Our Mission
PASSION
Our goal is to provide professional dance instruction through a culture and an environment that encourages dancers to creatively express their passion. Through the art of dance, individuals will have the opportunity for personal and professional growth. At Dance !nk, dance becomes a way of life: nurturing creativity and building the confidence to openly demonstrate that passion is an artistic freedom essential to growth as a human being.
PROFESSIONALISM
Goal setting is a fundamental part of the studio’s approach to building strong, confident dancers. Whether it is competitive level dancing, or dancing as art, a professional level of discipline and mastery of foundational skills are expected from each dancer. Poise and grace are expected to go further than just the dance floor. We seek to earn respect for our team and talent by consistently demonstrating professionalism and humility first.
POSITIVITY
Dancers make a solid commitment to their individual and team development, and as a result, value the importance of a support system. Alongside quality dance instructors, parents and/or caregivers are expected to nurture their dancer’s achievements. Trust is essential to building a confident team of performers; therefore, positive communication is integral. We fully recognize that creative and personal growth is based on the positive culture we create.
PERMANENCE
Dance !nk’s namesake was created with the professional and personal growth of each dancer in mind. Our mission is to challenge dancers to think about the value of their commitment to the arts and the lasting impression of what their talent may invoke in others. Like ink, we can never be erased. We believe that individual artists should feel free and confident enough to pen their own story, shine in their own spotlight, and eventually make a permanent, exclamatory mark in this world!
Phone
(352)260-6180
Danceink352@gmail.com
Location
5510 SW 41st Blvd,
Suite 205
Gainesville, FL 32608
Hours
M-Th 2p-9:30p
F- 3p–8:30p
Sa 10a–12:30p
Faculty
Owner/Artistic Director/choreographer.
Born and raised in the Florida Keys, Michael began dancing professionally at the age of 7. He attended Island Dance Connection dance studios under the direction of Kathie Jamieson Cote. For 6 years, he competed at regional and National talent competitions, earning titles such as, “Mr. Showbiz.” He later began training in Miami, FL in 2001 with Dance Attack Performing Arts Company, under the direction of John Culbertson and Cookie Ramos. There, he won numerous awards including Teen Mr. Starpower, and American Dance Awards, Dancer of the year.
After competing for years, Michael took a break from dance and focused more on school. There he became an active member of the Varsity Cheerleading team, where he held the position of team captain and the team’s choreographer. In 2003, Michael co- founded the Marathon All-star Cheerleading Team, with the help of his Aunt, Diane Culver. Michael, led the team to national titles at national championship competitions. In 2005, Michael was named All-American Cheerleader by the National Cheerleaders Association. He also began coaching the Marathon Jr. all-star team. He coached the team to win top honors at both regional and national competitions.
In 2006, after graduating high school, Michael then moved to Gainesville, FL, continuing his education at Santa Fe College. There he joined the Dance Theater Santa Fe Performance group, under the direction of Alora Haynes and Teri Kendall. While studying at Santa Fe, Michael picked up a choreography job at one of Gainesville Florida’s High Schools, Saint Francis Catholic High school. Under the direction of Megan Degance, Michael choreographed the team’s sideline, halftime and competition performances. Earning top awards at nationally and internationally recognized competitions, such as MA and Starquest. Shortly after, Michael was then hired at O2B Kids. There he became the director of the competitive dance program, Fusion Dance Company. Michael directed the program for 8 years, winning numerous choreography awards and national champion titles for the company.
Michael’s goal as a teacher and choreographer is to help build confidence in others, personally and professionally. He wants to be able to give others an outlet where they can be creative and openly free as they want to be.
Classes
Ballet-Traditional Barre and Center floor work designed to build a beautiful, graceful and healthy body with fine posture and poise.
Tap-An excellent way to increase coordination of the mind and body and to develop a sense of rhythm, timing and expression
Jazz-Improving coordination, musicality, body discipline and awareness. Challenges dancers to create their own style. Turn techniques, floor work and combinations are learned in this class.
Lyrical/Contemporary-Lyrical dance utilizes the lyrics to the music to tell a story. Using movements with balance and control.
Hip Hop-Our hip hop classes will expose you to as many of the popular styles as possible.
Acro -Acro training teaches flexibility, balance, strength, muscle control, and above all, discipline and concentration.
DRESS CODE
Ballet
Black Leotard, pink tights and pink ballet slippers
Boys White t-shirt or tank, Black shorts and black ballet slippers
Hair must be pulled up or back into a bun and out of the face for class
Jazz
Fitted tank top, Leotard or t-shirt
Leggings, fitted shorts
Black or Tan jazz shoes
Hair must be pulled up or back and out of the face for class.
Hip Hop
Comfortable, loose athletic clothing
Clean sneakers
Acro
Fitted tank top or leotard
Leggings or fitted shorts
Hair must be pulled up or back and out of the face for class.
Tap
Fitted tank top, Leotard or t-shirt
Leggings, fitted shorts
Black or tan tap shoes
Hair must be pulled up or back and out of the face for class.
Tuition
Dance!nk El!tes is the new performance and competitive program here in Gainesville, FL. It is for the more serious dancer. Dancers will train in all aspects of dance and will rehearse from 6-20 hours a week depending upon placement in the company. El!te dancers will travel throughout the state of Florida, performing at events, attending top notch conventions and competing at national competitions. These dancers are hardworking, dedicated, and committed. Dancers must audition to participate. Additional fees are required for company members. For more information regarding the El!te Company, please email us at Danceink352@gmail.com
