Tina's Dance Studio

Montage of our 11yrs.

2011-09-24T13:13:00.000-07:00

Look back in a couple weeks to view a montage of the past 11yrs!

CLosing Our Doors After 11 Years!!

2011-09-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

We are sad to announce that Tina's Dance Studio is closing our doors after 11 great years and many wonderful memories. Here is something I have written to just share my heart with you just a little!!

The beginning:
Ever since I was a little girl I dreamed of one day having my very own dance studio. In 2000 I decided to take the big step and go for it. Having two kids under the age of 4 I knew this may be a big difficult to juggle business and family, but my husband was my #1 encourager and supporter. In 2000 I opened my door in the basement of my home thinking I would start out small. After a couple weeks I clearly needed a larger space to call Tina’s Dance Studio. We found a great little building and opened up for my first season with a great show at the end of the year. My number one goal was to always keep my students in a positive and fun learning environment, to never have suggestive dance movements or vulgar music. I stood solid on that for 11 years. I vowed my studio would be different also with the fact that I would incorporate Liturgical dance and never being ashamed of God or expressing his love and strength. Using this expressive dance I know touched many and may have offended some. The growth of the studio steadied off after about 5 years and I kept around the same numbers. Sometimes I would put in countless hours depending on what time of year it was, and teaching around 17 classes a week. At times this did wear me down and tire me out as any job does. It was always my heart for teaching that kept me going.

Pulling at my heart strings:
In 2009 we brought home our sweet daughter from Korea. My life got even busier with 3 children now. I was also starting to feel that I was missing out on the other two because when they were out of school I was going to teach. This created “mommy guilt”. For many years my husband definitely had the itch to change his job career. He had many opportunities to do so. But I was not ready to leave or give up my studio. Now looking back that is my one regret. I should not have hung on so tightly. In 2010 – my decade mark… I felt in my heart it was time to say good bye to the studio. Yet at the same time I had students that certainly did not want me to stop just yet…”not until they graduated”. I guess you could say that my heart strings were being pulled in many different directions! If I am this dedicated to the studio, to my students and families to give up many opportunities and time with my family, will the studio (the families) be dedicated to me.? I don’t know about you, but I have learned in my life that people are not dedicated to anyone or anything really. You may think they are, but in reality people really don’t care!! Why did I keep doing it? For the passion, and dedication I had to my students.

2011 Saying Good bye:
Starting season 12 the reality of saying Good bye to my dream….to my business sets in.

This is a hard one to write about…a hard one to think about but I am forced now to face it. First just let me state that this is not like walking away from just any old job. This business, my career was started and built by me one student at a time. It was my heart, my soul, my life that was put into this year after year. It was my family that had to sacrifice as well, weather that was my husband giving up job opportunities, my kids giving up time they could have had me around more at night, or them all dealing with my exhaustion and stress that the business would often bring my way. Anyway that you look at it we all sacrificed to keep my business doors open. But today it is evident that it is time to say goodbye to my dream, goodbye to the number of years I worked hard and put my whole self into all my kids. Yes it was work, yes it could be stressful, but at the same time I can not imagine my life with out dancing, or without teaching!! This is my passion and is something that is so deep with in my soul that it is hard to even put into words. It is hard to say goodbye!! I can not picture myself with out it and it feels like a whole in my heart. It will take me a while to discover what is next for me, but the door is wide open now. I do know God has a plan. I trust that. I will miss the little pitter patter of my tiny ballerinas coming into my studio each week, the million hugs, the I love you’s, the smiles, the zillion x-mas parties all crammed into one week, the satisfaction of putting on a show and seeing all your work when that curtain opens and the success that many felt when they finally got that dance step they have worked so hard on. I will miss my kids (students) more than anything. They will never know how much joy they each brought to my life week after week. But those are the things I will treasure in my heart forever. I regret not being able to have a proper goodbye with them, that saddens me beyond measure. They brought light into my life and I was able to share my gift with them for many years. For that I consider myself blessed.
I thank you Lord for blessing me with this opportunity for over a decade of my life. The memories are etched deep in my heart!! The good, the bad, the laughs, and the tears have made me who I am today. Yes my heart will ache for a while, maybe a long while. Lord help me…. because letting go is one of the hardest things I have had to do. Dance is deep in my spirit, it is who I am.

