Denele Sweet - Studio owner and Instructor
Denele began her dancing career at the tiny age of 2½. She grew up training with Portland’s best, Lynn Johnson-Wiltshire, Sally Mack, Vicki Mills, and Debbie Pierce. Denele was professionally educated and trained in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Hawaiian, Gymnastics, and Ballroom Dancing.
Competing and traveling is a big part of Denele’s dance background. Denele began competitive ballroom dancing from the age of 8 taking her to all over the Northwest and Canada. Her ballet training and desire to be on stage landed a role with Ballet West and their presentation of the Nutcracker performed at the Keller Auditorium.
Tap dancing has always been her love and led her to being a member of the Northwest Tap Consort. Constantly moving her feet and practically living at the dance studio rolled into a lifelong love of dance that will never go away. Judging Dance competitions is another aspect of dance Denele has enjoyed for several years traveling from Portland and Canada.
Denele is a proud supporter of the Miss America Organization. She is the Producer of the Miss Clatsop County Program and the Contestant Choreographer for the Miss Oregon program since 1996. You may have seen her tapping on the Miss Oregon stage over the years as well! In 1992 she was crowned Miss Umatilla County.
At Seaside High School, Denele’s choreography credits include “Kiss me Kate” and “The Wiz”, “Grease”, “Anything Goes” to name a few. Denele was a SHS Cheerleader 1988-90. Her dancing was such a major part of her life so she moved back to Portland in 1991.
Shortly after her son Zachary was born in 1995, Denele began teaching in Seaside. Her love of dance and children is her life and she can’t wait to share it with your children.
Enjoy your classes here at Encore, Denele was worked very hard to make a warm, encouraging environment for dancers of all ages!
Cecila “C.C.” Sibony
Cecilia, “C.C.” Sibony began dancing at the Old Dominion University in Virginia. There she performed the role of “Clara” in The Nutcracker. Soon after, at age ten, Cecilia was accepted into the National Ballet School in Toronto, Canada. Here she lived in the dormitories; attended academic classes, and underwent a rigorous dance-training program. C.C. is certified in all levels of the Cecchetti method of ballet.
Cecilia has also studied with an impressive list of guest teachers from all over the world. From these teachers she learned dance styles including, ballet, Spanish flamenco, Chinese dance, character dance, and modern dance.
C.C. all performed with the National Ballet of Canada and the Toronto Dance Theatre (Martha Graham modern dance). She then went on to creating, founding and co-directing “Freelance Dance,” a casting agency specializing in dancers and choreographers. Later C.C. taught dance classes to aspiring figure skaters of the Canadian National Team.
The love of the Oregon Coast has C.C. and her husband settled here with their three children.
Tiana Carpenter
Miss Tia began dancing at the age of seven. She primarily studied ballet although she took many jazz and lyrical classes as well. She participated in numerous dance camps and recitals. She also performed her own dance at a young choreographers showcase when she was seventeen.
She began her teaching career in Boise, Idaho at Meridian Academy of Gymnastics. She was a ballet teacher and Dance Director for their entire dance program. In addition, she coached gymnastics for ages 3 to 15. All together she taught over 25 classes per week and had over 150 students. In December 2004 she produced and also directed the companies Winter Dance Recital which was a huge success!
In early 2005 she returned to the area and is very excited to continue with her passion for teaching dance and tumbling.
Josh murry
Josh began dancing when he was 11 years old. He studied Tap, Jazz and Ballet. Local performance opportunities include the Miss Oregon & Miss Clatsop pageants, Nutcracker, and The Polar Express.
Josh has studied on a full scholarship with Milwaukee Ballet School in Wisconsin, Joffrey Ballet School in New York and Brigham Young University’s Theatre Ballet Company. During his time at BYU Josh was able to be a full time student while continuing his training in ballet, modern, jazz, and contemporary dance. BYU offered many opportunities to take master classes and seminars with renowned teachers from the Royal Ballet, Ballet West, and Center Stage.
Recent performance experiences include dancing the lead male role Franz in the ballet Coppelia, Snow King and Arabian Prince in the Nutcracker, corpes de ballet in Fleddermeus, and Ipsy Discit. He also was selected to perform in many senior projects and composition pieces receiving recognition from many teachers and directors in the dance department at BYU.
Taking a break from his career, Josh is back on the coast looking forward to sharing his love of dance with others.
