EBPublishing.com

August 28, 2007

Tamie’s Studio in CV Celebrates 20th Season
By : Jeff Torres

To succeed in the dance business for a long time, you have to stay on your toes—figuratively and literally.

Tamie Slader, owner of Tamie’s Studio II Dance, has done just that in a lifetime of dancing and teaching others, and she’s celebrating her 20th season with one of her studio’s most successful years.

Slader, who started dancing at the age of three, opened her first studio back in 1988 inside her garage. Before long she opened a studio on Anita Ave., and a short time later a second studio on Somerset Ave., teaching tap, jazz, open, character and hiphop. About 300 students are currently enrolled.

“I don’t run it like a business,” said Slader. “It’s more like a family.” Slader is starting her 20th year this week and will personally choreograph 68 routines as well as design all the costumes for four age groups of competitive dancers.

Between now and February, dancers will work on routines preparing for competitions and shows that have produced numerous awards for the studio.

This last season all four age groups of the studios dancers took first in regional competitions and earned the chance to perform in a national show of champions. Her success has been recognized nationally with her studio being named as one of the top 50 studios in the country by Dance Spirit Magazine.

“I try to teach more than just dance,” said Slader. “That’s my style.”

Although she had no formal training, that style—learned over the years with ongoing training and visiting dance demonstrations— has won Slader many awards for her choreography.

“I’ve been dancing my whole life,” said Slader. “I’ve learned as I’ve gone along.”

Running two locations with so many students requires a unlimited amount of energy, something Slader has plenty of. She has a staff of five helping train both competitive and recreational dancers. Two of her instructors are high school students who started at her studio when they were five years old.

Slader also receives the help of her two daughters. Kierten is an instructor at the studio and Kaelyn helps out when she is home from school at Cal State Fullerton.

“My girls have been the driving force,” said Slader of her longevity in the business.

Slader has seen the interest in dance increase with the new television shows that have celebrity competition. Slader says the shows’ popularity and exposure have focused attention on the athletic ability of the dancers. A number of her students are involved in sports.

For everyone who’s ever danced the twist, electric slide or the Watusi, dancing is fun, and Slader—who has a constant smile on her face—has been able to bring fun to scores of dancers over the years. And if you think she’s planning on slowing down, think again! She’s planning on opening an additional studio in another city someday.

“Dancing helps keep teens out of trouble, and lets them have fun,” said Slader.

Tamie’s Studio II Dance is located at 3573 Somerset Avenue. Call 886-9059 or go online and check out their Website at: ts2dance@sbcglobal.net.