On a positive note:
The tug of mommy guilt and trying to balance my business and family is no more-that is a big relief. I am looking forward to being home at night and being able to spend more quality time with my kids and family. My husband also took a new job opportunity in Rapid City and we are open to a move sometime soon. What will my next career be? I guess right now I don’t know, but I am excited to pursue other passions that I do have. I trust HE has a grand plan and I look forward to seeing it unfold.

Just like the Scripture I put in my studio web site 10 years ago says…

“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, Plans to prosper you NOT to harm you , plans for hope and a future”

That still stands true and always will in my life!!
One door closes- but another door opens!

Tina Wolterstorff
Retired and Proud owner of Tina’s Dance Studio

But still dancing forever in my heart!!!

Tuesday Registration/Open House August 16th.

2011-08-14T20:36:00.000-07:00

All students interested in joining our 2011-2012 DANCE SEASON can register at the studio from 5-8pm. We have had troubles all summer trying to get into our dance studio.com web site to update anything so our schedule you see there is NOT the dance schedule for our season. We will have that available to see at sign ups on this night. If you have questions or can not make the registration please feel free to all Miss Tina for more information.

Thank so much!

Dance REgistration/Open House

2011-07-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

We are looking forward to our 12th dance season with you. Join us to sign up for classes on Tuesday August 16th from 5-8pm at the dance studio.
Schedule is being updated so please check the dance studio web site for a current schedule.
Thank you for your support of our dance studio over the years. I look forward to teaching the art of dance to your children!!

We are going to offer shoes again this year and our shoe sizing day will be scheduled on another day. That date will be annouced soon.

Thank you
Miss Tina

Photos...where are they?

2011-07-20T07:14:00.000-07:00

Hello Families. I am sorry photos have taken a while to get back into your hands. I had placed half the order that I had ready and then my computer crashed on me. I have been waiting to get the computer back which had all the recital photos on it. Now that I do have it back and photos are saved in all the caos I will be placing the rest of them as soon as I edit them. Please be patient as I have had no control over this situation. They all turned out great and you will have them soon. We will call you and post here when we have a pick up day scheduled. If you have any other questions please give us a call. On another note , if you have happened to email the studio I have not had email for over a month. We are working on getting that onto my new computer. Call or text me if you need anything. Thanks
Miss Tina

Video Pick up..

2011-07-11T07:52:00.000-07:00

Families may pick up your recital dvd's this Tuesday July 12th from 6-7pm here at the studio!!

Sneak peek-Tina's Photography

2011-05-17T22:39:00.000-07:00

Thank you for allowing me the privilege to take your children's photos this year! It is a true passion that I enjoy doing! Here are just some of the "extras" I was taking for fun at our photo shoot today. Some of these I used a special affect on and those will not be on your photos in your memory mate orders.

Just a little peek.

Memories of our dance season 2011!!

2011-05-09T12:47:00.000-07:00

Because o tech difficulties many of the students did not get a chance to see the power point of the end of the dance season on Thursday night. I decided to post it on our dance blog for you all to see. I hope you enjoy looking back at some fun memories through out the dance year. Love you , Miss Tina

Push mute at the bottom of this page first!!

then turn your volume up to enjoy the music that is published with the video!

You can view this video on you tube for a larger picture , or on here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Xyt9WVrysk

Pics from Recital ..

2011-05-06T22:07:00.000-07:00

Live Love Dance** Recital 2011

2011-05-06T09:54:00.000-07:00

Come see the show tonight at the BFACC Theater on May 6 & 7 show begins at 7pm.

tickets on sale starting at 6pm at the ticket booth!

Some fun pictures from rehearsals this week!!

Recital photos will be posted soon...

fun times at the studio..

2011-04-27T11:07:00.000-07:00

Chaperones Needed

2011-04-26T20:40:00.000-07:00

Thank you all who have signed up for helping students back stage..however we are in desperate need of chaperones for our Kindergarten class and our 3-4th graders. So far no one has volunteered and Im starting to get nervous. We can not do it with out you. Please consider chaperoning one of the nights with your child's class. It truely is a great memory being in the back!

count down to show!! Ticket sales!