Kristen Gunn
Kristen grew up backstage and in the ballet studios and theatres of Los Angeles. In total, she dedicated her first 25 years living and loving the performing arts, as a teacher, director, choreographer, dramaturg, playwright, and performer of ballet, jazz, tap, singing, piano, comedy, and musical theatre.
With Broadway lights in her eyes, she starred in the title role of the musical Heidi, and played “Tiny Tim” in the musical Scrooge at the ambitious age of 5. At age 8, she was cast in the ensemble company of the Los Angeles Ballet Company and performed the Nutcracker at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles.
Through junior high and high school, she performed in dozens of acting, singing and dancing roles with local colleges and independent theatre companies, and competed in local Shakespeare festivals and SCETA festivals. Elected President of Thespian Troupe #2314 of California, she led her company of peers in original dance, dramatic, and musical productions as director, choreographer, and playwright.
Kristen has been trained in Cecchetti ballet technique, classical Fosse jazz, tap, and various modern dance techniques. Until a passion for teaching evolved and the acquisition of a Master of Science degree in Education led her to enjoy years of service in the non-profit social services field and teaching in the public school system.
The move to Oregon (and eventually to Astoria) has been a dream come true for Kristen and her husband who have settled into an 1896 historical Victorian house by the Columbia River. Small-town life has been quite an adjustment for this “broadway baby”, but she and her husband love it, and feel they are here to stay!
Brittany Newton
Brittany started dancing at the age of eight. She has trained in tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, lyrical, and modern. At age twelve she began assistant teaching and at fourteen taught her first class.
Brittany was Encore's 2003-2004 Studio Dancer of the Year.
She is very involved with the Miss America Scholarship Program, performing as a Miss Clatsop County dancer, Miss Oregon dancer, and holding the title of Miss Clatsop County's Outstanding Teen 2006.
Brittany is currently a student at Seaside High School. There she participates in Theatre, choreographs the Spring Musical, is a member of the Seabreeze Yearbook Staff and Jazz Choir, and is a founding member of the Seaside Pulse Dance Team. She is very excited to pass on her love of dance to her students.
Guest Instructors
Joshua Burns
Bio to come...
CHANTAL MEIER
Chantal has been dancing since the age of three and dancing competitively since the age of seven. She is an accomplished dancer in Tap, Jazz, and Acrobatics winning many awards and cash prizes. At the age of 15 she became a teacher’s assistant and at that time she realized that shed loved working with children and had a gift for teaching and the ability to bring out the best in each student.
Taking on her own classes at the age of 17 where her fun and energetic personality made the hard work seem effortless. Teaching 17 to 22 classes per week, training of new assistants, and attending 7 to 9 competition and three recitals each year Chantal’s experience continued to gain momentum.
Chantal was also invited to judge at several national competitions, and asked to be a guest choreographer for other studio’s and dance troupes. In 1991 she assisted choreography and performed in the 72 person troop of dancers invited to dance at a goodwill baseball game in Japan. Chantal was 1 of 10 dancers selected to be the “stars” of the show, she toured Japan for two weeks representing the USA at promotional events.
Dance has always been a part of her life, and something she loves sharing with others. With her wide range of knowledge and experience that has proven to be successful, she hopes to continue molding young children into the dancer they dream to be.
Most Commonly Asked Questions:
Welcome to Encore Dance Studio!
“The Second Happiest Place on Earth!”
Studio Contact Info:
ENCORE DANCE STUDIO
3593 HWY 101 NORTH
GEARHART, OREGON 97138
503-717-1637
Website: www.getyoudancing.com
Email: encoregearhart@msn.com
Staff:
Denele Sweet, Owner & Instructor
Laura Kaim, Office Receptionist
Tia Larson, Instructor
CC Sibony, Instructor
Kristen Gunn, Instructor
Courtney Standring, Instructor
Brittany Newton, Instructor
Chantal Meier, Guest Instructor
Mike Dawson, Guest Instructor
Is there a registration fee?
Yes, there is a $25 registration fee due. The Family Fee is $35. Fees are due annually.
What is the registration fee for?
The fee is to process accounts, student registration and administration.
When do Fall classes begin?
September 15th, 2008 will be the first day of fall classes.
When is Tuition Due?
If paying by check or cash your tuition is due in advance on the last class of the month for the following month’s lessons. A $10 late fee will automatically be charged to past due accounts if not paid by the 5th. If payment by check is late more than once or if a check is returned to our office you will be required to enroll in our autopay system. Autopay costumers will be charged on the 25th of the month prior. For example January’s tuition will be processed on December 25th. Tuition and fees are non-refundable for any reason unless there is a class cancellation and no make up classes are available. We do not send monthly statements unless warranted.
