit my suggestions to these five studios.
For non-ballet, I would really stick to DeFore’s, especially if you want strong jazz and tap. You might also consider looking into community colleges for some very inexpensive modern (and ballet?) classes.
I hope this helps. I’ll keep my ears peeled for more options and pass them along to you.
Nov 06, 2006 @ 18:29