2011-04-19T22:28:00.000-07:00

3 more weeks till our spring production.."Live Love Dance". I will be selling tickets this week and next week Thursday from 4:30-5:30. This is also open to the public as well. We are selling fast so be sure to get your friends and family in to get there tickets. Reserved seating only will assure you will have great seats of your choice.

Outside the dance floor models needed...

2011-04-13T07:51:00.001-07:00

I am also working in photography and am working on a project called "outside the dance floor". I need models for this project that will feature ballerinas outside of the dance room and in a variety of different locations. If you are interested in being a model (of all ages) Please contact me to schedule an apt soon.

Thanks

some fun picks from this week..

2011-04-12T12:41:00.000-07:00

Great job 1-2nd grade girls!! You have both your dances memorized and looking great! Keep practicing at home!

Some Preschool Princess Fun..

2011-03-15T07:27:00.001-07:00

Building memories that last!!

2010-12-21T18:22:00.000-08:00

Party week at the studio is always filled with lots of dancing, lots of sugar, and lots of fun memories!!

Here are some more fun pics from the week.

for some reason I was busy with 17 little preschoolers and did not happen to get one of the group. I know a couple of you parents did though, so please send me a copy of one ..thanks.

YOu may ask..why is Bree sitting in the chair..well Bree unfortunatly fell at school and hurt her knee really badly :-(...

Slipper contest..was sooo fun, and great prizes too.

time for the while elephant gifts!!

Everyone was happy!!

Especially this little angel!

Freeze dance of course...

Slipper contest winners....

white elephant gift exchange..IT is tradition each year that we have the intermediate class over to our home for dinner..walking tacos, snacks, and fun games..This is always a sooooper fun time.

we even had a magician in the house..Thanks Luke for the fun tricks.

Thanks everyone for the great memories..have a very merry Christmas.

Creative I Dance Class

2010-12-10T16:43:00.000-08:00

No Dance

2010-11-22T09:34:00.001-08:00

Please remeber there is no dance November 22-25th. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Fall Dress Up Week..

2010-11-10T12:13:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for bringing all the fun snacks..was a great week of dance, fun, and games..Special memories!

Dress Up Week Reminder....

2010-10-24T09:35:00.000-07:00

The last week in October students may come to dance in their costumes if they choose. Some may also bring a snack to share with their dance friends..Think healthy snacks if possible. We will dance, play some games, costume contest and have tons of fun!! I look forward to seeing all the cute costumes!!

I also emailed out the November Newsletter early, So please check your email inboxes!!

Want to know when I update??

2010-10-09T14:57:00.001-07:00

If you would like to know every time I update the blog with new photos and news, then all you have to do is sign up as a follower. Click the follow button on the right side of this site and you will only recieve an email when I have added new information. This way you will not miss out on a thing. Thanks!!

goofing around..

2010-10-09T14:55:00.001-07:00

Dresses for Orphans Update..

2010-09-28T09:39:00.000-07:00

I recieved an email from my sweet friend Amanda that included this message and photos. As I find myself starring into the eyes of these precious children I feel many deep emotions. Thank you all who participated in "Dresses for Orphans"

A message from Amanda Desarro (Look Development) "Thank you with all my heart to the loving kindness you put to action to make dresses a reality for so many little girls! What an inspiration it was to these little girls to hear the story of your dance studio & to be given a dress and to know a little girl on the other side of the world had shared with them. Many of these little girls have never worn anything but rags... The excitement from the dresses was priceless! What JOY you all have given! "

"It was a little overwhelming as you will see in the photo's with SO many children at Look Development. We did the best we could being so cunsumed in the moment to get some photo's :) Thanks again for your making this happen for these little girls! More photos to come when Matty goes this winter!"

"THANK YOU and may the Lord bless you and your girls!"

Amanda giving this sweet girl her dress.....a flute and some jewelry :-)

"Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act."(Proverbs 24:12)

They are so precious and feel so pretty and clean in their new dresses!!

