About the Studio:
Our Staff | Our Studio | Contact & Location Info
Registration Dates for the ’08-’09 Dance Season are:
Aug 26 (for returning families only), Aug 27, Aug 28
Sept 3&4 5-7PM
Fill out the 2 forms at the bottom of the Classes and Policies page and bring them with you to the registration to expedite your registration process.
OUR HISTORY
The Dance Shoppe traces its roots back 27 years, when it was owned and operated by Terri Newman, formerly called Terri Newman’s Dance Shoppe. The traditions and values of strong technique with a family friendly atmosphere continue to thrive today, under the ownership of Lauren Lenter. Everyone truly is a star at the Dance Shoppe, from our youngest recreational dancers in our outstanding preschool program, to our award winning Classy Dancers competition team.
Our Dance Teachers (L to R : Chelsea, Terri, Lauren, Molly, Megan)
OUR STAFF
Lauren Lenter, owner, is professionally certified by examination through Dance Masters of America in the disciplines of tap, acrobatics and jazz. She is certified through the Cecchetti Council of America at both the student and teacher levels. Lauren is a Dance Shoppe graduate of the “Classy Dancer” intensive program and was a member of the Lakes Area Civic Ballet. Following graduation, she spent two years studying Dance and Arts Management at Oklahoma City University. While studying at the University of Michigan, she performed with the Rhythm Tap Ensemble. Following this, she toured with “Sesame Street Live” in the lead role of Zoe. Lauren is an award winning dancer and choreographer. Her routines consistently win awards for their entertainment value, as she continues to build the Dance Shoppe’s tap program. In addition to tap, Lauren’s versatile teaching skills allow her to work with nearly all of the Dance Shoppe students in all subjects of dance. Lauren also teaches dance and choreographs annual shows for the students in kindergarten and first grades at Gretchko Elementary School in West Bloomfield, MI.
Terri Newman-Giampino is professionally certified through Dance Masters of America and is a graduate of their Teacher’s Training School. She is also certified by the Cecchetti Council of America as a professional ballet instructor. Terri served 20 years on the Dance Masters of Michigan Board of Directors, has served as their president, and is currently the director of the Miss and Mr. Dance of MI scholarship competition. At the national level, she has served in many capacities, including director of the Petite, Junior and Teen Scholarship competitions. Terri is the proud teacher of many national title holders, most recognizably Miss Dance of America 2007, Ashley Shaw. Terri’s alumni have performed on national television, and have danced, taught, and choreographed throughout America and Europe. She is the founding director of the nationally awarded “Classy Dancers,” and was the founding director of the “Lakes Area Civic Ballet Company.” Terri has taught convention classes at the national and regional levels, as well as judging at the national and regional levels. She produced her own educational DVD, “Turn Your Dancing Around,” in which she shares her techniques for training consistent, confident turners. Terri was the previous owner of the Dance Shoppe for 26 years and is now a full time faculty member.
Megan Baker is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a Bachelors of Science degree in Pure Mathematics. She also is certified through the State of Michigan in Secondary Education for Mathematics and Physics; currently she is working on her Masters of Arts in Teaching degree at Oakland University. Megan is an alumnus of the Dance Shoppe's “Classy Dancers,” the Lakes Area Civic Ballet Company, and the Pre–Professional Group. She is certified by examination through Dance Masters of Michigan in ballet, and by the Cecchetti Council of America at the student and professional levels. As an instructor, she has won various awards for her choreography such as Young Choreographer of the Year 2004 (ADA), Overall High Score Solo Choreography 2005 (ADA), Diamond Choreography Award 2006 (ADA), and The Mary Helen Stewart Choreography Award 2007 (DMM). She is an award-winning dancer as well. Megan has performed with the University of Michigan Dance Department and Impact Dance Company.
Chelsea Contway is an alumnus of the Dance Shoppe’s “Classy Dancers,” and the Lakes Area Civic Ballet. She is also certified by exam through the Cecchetti Council Of America at the student level. She was a student of the Dance Shoppe for 14 years. Chelsea was captain of her High school Poms team, where she choreographed many of their routines. After high school, she attended Oakland Community College, earning an Associate degree. She then went to the Michigan College of Beauty, earning her Cosmetology license. This is Chelsea’s second year teaching at the Dance Shoppe. This year, she started up the very successful adult classes, and she is hoping for more participants next year!
Molly Yates moved to Michigan from the Windy City of Chicago. While in Chicago, Molly served as a core instructor at Soul2Sole Dance (formerly Heart & Sole), where she choreographed routines and taught technique classes for the studio's 60-person competition team. Her choreography won numerous honors including high-score awards and special prizes for originality and creativity. Before Chicago, Molly spent time in Los Angeles while her husband attended medical school. While in L.A., Molly taught at the powerhouse dance school The Dance Factory and took professional-level classes at The Edge. Molly continues to choreograph competition and performance routines for studios across the Midwest. Growing up in Iowa, Molly chose to attend the University of Iowa where she earned a double degree with honors in dance and journalism. An online journalist by day, Molly has also written articles for online dance Web sites and Dance Teacher Now magazine. She currently resides in Royal Oak with her husband Jarrod. They are expecting their first child at the end of August.
Michelle Carson is a graduate of Central Michigan University with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Social Sciences, with minors in both Vocal Music and Business. Michelle also holds an additional major in History and minor in Biology from Oakland University. Although this is her first year teaching with the studio, Michelle is not new to the Dance Shoppe family. Michelle has taught voice classes for the summer camps the past 3 summers. Her own two daughters have participated in the “Classy Dancers” and the Select Dance Troupes. Michelle is also Assistant Choir Director for Pine Hill Congregational Church in West Bloomfield, where she directs a children’s choir. Michelle has sung with numerous choirs throughout Detroit and has recorded several “Praise Albums” with her church choir. Michelle has also been teaching private voice lessons for the past 5 years. In addition to her vocal talents, Michelle works in the Clarkston Schools as a Para-Pro.
Sarah Hakala, our newest Dance Shoppe teacher, is a recent graduate of Western Michigan University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies. Sarah also studied Dance and English as minors during her time as a Bronco. Her education will continue as she pursues a Masters degree in Counseling. Before college, Sarah studied dance for 14 years at a local dance studio and took classes at The Dance Shoppe when she was young. She has been trained in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, modern, hip hop, swing, and Hawaiian. She was a member of her High School Pom/Dance team and took dance classes during the day throughout high school. While in Kalamazoo, Sarah was a member and choreographer for the Illegal Motion Professional Dance Team. She loves cheering on her sports teams, performing for the fans, and meeting all of the young fans after the games. Sarah has performed and competed in Las Vegas, New Orleans, at Disney World in Orlando, and for various professional sports teams. She has taught dance classes and workshops across Michigan and is very excited to return to The Dance Shoppe after 10 years away!
Elizabeth Hay, a Dance Shoppe alumni and former faculty member, is a student at Western Michigan University. She is currently enrolled as a dance major and is a scholarship recipient. She has been fortunate enough to study with both past and present professional dancers while furthering her career in dance. Before attending WMU, Elizabeth gained admiration and respect for her dancing while attending the Dance Shoppe. As a member of our Classy Dancer Performing Troupe, the intensive 'Select Program,’ Lakes Area Civic Ballet, and by progressing through all five levels of Cecchetti, she was truly an asset to the studio. Her experience, education, and confidence are what make her an exceptional member to our faculty. Elizabeth looks forward to passing on this knowledge to her students at our various dance camps.
