Alumni Testimonials
ALUMNI TESTIMONIALS
When your first jazz dance is to "Hype", the 1988 part jam by Kid 'N Play, your blue eye shadow rivals Madonna's, and your lipstick of choice is "Cleo Red", you know great things are to come! It's been a number of years since my LADC debut, but the memories and experiences I carry with me go far beyond those of purple spandex.
I've since traded my full-sole jazz shoes for stiletto boots, my slicked back bun for blown out "game hair" and that purple spandex for...well...green spandex. But something that has always remained unchanged, from combo class to the NBA, have been my roots; my dance foundation to which I can always turn for teachings much bigger than fancy footwork!
When I left my home at the studio to attend USC, I knew that dance was way too big a passion to ever leave behind, and for three years I was privileged to represent the University as a member of the Trojan Dance Force. My teammates and I trained as both dancers and community ambassadors, and were rewarded with the respect of alumni, and the title of "2004 USA National Champions". It is rare to find such talented dancers who are also such genuine friends, and I was fortunate to have found that same LADC show team bond in my college teammates. I was extremely proud to be able to pass the Dance Force torch on to fellow LADC alumna, Ally Rudolph.
After college I heard about a dance audition in Boston. Knowing there are quite a few miles ( and temperature degrees!) between Whittier and Beantown, but also knowing that my life is never quite complete without performing, I moved cross-country on a whim. The result was one of the most rewarding of my life, as I was chosen to be one of 21 women in the nation to represent the Inaugural and Championship Dance Teams for the Boston Celtics. The entire experience is still surreal!
As I reflect back on the past few years, I realize how much I've learned about life through my adventures in dance. And some of the most valuable lessons were those I picked up on the road between the drive thru at Norm's and the green room in La Mirada Theatre.
I've learned what it feels like to place dead last in a competition...if you've danced your heart out, it feels the exact same s placing first.
I've learned that if you want to grow and mature, you have to practice your weaknesses twice as hard as our strengths. (Even if the name of your weakness is "Left Fouette").
I've learned that you are never too old to have idols. My idol to this day is still my first TA, whom over the years has become a roommate and best friend. I may have the national titles and championship rings, but she can still out-dance me. Go figure.
And most importantly, I've learned this: no matter how far you travel or what you do in our life, you must always follow our passion. Grow into something spectacular, but always keep in touch with your roots. After all, your roots were put there to help you grow in the first place! and so as I continue dancing down the road of life, I would like to say a quick thanks to three of my "roots", Miss Sheryl, Miss Lisa, and Cleo Red.
Jennifer French - Boston Celtics Dancer - Former Team Member
Dancing at L.A. Dance Connection was wonderful! I never felt like I was just going to a studio to learn to dance. I felt responsibility and love for the art. Ms. Sheryl and Ms Lisa are dear friends of mine, and I feel so privileged to have danced among them. I not only gained true friendships from all my fellow dancers, but gained life long relationships that I will treasure forever. In 2000 I got married and moved to Oklahoma. I had the privilege of dancing with the University of Oklahoma to pursue my dance degree.
Mitzi Urenda LeBrie - MOM - Former Team Member
If you are looking for a dance studio where your daughter or son can learn not only how to dance with grace and beauty, but also be able to gain such qualities as confidence, poise, proper etiquette, time management, and an amazing self image then L.A. Dance Connection is the place to be. Hello my name is Allyson Rudolph and I danced at L.A. Dance Connection for 16 years of my life. At a very young age I started taking combo classes at this studio, and fell in love with not just dancing but the people who were teaching me. Because of everyone involved at L.A. Dance Connection I have become the person I am today. My name as I said before is is Allyson, but at the studio I was known as Ally Ru. It was a cute nickname that to this day still sticks with me even through I am now a sophomore at the University of Southern California and am currently a member on the Trojan Dance Force for my second year (The Trojan Dance Force performs at all home basketball games at USC). It wasn't just the name that changed me completely, but through the years I, as Ally Ru, became a very confident very responsible young woman. I take pride in everything I accomplish and I do it to my best, and even though my parents do deserve credit for instilling in me such qualities, I attribute most of the credit to L.A. Dance Connection. Through this studio I have been able to reach so many of my goals in life. I spent a lot of time at the studio, by choice, and do not regret a moment of my childhood. I love the classes, the competition team, and the feeling of exhilaration, excitement, and pride every time I go to the stage. I have to keep dancing for the rest of my life, and I thank L.A. Dance Connection and the people there for making me into the person I am today.
Allyson Rudolph -Trojan Dance Force Member - Former Team Member
I remember my first day of dance as if it were yesterday. You see, I was looking for something to not only really enjoy, but love and look forward to doing. I had not found that until I started dancing right before I turned 17.
School was alright and some sports ere as well, I really liked music so I tried a musical instrument ( that was a mistake), among other extra-curicular activities, but nothing stood out.l I also was extremely shy and not all that confident about myself. My family life was good, but I didn't have any personal direction or interests. I guess I was a typical teenager, but I did not want to be typical. I had all these bottled up feelings that I wanted to express but did not know what they even were or how to bring them about.
Dancing came naturally to me. don't get me wrong, I had a lot to learn however I was finally excited to start something and continue doing it. It was the most physically challenging thing I would ever do but I loved it so much it didn't seem like it and could not wait to get to class again. I found my passion!
For 11 years I danced and it was something that gave me everything I was looking for something I loved doing, gave me structure and discipline and along the way made lifelong friends and most importantly, helped me overcome many of my inhibitions and insecurities. I can't imagine what or where I'd be without it.
Although I do not dance anymore, everything I learned as a student at L.A. Dance Connection I use today in business and in life. The day I started dancing, it woke up something inside of me and that is a gift that I can't thank enough.
Frank Flores - Former Team Member - Business Owner - San Diego California
LADC Alumni