While Amanda and Matt were in Ethiopia they were bringing two of their children home. Here Matt is holding there sweet dear son Gideon. Please continue to pray for the Children you see here. There are still so many needs that need to be met in order for Look Development projects to keep moving forward. To learn more, donate, or sponsor a child please visit this web site. http://www.lookdevelopment.org/

Here the children were waving goodbye....

This dress is special to me...it was our Gracie's little dress...so precious to see it on this sweet baby girl.

This woman runs the orphanage..bless her heart as she daily loves and takes care of the children!!

"Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act."(Proverbs 24:12)

2010-09-15T14:21:00.000-07:00

Just a few minutes before all the little ones were to show up I am reflecting on the many dance seasons I have had here. Such an amazing feeling to say this is our 11th season. Summer seemed to have gone too fast, and now here is a new season just ready to approach us. I have feelings of excitement to get the season off to a good start. I want this to be the best season of them all. But then of course I tend to say that same thing every single year. Oh...here come the little ones....

Just a quick photo of most of my preschoolers this afternoon. I think a couple were running late, but we wanted to get a quick snap shot before we head into the dance room. For most this is their first time on the dance floor. We saw some that were really shy and some super excited. By the end of class they had all made friends and felt much more comfortable. The first day they learned so much and did so great!

Some of my first and second grade students in ballet class! And yes they talked me into freeze dance at the end!! :-)

First time leaps after many months off from summer vacation....these girls did pretty darn good!!

We will keep working on them!! Great job girls!

Reminders....

2010-09-02T13:56:00.000-07:00

Wow, dance is starting soon. I am so excited to get started on our 11th season! We have many fun things planned. Remember our classes begin September 7th. It's not too late you can still register for classes. If you are new to dance and want to try it out, come check us out and take classes a week for FREE to see what you think. Please be sure to check our dance web site for a newly revised dance schedule. There are just a few minor time changes on some of the classes.

Dance shoes are here. So if you ordered shoes please be sure to come 10 minutes before your class starts to pick them up. Please have a dance bag for all your dance things to be organized in.

Remember to put your name in all of your dance shoes. Every year we have some come up missing or get mixed up with other students. It helps if the name is in the shoes.

Great Night

2010-08-18T21:47:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for those who made it out tonight. It was great to see you all and also to see all the new faces this year as well. I look forward to another wonderful dance season with you all. Thank you for your support of dance art in our community! If anyone still needs to register you can still do by giving Miss Tina a call. If you need dance shoes I will be doing another shoe sizing at a later scheduled date. Please continue to check your email for updates and schedule changes (if we have any).
Remeber our start date has also been changed to Sept 7th. See you all in a few weeks!

Thank you from our Family

2010-08-16T10:49:00.000-07:00

As we start gearing up for another dance season..our 11th....I just want to take this time to say thank you to all the families that support the art of dance in our small community! Our registration and show sizing day is scheduled for August 18th from 3:30-6:30 at the studio. Spread the word to all your friends and bring them to see the studio!! New Students can come and try dance for FREE for one whole week!!
See you all on the dance floor!

Leaps at Cocoa Beach Florida!

2010-07-19T11:25:00.000-07:00

Nothing like leaps in the Atlantic Ocean along cocoa beach! Where are you dancing this summer..get creative and show us some of your photos too.

Leaps in the water...not so easy, but so so fun!

Every season, we need a time to relax. Our family took a vacation to Cocoa Beach Florida. Our first "real" vacation in 16 years. We won't wait that long ever again. We had the most amazing, and relaxing time and can't wait to go back again soon!

Recital 2010

2010-05-10T19:48:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for such a fantastic dance season. Your thank you cards, and gifts overwhelmed me and I will not forget all your kind words of encouragement towards me and my family! We appreciate you so much. This dance show was extra special to my whole family since it was our 10 show, and you all have made it totally worth while. May you all have a great summer break!!

email me some of your favorite Recital Photos and I will post them here....Hurry...do it today!! :-)

Leapin Lizzards!

2010-05-02T15:28:00.000-07:00

5 . 6.

5 * 6 * 7* 8 *

Bam! I about got clobbered! :-)

Dress for Orphans update..

