TJ Dance began in 1984. Jayne was instructing aerobics classes at the time with a dear friend Terry Foster. They went by the name "TJ Goodbody" Ahh haa The answer to the most ask question "Where does the "T" come from in TJ Dance?" Aerobics was fun, but Jayne REALLY missed dancing! Glen & Jeri Kuntz had a space in their "tanning salon" below "Alices" (for you ol' locals) and encouraged Jayne to give teaching dance classes a try. She started in March of 84 with 2 classes and all 14 students put on their first recital at Cherry Valley Elementary in June - just 2 months after they started. All the costumes were hand made (bulk material bought by Jayne spread out all over the dance floor for the "cut out the pattern" party!). All the music was recorded off albums onto a cassette tape. The lights consisted of a few spot lights the school found in the music storage room and Jayne filled with bulbs. Since we only had a few dances learned by then, we filled in our show with with Tae Kwon Do Demos, "impromptu" Break Dancing featuring Jayne's adorable boys Justin & Jesse, and even an Aerobic Class Demo! The chairs for the audience were set up by friends and we even offered free cake and coffee to encourage people to come watch our show!
In 1989, Peg became a wonderful addition to TJ Dance. She had been an audience member for several years watching her daughter Heather dance, but found herself squirming in her seat - itching to help and to dance! She offered her ballet expertise which was much needed at TJ Dance.
We've come a LONG way since 1984. We've made so many changes. We have two studios now and some wonderful teachers! TJ Dance became an LLC in 2003 and had over 250 dancers in our 2005 shows (6 shows!) The shows are an incredible demonstration of community teamwork and participation with hundreds of volunteers that make them actually happen! And have I mentioned? We do have the BEST shows around!
We stay active in the community, supporting the schools and many local fundraisers. We The teachers at TJ Dance try to stay current and always learning by attending workshops and classes. The Seattle area has become a "hub" for dancers. We have been treated to some of the greatest teachers and performers here in the Pacific NorthWest. The Seattle area is truly "RICH" in dance knowledge and resources! A special thanks to Johnson and Peters for making much of that happen! We know our lease will be up this year in the building we are currently using. We hope someday to have our own space because we're here for the "long run"! We love to dance! We love to teach dance! We truly LOVE what we do!
And a bit about our teachers this year:
Jayne
Jayne began taking dance classes in Youngstown, Ohio in 1959 at almost 3. Her Aunt Flo opened a small studio and had been training in the "Al Gilbert" method of teaching Tap Dance (Al is still the "voice" of tap at TJ Dance) Then came the early 60s and most of Jayne's family moved to the San Fernando Valley in California. Aunt Flo opened another studio so Jayne's dance training hardly missed a beat! Throughout her many years of dancing, Jayne was lucky enough to dance with Al Gilbert, Luigi and other local teachers that became legends (in Hollywood). Debbie Reynolds would often stop by and observe classes looking for local talent for her "Debbie Reynolds Show". In the mid 60s, Jayne often attended the summer workshops known as "Dance Caravan" with teachers Betty & Danny Hoctor, Mallory Graham and Kit Andree. Luigi often taught at the "Caravans" also. "It was so fun to spend the day in a huge ballroom full of dancers, changing teachers and dance styles every hour. During our lunch breaks, we would walk the Santa Monica Pier and love being on our own at the beach!" Jayne remembers. After high school, Jayne attended two colleges and soon after became a wife and mother. By the time Jayne's second son was born, Jayne REALLY started to miss dancing! In 1984 she got out her old "Al Gilbert Tap Exercise" LPs and her Luigi Warm Up album and started practicing on the porch! A dance studio was in the making!
Jayne has been so lucky to continue learning with so many "GREATS"... The classic hoofers! Brenda Buffalino, Arthur Duncan (from Lawrence Welk) Jerry Aimes, Sam Webber, Cholly Atlins (a Motown Choreographer) Lynn Daley, Diane Walker (from the movie "TAP") Savion Glover (remember when he was on Sesame Street?) and even Gregory Hines, who Jayne still quotes to all the boys and men interested in dance, but hesitant to give it a try - Gregory always said "Its the place to meet all the girls! You will be surrounded by them!" Jayne credits "Johnson and Peters", a Dancing Duo that have their own studio in Seattle (originally with Shirley Jenkins on Capitol Hill) for regenerating and energizing TAP in the Northwest!
Jayne is truly thankful that she has had such wonderful family support over the years, as well as friends and the community. TJ Dance has always had one main goal. "To instill a love of dance in every dancer". When former students return or bring their kids back to our studio to dance, Jayne feels we've done our job. At TJ Dance - It matters less how "well" you dance and more how much you "love" to dance! We work endlessly on technique, but each dancer has their own style and each dancer has their own level of "natural ability". Jayne also believes in keeping dancers strong and flexible because she truly believes that strength is grace! "Dance" expresses what we are from the inside - out. Our energy, our body's rhythms, our emotions - It's all a part of us and of "dance"!
Peggy
Thanks to her Mom, Lorraine, Peg began dancing at age 3 with Rosemary's Academy of Ballet in Richland, Wa. She studied ballet, character and later pointe until the age of 15. She also attended summer classes at The Novikov Ballet School and Lois Rathvons Dance Studio. In high school, Peg used her dance training in cheer, drill, and the gymnastics team. In the summer between her Jr. & Sr. year, Peg taught dance to Head Start Preschoolers. Peg moved to Seattle in 1969 and while attending the University of Washington, took ballet classes with Hannah Wiley (classes were at 7:30AM!) She then took a few years off from dance training to raise a family.
