Studio is centre stage

By Callan Date
JESS Solomon is dancing and dreaming her way to an exciting career in a field she loves.
After 16 years of fine tuning her craft, the 20-year-old Berwick resident is set to open her own dance studio.
Jess became known to News readers in November 2005 when the talented dancer was celebrating a six-month contract performing at Tokyo Disneyland.
Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty and Mary Poppins occupied Jess’s mind during her overseas stint but now her attention has turned to her burgeoning business – Backstage Dance Academy.
“I have danced since I was four and ever since I was a young girl I always dreamt of having my own school,” Jess said. That dream is now a reality and Jess is hoping to impart the skill and inspiration she has learnt during her dancing years.
“It is such an achievement seeing your students grow and develop their dancing skills. I’m still constantly learning things myself.”
Teaching won’t be totally foreign to the seasoned performer.
“I’ve been running classes for the last five years but this is the first time I will have my own studio.”
Jess completed her VCE at Berwick Secondary College in 2004 and recently completed a 12-month dance course at the renowned Dance Factory in Richmond. Her time performing at Tokyo Disneyland also taught Jess a lot.
“It was a really good learning experience and a lot of fun too. We got to see a different part of the world and perform at the same time,” she said. Jess said Backstage Dance Academy classes would be conducted in several halls around the Berwick area including the Brentwood Park Community Centre, Berwick Secondary College and Timbarra Community Hall.
“About 90 students have already signed up – ranging from two- to 16-year-olds.”
Jazz, tap, ballet and hip hop dance styles will all be taught, as well as a special dance class for pre-school children, Jess said.
For more information about Backstage Dance Academy contact Jess on 0438 354 062.