We are so excited..we are about 30 dresses away from our goal!!! I just know we will reach 200 no problem...Thank you all so much for emptying your closets out for the little girls in Africa. We will have pictures to share with you this summer of them recieving them all!

More Recital Preparation...

2010-04-21T10:17:00.000-07:00

2 more weeks till Recital!!

Dresses For Orphans

2010-04-13T21:04:00.000-07:00

If you have been in the studio lately, you can not help but notice all the little dresses we are collecting for the LOOK DEVELOPEMENT orphanage in Ethiopia Africa! It is so exciting to see the little girls and mommys come in to drop them off with such pride. We just had the Kari family donate 30 dresses! Thank you all for your donations ..every single one gets us closer to our goal! This now puts our number around 160. As you remember our Goal is 200. I know we will go over that by recital time. So please continue to dig into those spring/summer boxes..we are so close!

Our adoption experience with our little Gracie changed our hearts forever! Our eyes are open! You could say my passions in life have changed a bit. My passion for advacating for orphans over flows my heart, and I want to do more. As I spent alot of time thinking about what organization to get involved in...with no real answer...I just finally decided to let go and just know that God would handle it for me. I just wanted to do something, so began "Dresses for Orphans" not even knowing where they would go at first, but I knew there would be one or two orphanages blessed with these little dresses. About 2 weeks after we started collecting dresses I was asked to join a prayer team for Look Developement....already knowing about the projects with look developement, my prayers were answered to be able to be a part of this wonderful organization....even if in a small way! I see God moving in all directions with look developement and I am in awh every single time I hear stories from Amanda Desarro. This is one woman that inspires me so much. You can read more about there story and the amazing work that is going on at there web site. Just click here: http://www.lookdevelopment.org/

Look Developement Fundraiser last week ...

Good Times....

2010-04-13T20:34:00.000-07:00

Crazy kids!!!

1-2nd Got there costumes today!! YIPPY! Long wait or these to get here.

Happy birthday Amity!!

pm preschool class...

45 minute refresher for Miss Tina

2010-04-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

Awhhhh finally my dancing feet are getting some attention! So nice!!

Miss Tina finally has nice feet. (mine are the tan ones :-))

45 minutes of pampering the dancer feet. I took my daughter Amanda and friend Stacey along too..just a fun girl time we had and really needed! I think this is my new addiction now. Mystic edge Spa is the place to go!

goofing around..and preparing dances!

2010-04-12T11:57:00.000-07:00

these dancers worked very hard this past week. Work at home too so you can get your dances memorized ok!! luv ya!

pm preschool

Happy Easter!

2010-04-03T12:28:00.000-07:00

above, preschool morning class! Dancing bunny is a traditional dance we do the week of Easter! They performed it for their mommys on this morning ...and were so cute!!

Gearing up for Recital..

2010-03-24T13:10:00.000-07:00

this time of year reminds me of last year at this time we were waiting for that phone call saying we could go get our daughter Gracie..wow, can you believe she has been here almost one year (april 16). She is so precious, and we can not imagine life with out her! She loves to come to work with mama!

Miss Tina having dancer block...

Oh the power of children sure helps!

Seeking Business Sponsorships

2010-03-24T12:59:00.000-07:00

A Note from Miss Tina..

Every year we give families an option to order a recital t-shirt for their child. Sadly it never fails that we have 2 or 3 in each class that do not get one and feel left out. So this year we thought we would seek businesses that would sponsor helping us get every student a tshirt this year. For your $50 Sponsorship, you will help provide each student a recital t-shirt. Every sponsor will get their Business Logo on the back of the t-shirts, and also a business card in our program. Usually we see around 1100 people that attend our spring shows, so this means great exposure for you and of course the t-shirts are worn all around. If you are interested please contact me as soon as possible so that I can get your business logo and a business card. Thank you so much!
Miss Tina

Tutus and Fun!

2010-03-20T20:01:00.000-07:00

If anyone els would like Miss Tina to take ballet/dance photos please give me a call!

Mother Daughter Tea Party Day

2010-02-17T22:11:00.000-08:00

Creative I afternoon class! (above)

Creative II 5-6 yr old class (Above)

Creative I morning class (above)

We took a little bit of time to take some snap shots, some singles shots, some with friends or some with the dancers and their mommies! Every special day deserves a photo of the moment...

some with their buddies... "big squeeze"

Rings, candy necklaces, dancing, chocolates, tea, juice and cookies..what a fun day of memories!!

