**giveaway** Nice to Meet You: The Dance Factory

New leadership, fun classes & a major giveaway!
Let's meet The Dance Factory's new director, Chrissa Dockendorf!

What is The Dance Factory?
Dance Factory is local dance studio that has been in Eugene for 15 years. This year we are seeing big changes as the current director, Roshny Martuscelli is stepping down and our new director, Chrissa Dockendorf ( that's me!) is taking over. 

What are some of the changes parents can expect to see?
Well first thing is, we're moving locations! We'll be located at 1840 Willamette St Suite 208. We are also changing the structure of our classes; a new location means more flexibility in our schedule. We'll have classes for ages 2-19 in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical and tumbling. We will also be adjusting our competition dance company to offer more levels including a Mini Company for ages 5 & 6!

What can parents expect their kids to learn at your camps?
We have 2 kiddo camps, one for ages 4-6 and one for 6-8. Those camps will run from 9am-1pm and include ballet, jazz & hip hop classes as well as fun arts and crafts. It's a great way for your kiddos to try different genres of dance!

For the older kiddos we have 2 dance intensives, ages 7-12 and 13-19.  The intensives runs from 9-4 for the younger set and 9-6 for the older kiddos. Each day will include ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary and a daily elective which could be Tahitian Dance, Yoga, How to Audition, Body Positivity, Improv- so many options! The older kiddos will also get daily technique classes. The intensives are great for dancers and non-dancers looking to stay active while also learning new things

We also have 2 special 1 day camps coming up, a Gender Creative Day of Dance for kiddos who are trans, non-binary, lgbtq+, etc. & a Wicked workshop. With Wicked coming to town this summer some of their cast members are going to come teach a workshop. It's very exciting!

How are your camps different than other camps & classes in the area?
There are 3 things that I am very passionate about when it comes to dance: 
-dance is for everyone regardless of gender, socioeconomic status, race, identity, ability or body type
-dance injury prevention should start as early as 2 years old & be built into everything we teach  
-strong technique is important for all dancers, recreational or competitive

We build these tenets into everything we do and every class we teach. Each student is special in their own way and we want to celebrate that and show them how to celebrate it in themselves as well.

Tell us about what each day looks like.
For the camps, kiddos will come in get settled and start with a pre-ballet/ballet class then move into jazz dance, snacktime, arts and crafts, then end the day with hip hop and lunch. Making Friends and getting messy while enjoying movement- it's going to be so much fun!

The intensives will be jam packed with dance! Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Elective then depending on age, technique class. They will have a break for lunch. At the end of each intensive week the kiddos will put on a small showcase and then have a community potluck with our students, teachers and their parents or guardians.

Sometimes the cost of camps can be restrictive for families, do you have anything to help?  
We do offer a sibling discount, we also offer 50% off for kiddos in the BEST Program at their schools, unhoused and foster kiddos can take classes for free and we have a lending closet with clothes and shoes for kiddos in need. 
Older kiddos can also help out with younger kiddo camps or intensives to earn tuition credit. But like I said before, I truly believe dance is for everyone so if cost is prohibitive reach out, let's see what we can do.

What are some things that kids learn from dancing that transfer to their outside world?
Oh so many things! Team work, agility and flexibility- not just their bodies but their minds. Understanding how to listen to their bodies, confidence in themselves, self-expression- this list is endless!

What are you most excited about teaching the campers?
ALL THE THINGS! I am so excited about being the new Director and running these camps for the first time. I'm excited for them to learn about inclusivity & team work, finding their confidence and loving themselves and understanding that they are special just the way they are.

**giveaway**
The Dance Factory is giving away one free week of camp or dance intensive!!

Have a kiddo ages 4-8?
Win a FREE week of dance camp!
Includes a day filled with dance: ballet, jazz, hip hop and a craft.
$100/value

Have a kiddo ages 7-19?
Win a FREE week of dance intensives!
Includes ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, technique and a daily elective.
$175/value

Lots of ways to enter:
Comment here with the camp you would love to win! Check out the list here.
Comment on our Facebook post
Comment on our Instagram post
Like all the posts!
Tag friends (one tag per post, one entry for every tag)

We will draw the winner on Thursday June 6 at 9pm.