1.       What success stories does your studio have?

JPDC has hundreds of success stories from several Captains of the KU Dance Team, Captains of Pittsburg State Dance Team, choreographers, all the way to the students who have became doctors, dentists, business owners and professionals…..and yes Happy Individuals!   It is not just dance lessons .  It’s not becoming just a great dancer but becoming the best person you can be through the art of dance.  That is what JPDC is all about.

2.       Who are their teachers? Who are Their Mentors?

JPDC is proud to have top notch and the most qualified instructors!  Jody has taught over 25 years and loves working with 3 year old recreational children all the way up to Misha Gaberial who tours with Janet Jackson.  Jody started dance at the age of 3 and had a dance scholarship in college, danced in a professional company in Denver, Colorado and is a member of Chicago Dance Masters.  Her philosophy is networking is the key to life.  Jody works with professionals across the Nation making sure she provides the latest technique , style, and opportunities to her students.  Christina Burton is a key mentor and is a UMKC major in Dance Performance.  She is noted for her choreography, performance, voice, and teaching ability.   She has appeared in Carnegie Hall in NY, Minneapolis, and is always being featured on stage somewhere.   Christina is the most well rounded teachers and individuals you will meet.  She is a list a mile long of performances.  This summer she studied in NY at Broadway Dance Center.  She is dance captain and performer for this years Footloose in Theatre In The Park.  A day doesn’t go by without Christina singing and dancing!   Maureen Duke is a native St. Louisan, is a senior at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, working towards a BFA in Dance Performance.  There, she has performed in Les Sylphides and Balanchine’s Serenade, as well as other faculty choreographed works.  She has also performed with ballet companies such as St. Louis Ballet, Fort Wayne Ballet, and Les Grande Canadian Ballet.  Maureen’s musical theater experience  in Kansas City and St. Louis include Guys and Dolls (Adelaide), Anything Goes (Chastity), Pippin, Working (Socialite), Jesus Christ Superstar and Mame.  Maureen is privileged and very excited to be teaching ballet at Jody Phillips Dance Company.   Beth Johnson comes to us from Miller Marley.  She has taught and choreographed for over 20+ years and has taught Kristin Sudikis and Susie Gorman to name a few successes.   Beth has taught so many successful dancers that we are excited to bring them to us throughout the year.  She will be teaching our jazz on Monday’s along with Lindsay Phillips.  Lindsay performed in a Ballet Company, was chosen 5^th in the Nation in New York, received a dance scholarship from KU’s dance program, and was Captain of KU”s Dance Team where she helped lead the team to 2^nd in the Nation.  While in NY she assisted Steven Boyd and then assisted other top choreographers in Detroit. She currently is Executive Director and choreographer for TTN.  She also coaches a High School Dance Team, St. Teresa’s Academy.  She choreographs for HS, College, and dance schools and has won numerous awards for her choreography. Sara Zakeri performed for years in a ballet company along with several performing groups and has taught for years.  Sara was also a Chief Cheerleader and choreographed for numerous events.  She spent many summers studying dance in New York, L.A. and Pennsylvania.  She loves the kids and is looking forward to making a difference in your child’s life.  Micah Clement just got back from LA where he was training and performing with the hottest new hip hop groups.  He is ready to share his passion and new moves!  Don’t forget to tell the boys about our BAD class.  (Boy’s Athletic Dance)  It is going to be awesome!   He has won numerous awards and has performed around the country including Madrid, New York, Austin, L.A. and Canada.   He has studied from the best and has appeared in commercials, concerts, and music videos.  Erin Taylor comes to us as another UMKC Dance Major.  Erin grew up in a competitive studio and understands what it takes to have a great team.    She has won numerous awards for her performance ability and choreography.  Lexi Rosenbach grew up in a very technique, performance and competitive studio.  Lexi danced professionally in Branson and is currently a 2^nd Year Chief Cheerleader.  She has a gift of teaching and making a difference in kids.  Melissa Evans is back from her maternity leave.  She is excited to get back to teaching and we can’t wait for her to share her talent with us!  She will be teaching hip hop and jazz.  Melissa was an instructor for Five Star Productions.  Known for her “eye” for proper technique, outstanding choreography she has become one of the top hip hop instructors.  Kelly Slavin is our Stars Director.  She oversees are precious upcoming dancers and also is in charge of our Dancing Diva’s and is the backbone to our Stars!   Kelly is also our “Birthday Ballerina” and hosts the most wonderful fun filled birthday celebrations.   NatalieVick is back with her Funky Jazz on Wednesday’s.  There is always a waiting list for her!  She coaches a high school team, was a 3 year member of the Chief’s Cheerleader and also a member on the USO Chief Cheerleader performing tours.  In college she was a member of the Truman State Showgirls College Dance Team. Alyssa Hill is busy with our Stars, Tumbling, and Cheer Program and is looking forward to developing these programs.  She is fabulous with the kids!   Alyssa was on the Nebraska Cheer Team, KU Dance Team, and KU Cheer Team.  She is currently a 2^nd year Chief Cheerleader.   Sandy Sauer will be joining us in October to head up the competition Acro Team.  She was one of the top gymnasts and dancers at Eagles and we are so excited for her to share her time and talents with us.  Abby Norland will be starting a Musical Theatre Singing group on Sundays from 2-3:30PM.  Abby is an award winning vocalist, song writer, vocal coach and is on of the vocal Directors for TTN.  Credits:  Starred in “Sticks of Thunder,”  Toured the country with several bands, Winner of the Glenn Miller Competition, Performed with member of Rascal Flatts, Studied with the Royal Academy of Music, London.  We are so excited to have such a talented individual join JPDC!  Cara Knutson teaches voice and piano at JPDC.  Cara Knutson is one of the most talented voice and piano teachers and has been teaching and developing upcoming talent .   

Keep you eyes open …From Self Defense workshops, partnering with Brandon White, to some other exciting new things will be coming your way!!

We are also excited to bring in some amazing guest artists throughout the year!  There will be some fabulous opportunities!

3.       How long has your studio been in business?

JPDC has been in business for over 25 years.  Jody just celebrated her 20^th Anniversary in her Pittsburg studio, 10^th year in Prairie Village, and 4^th year in Overland Park.   Jody has been nominated twice for Small Business of the Year.  She was the Director of Dance for Diamond and also taught for Miller Marley and has studios in Colorado and Nebraska.

4.       Is JPDC well rounded? 

Yes! It is one of the top well rounded studios where they are strong in all facets of dance including voice and piano.  For both the recreational and competitive dancer, JPDC is the studio that fits both needs. 

5.       How can I be assured that my child will be challenged and progress in the class that you assign them to? 

I have never been so confident that we have the best staff this year and if your child does their part, I will guarantee they will be challenged, progress, and  reach their goals.  I will be asking each one to write down their goals.  I will also be coming into the classroom and monitoring progress.

Children do not become fabulous dancers or individuals overnight.   It is a continuous and consistent process and we are dedicated to accomplishing individual and team goals.

“Our mission is to instill the passion of the art of dance and teach the values of discipline, self-esteem, confidence, and respect.  By sharing our love for dance, we hope to encourage and develop your child’s full potential as a performer and as an individual.  At JPDC, we stress the “Rhythm of Excellence” in all aspects of life."