Welcome dance environment for girls and guys
There is something striking about the human form, and when controlled movement is on display it can take your breath away. Whether it is the delicate actions of ballet, the energy of jazz, or the modern creativity of hip hop, dance remains a way to express yourself and your emotions. For over 24 years, Studio One RP Dance in Saskatoon has been helping young people experience the joy of dance and creativity in all its many forms.
Studio One was founded in 1994 by Tammy Tropeau, a professionally trained dancer who graduated from the National Ballet School in Toronto after six years of study in both the Vagonova and Cecchetti methods. When health problems threatened her career, Tammy returned to the National Ballet School to complete a two-year Professional Teacher Training Program certifying her at the elementary, intermediate, and advanced Cecchetti level. At the same time, she also obtained her Associate Imperial Society Teachers of Dancing certificate which allowed her to place students into examinations. Then, at the age of 19, she returned to Saskatoon and founded Studio One as a way of sharing her passion for dance with students.
Since then Studio One has continued to grow, including opening a second location in 2011. Along with more space, it has also made the schedule less demanding on students, as now no one has a class that runs later than 9:00 p.m. “I believe dancers need to have time for family, school work, and other interests,” says Tammy Tropeau. “That can’t happen when they are at class late into the night.”
This type of care and concern has helped Studio One develop a reputation for quality education, both locally and internationally. The result is that dancers from across Saskatchewan have come through the doors, and each has added to the legacy of excellence. Further abroad, Studio One is known for training quality dancers, and this results in unique opportunities for students to experience once-in-a-lifetime events such as the 2018 trip to Orlando to perform in the Disney Parade.
However, it’s not just trips and performances that make Studio One an excellent choice for aspiring students. In order to ensure everyone has the chance to experience the joy of dance, Studio One offers a wide range of classes including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Flamenco, Contemporary, and boys-only Hip Hop. While there are boys enrolled in every type of dance, Hip Hop lessons have really struck a chord, quickly becoming one of their favourites. As a result, more people are beginning to realize that dance is something boys can be, and are, interested in.
One reason it’s taken so long for this idea to become mainstream is because of unfamiliarity with the benefits of dance. Not only does it provide a way to express yourself, but Gunner Tropeau, age 16, says dance provides an excellent workout and has allowed him to elevate his skills in other sports. “The strength training, flexibly, and balance work I get in dance has helped me get better on the ice and the baseball diamond, too.”
Still, while attitudes are changing there are some people who think dance is not for boys. To help change their minds Studio One employs three male dance instructors, providing role models for aspiring boys who want to give it a try. Additionally, Gunner says the quality and type of instruction boys get is tailored to be interesting to them as “they keep us busy with strength and flexibility training, jumps, turns, and partnering.” Finally, no matter the gender or age, everyone can enjoy music, movement, and the chance to be creative.
Overall, the results speak for themselves, as the number of boys enrolled in classes continues to grow. This year there are over 40 boys registered in a variety of different classes, and Tammy believes that number will continue to rise. “More and more parents are beginning to understand that dance helps with co-ordination, musicality, discipline, and confidence,” says Tammy. “It really is an art without limits.”
For more information on Studio One and their classes, visit www.studio1rpdance.com or call (306) 3737260.