Monthly Archives: November 2018

10 Reasons Viking Dancers Are Thankful For Dance!

It’s mid-November already! A time when leaves turn to vibrant and warm oranges, yellows and reds, daylight grows shorter and weather takes a chilly turn. Fall time brings hot cocoa and cozy socks, but it also ushers in the start of the holiday season. 

Many of us look forward to Thanksgiving for spending time with family and eating delicious food (sometimes not necessarily in that order), but at the root it is simply about welcoming and sharing. During Thanksgiving we not only prepare a space for others to sit and share our table, but it is also a gentle reminder for us to open heart and home to those we care about and those in need. More importantly, it is a time to take a step back to appreciate the things we are most grateful for and all that life has provided.

We recently polled our dance students to get to know the reasons why they are thankful for having dance in their lives. Here are the top 10 answers!

  1. I am thankful for dance because I love to do it and it gives me exercise! – Hailie, age 8
  1. I am thankful for dance for getting stronger! – Arden, age 6
  1. I am thankful for dance because of close friends and strong flexibility – Kayla, age 7
  1. I’m thankful for dance because dance just makes me feel good! I love when we learn new moves! – Belle, age 8
  1. I am grateful for dance because of the supportive environment that is provided by the faculty of this studio and my friends here – Dyllan, age 14
  1. I am thankful for dance because it makes me work hard and toward my potential. – Melanie, age 13
  1. I’m thankful for dance because it lets you express yourself. You can do it with so much passion – Norah, age 9
  1. I am thankful for dance because it makes me feel free! – Hannah, age 8
  1. I’m thankful for dance because I have the ability to let go of all my stress from my life. Dance really helps me express things when I don’t have the words. Trevi, age 14
  1. I am thankful for dance because it is my escape from reality. Whenever I dance I forget all my worries and troubles. It makes me feel confident and powerful. – Samantha, age 10

 

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Meet Coach Jairus

When today’s generation refers to “dance” there’s usually a specific dance that may come to mind such as “shoot,” “ milly rock,” and the biggest craze of them all “the floss.” But one that gets left behind and has been around since the mid 70’s is Breakdancing. Unlike other dance phenoms. Breakdance, is not as simple as it looks. It’s an unique culture and vast assortment of dance moves put together by what the dancer feels at that particular moment.

Tuesday, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Coach Jarius (AKA. B. Boy Jarius) to talk about his upcoming dance workshop on Wednesday November 21st, along with breakdancing, hip-hop and pursuing his love of gymnastics and dance.

person breakdancing

Where were you born and raised?

Well… I was born in Chicago. But moved around to a lot of different places. If I had to give you a hometown of where I’m from… I would say Plainfield. I’m a suburban boy at heart.

What companies or dance groups have you been apart of?

I’ve danced with D.O.D (Diversity or Dinesty), Hip Hop Connection, D.O.D Dance Company of Downers Grove.

When did you start dancing? And was there a particular person who peaked your interest in dance?

I started dancing at age 7. I didn’t necessarily take it serious until i was in my preteens. I come from a family of dancers; it wasn’t until my uncle showed me breaking that I really wanted to be apart of the movement.

Gymnastics Coach Workout

What is hip hop to you?

Hip Hop is free art. A movement created off of feelings. In other words, it’s a way for people to let loose and be free!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

When I am not here coaching my Purple Dream Team, I would have to say, I’m a big info chaser! Anything with learning intrigues me. For example, watching documentaries is a big passion of mine. I enjoy playing video games as well.

Last Question of the day. If you could perform with any entertainer, who would it be?

Chris Brown! Hands down, next to MJ….. He’s the best dancer of our time!

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