How does Autopay work?
Autopay is the most convenient and earth friendly way to pay tuition. Tuition is also discounted when you enroll in our autopay system. Your debit/credit card will be charged on the 25th of each month beginning August 25th and ending May 25th. We require a 30-day written notice if you wish to drop a class or no longer what to participate with the autopay system.
What if I need to drop a class?
Our office will assume you are still enrolled in classes and you will be billed unless the office is notified 30 days in advance, in writing. Many times we have students on waiting lists and we need to be able to offer the opening to those waiting.
How long does the session run?
Classes are a flat monthly rate and run 9 months; September thru June. Students are enrolled in classes through the end of the year. Students are to pay full tuition every month including the last month of June ending with our Showcase. Classes are not pro-rated for missed classes.
How early can I Drop Off/Pick up?
Drop off is no more than 10 minutes prior to class. Pick up is promptly. Encore does not provide supervision for students before, after, or between classes.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes, during the Winter Season we visit area retirement homes and hospitals to show off our steps as well as local community events. In the Spring is our annual “Showcase”, usually in June.
What is the “Dance Team”?
Our dance team is by invitation only. We announce the dancers selected for our team in June for the following year. Dance team will begin rehearsals in August and perform and compete throughout the year ending in June.
What if I miss a class?
Students can schedule a make up class through the office. Tuition is not prorated for missed classes.
Do we need costumes? How much are they & when is the money due?
Yes, your dancer will need one costume for every subject they are enrolled in. Prices for Spring Showcase costumes are $50 for child sizes and $70 for adult. There is an additional fee for plus size costumes. Spring Costume Fees are due no later than October 1st. Any alterations needed for your child’s costume is your responsibility.
None of the make up times work for me, what should I do?
One of the advantages of choosing Encore is the wide range of classes we offer. If your child is signed up for tumbling they can make up in ballet, hip hop or lots of other classes at the studio. As long as the age and level are appropriate, you are always encouraged to try new things here at Encore.
I think my child is more advanced then the rest of her class?
If your child is more advanced—their teacher will move them up. Our teachers have a great deal of experience with placement and skill level. Your child might be more advanced in one area, but needing improvement in another. If you ever have any questions about how your child is doing, please leave a note for your teacher and they will be happy to discuss your child’s progress..
My child didn’t get moved up with the rest of her class, is there something wrong?
“Each child has a gift, some of them open their gifts at different times.” How true, although your child didn’t move up this year, maybe next year they will move up, maybe even skip a level. Children should experience all aspects of dance and tumbling over the years. Some years they might be at the bottom of the class, or the top, or they might be right in the middle. One year they might look up to someone in the class, another year they might be the role model. No matter where they are placed, a lot of valuable things can be learned.
Why can’t I watch my daughter’s dance class every week?
Although it is a joy to watch your child dance, it can be very distracting to her and other students. Have you ever heard that your child behaves completely different for Grandma or the teacher then they do for you? It can certainly be true when parents are watching class. Students seem to focus more on “Mommy” then they do themselves and their dance steps. As you will see when you come to watch during the last class of the month, it can be a little crazy. That is why we limit the days for viewing.
Why is there a dress code?
If your child has ever played team sports, this should be easy to understand. You wouldn’t play soccer with the wrong color jersey, right? What about your cleats? You need them too! How about your hair? Pulled back out of your face to play a good game. When you enroll your child in dance you can expect they will be required to have certain dress for their classes. Dress codes for the fall will be available in the office.
Why is there a recital fee?
The recital fee and tickets to our show assist in covering venue rental, staffing, program printing, props, etc. Recital Fee is $25 per dancer and is due February 1st.
What kind of summer programs does Encore offer?
Summer programs will be available in April. We always have a 4th of July parade camp, Princess Camp, Tumbling Camp and Tap, Jazz and Ballet programs.
How do I schedule my child for private lessons? How much are they?
Students who take private lessons at Encore must be currently enrolled in a class. Rates are $30 for ½ Hour and $50 for One Hour. Check in at the desk or talk to your teacher if you would like schedule private time for your dancer.
Studio Location
Encore Dance Studio
North Coast Plaza
3593 Hwy 101 North
Gearhart, Oregon 97138
Phone: (503) 717-1637
Click here for directions to the studio
