Welcome!

Welcome to the wonderful world of  Dance from the Heart!  In this program your dancer will gain solid technique at age appropriate levels. 

My technical background is steeped in Limon, Graham and Evans. My philosophy follows the Lewitski & Bill Evans traditions in honoring the body and not damaging it for the sake of a performance, a cheated extension or trick.

Dance Attire

4 to 7
Hair pulled back in a bun or pony tail 
Pink leotard and pink tights 
Pink ballet shoes 
Black tap shoes 

7 to 11
Hair pulled back in a bun or pony tail 
Black leotard and black tights  or dance pants
Pink ballet shoes 

Edgar Degas, The Dance Class (La classe de danse)c.1873-1876

                                                                                                                                                              


In the late 1800s most ballerinas started their training before the age of six. Known as the "rats" of the Opera, they came to the Opera House early every morning, practicing all day under the strict tutelage of the dance master. They had no time for school. 

When the dancers matured and perfected their movements, they joined the corps de ballet, dancing in the evening ballet sequences that were part of every opera.

 Dance can be a life long pursuit that stimulates us intellectually, emotionally and creatively. I am looking forward to the journey ahead with my new students!

Bella Lewitzky

Bella Lewitzky, a modern dancer and choreographer was originally a student of ballet, Lewitzky launched a modern dance career in 1934, when she studied under LesterHorton, and later became a lead dancer in the Horton Dance Group. In 1966, she formed the Lewitzky Dance Company. Under her artistic guidance, the company became one of the leading international modern dance companies, performing to critical acclaim in 43 states across the U.S. as well as 20 countries on five continents.

"Great control of every motion and placement," she said, "is a kind of self-care. It's self-love in the best sense. I make a contract with the dancers (not literally, of course) to keep them alive and well and progressive-doing level best to see that they're not injured." One must bear in mind, she said, that "dancing is not normal, that only a strong, knowledgeable body can protect against damage."
Bella Lewitzky, from an interview w/ Donna Perlmutter, Dance Magazine, January 1997"

The originality, humanity and unconventional qualities for which Lewitzky's dances are famous often found their way into the management of her company. At a time when it was fashionable for dance companies to be based in New York -- and dangerous not to be -- she kept her company operating out of her native Los Angeles for thirty years.