I have many more photos form these two fun two days!! To see more become a FAN of Tina's Dance Studio and view our dance studio photos! Send me a friend request and I'll send you the link to become a fan! If you would like a photo just let me know and I will get it to you!:-)

Dance is a part of my soul and these sweet girls bring such joy to my life. I am so happy today was a special day for them all!

Love Miss Tina

Dresses For Orphans..

2010-02-09T13:38:00.000-08:00

Dresses For Orphans...

As our family went through the great experience through the adoption process to bring Gracie home my heart became softened. My heart breaks for the other children who are still orphaned children in our world. There is estimated to be 150 million children who are with out family. This number is absolutly mind boggeling to me. My heart has been stirred up in a good way...I want to make a difference..I want to do something. I want us to make a difference. So this month I am proposing for our dance studio to donate as many girl dresses that we will send to an orphanage in Ethiopia Africa! The goal is to give 200 orphaned girls new dresses this spring! It starts with one person. So talk to your neighbors, your friends, family and get them to jump on board, dig through your girls cloths that don't fit anymore. Dresses do need to be conservative, no tight fitting dresses or dresses need to be below the knees. Bring one dress or many dresses to donate..and watch many lives be changed. Don't worry...this is only the beginning for us to make a difference in the lives of other children! Please keep this all in your prayers!
Thank you,
Miss Tina

Last Class of the week..and so fun!

2010-01-30T15:17:00.000-08:00

3-4th Hip Hop Class! Too COOOL!

Camille and Miss Tina

Shirts for Shoes..Be an orphans Valentine

2010-01-28T09:47:00.000-08:00

My heart and passion is to speek out for the orphans of our world...I know God is stirring my heart and has been since our adoption journey with bringing home our precious Gracie. There are many children in this world that sadly go to bed each night lonely or hurting, hungry, or even starving. Many are lacking cloths and even shoes! But we can make a difference in a life of an orphan. Valentines Day is just around the corner and we all go out and purchase gifts for our loved ones, so why not take time this year and order your family these awesome tshirts and know that there is a special child in Africa that will be enjoying a brand new pair of shoes because of your order. We all have soooo much, and they have so little. Think of the smile that will be on a childs face just because you have taken 5 minutes to place your order. Click here to learn more and place your order today

Make a difference today ...and place your order by February 1st.

Our Dance Line Divas

2010-01-18T21:23:00.000-08:00

January Dancin our booty for a decade...

2010-01-12T18:48:00.000-08:00

Dance memories 09

2010-01-02T14:52:00.000-08:00

Happy 2010

2010-01-01T11:24:00.000-08:00

A note from Miss Tina....

Happy 2010 Everyone!! Im so thrilled to begin 2010 on the dance floor this week! From January through April I will begin choreography for the upcoming Spring Show!! This is an exciting time of year for us all, and student attendance gets even more important! May 2010 be a healthy and blessed year for you all. Thank you for your business, we appreciate every one of you!

See you on the dance floor!

Keep checking back as I will be posting many new Pictures and video clips here!!

More christmas parties

2009-12-22T23:34:00.000-08:00

middle schoolers xmas party!

They keep me young...thank God

Fun Fun Night!! Lots of food, games, and fun memories!

Christmas Parties!

2009-12-15T09:02:00.000-08:00

The beginning of the week and also the beginning of a zillion Christmas parties...More to come this week!

Even Gracie got in on the fun...

A favorite of the girls is the "Magic Story Book"...where many characters come alive and jump out of the book. We use this material to make believe it is our special book. They beg for this every class time!

Halloween Party Fun

2009-11-06T16:35:00.000-08:00

Thanks parents for bringing snacks to share with the dancers! We had a great week! I have more pictures of this week and will post them soon! If you have a favorite photo you would like to see posted, please email is to me!

October Fun with Dancers

2009-11-06T11:34:00.000-08:00

Here are a few photos from the first couple weeks of dance, my next post will feature some fun Halloween pictures of our dancers!