Music and Dance were always, and continue to be, a big presence in her home.
Peg joined Jayne at TJ Dance in 1989 to teach a few ballet classes and to learn tap dancing from Jayne. The rest is history! Jayne & Peg are "TJ Dance"! Peg continues to study dance by taking class in ballet at Pacific Northwest Ballet School Eastside, jazz classes and tap workshops locally.
Peg believes in teaching the love of dance and learning an appreciation for classical music, along with the fundamentals. Dancing should be a joy!
Carolyn
Carolyn teaches the Stability Ball classes at TJ Dance, helping students develop core strength, balance, flexibility, good posture and improved efficiency in movement, while also taking advantage of the fun inherent in working with balls.
Growing up in San Francisco, Carolyn studied ballroom dance and folk dance at Knight Studios. She studied Rhythmic Gymnastics in High School and at San Francisco State College. After moving to Duvall in 1977, she discovered Jayne's aerobics classes becoming both a regular student and a substitute instructor.
Attending one of TJ Dance's first recitals (in the multipurpose room at Cherry Valley Elementary) rekindled Carolyn's childhood desire to learn to tap dance. She urged Jayne to start a tap class for adults, recruiting 5 adult students willing to commit to attending weekly classes. Jayne wasn't sure the idea would work, but she graciously agreed to give it a try. From that humble beginning, adult classes have grown to be among the most popular activities at TJ Dance, offering a wide range in levels of tap, jazz and hip hop styles. Carolyn continues to enjoy many Tap, Jazz and Belly Dance Classes weekly. She's also discovered that hip hop is harder than it looks!
Carolyn studied Stability Ball with Alice Lockridges Pro-Fit instructor training program and with dancer/choreographer Mark Kane. Marks suite of dances choreographed for the ball inspired Carolyn to offer her students the opportunity to perform in the annual TJ Dance recitals. The performance piece is optional; exercise is the primary focus of the Stability Ball classes. But the "dance" gives the students a chance to indulge in a bit of playfulness and to exercise their brains as well as their bodies.
TJ Dance adds... Carolyn has been our supporter, our PR person, and our friend for many years! We feel blessed to have her as a part of TJ Dance! She keeps us "in tune" with what's happening in the rest of the "dance" world. She is the driving force of "Summer Stage" and has brought us many wonderful "Performing Arts Seasons" here in Duvall. She and Alan manage to pull off tickets and programs every year and Alan has become a pro on the lightboard! They are vital to TJ Dance!
Jamie
At a very young age, Jamie knew she wanted to dance. At the age of 3, her Mother, Bonnie, enrolled her in a dance class at Gloria Hudsons School of Dance in Kirkland. After watching Jamies best friend dance in the first TJ Dance recital, Bonnie decided she wanted Jamie to take classes at TJ Dance because the recital was so cute with that "home town" feeling. Jamie started taking tap and jazz classes with Jayne. Then a few years later she also started taking ballet classes with Peg. By the age of 13, Jamie became Jayne's "teacher's assistant" and at 18 started teaching her own classes. Jamie has been with TJ Dance now for 19 years. She was a member of TJ Tap Troupe during High School and performed with them at many competitions, including a National Dance Competition in Las Vegas, NV. She was also awarded a scholarship from TJ Dance to take summer classes at Washington Academy of Performing Arts in Redmond. Jamie has attended a number of classes & workshops (many of them with Jayne) taught by some of the greats such as Gregory Hines, Savion Glover, Arthur Duncan, Brenda Buffalino, & Al Gilbert.
Jamie truly enjoys teaching and sharing her love of dance with all of her students. She's also thankful for Jayne & Peg for sharing their love of dance with her. Jamie also believes that dance class should not only be a place where you learn technique & routines, but a place where you can let loose had have fun.
TJ Dance adds... We are so proud of Jamie. She was always the "Shirley Temple" at the studio but wouldn't show off enough to let herself shine! Now at recital time, we see the more playful and provocative Jamie we know has been hiding - not wanting to stand out - but always being quick to learn and masterful at performing!
Kara
Kara grew up in Duvall and has spent most of her life dancing. At age 5, she joined TJ Dance. She learned tap, bits of ballet, jazz, and hip-hop, as well as a love and passion for dancing. She was a member of Cedarcrest's first dance team and got to teach Junior Tap Troupe as part of her senior project. After high school, Kara went to PLU, where she was excited to learn about the school's annual dance show! She auditioned her first year and performed in three pieces. Over the next three years, Kara became more and more involved with PLU's Dance Ensemble. She choreographed two years (big new step!) and participated in half of the show's numbers her senior year! (that's while trying to write her senior thesis!!) She also was a member of PLU's Dance Team for two years and she even took a ballroom class. Spending a term studying abroad in London has also made Kara bolder and more confident in herself, something she hopes she can share and inspire in her students. Kara graduated from PLU in May 2007 and is excited to join TJ Dance and keep on dancing! She can't wait to get her ideas out!
TJ Dance adds: Kara brings a true passion of dance to the studio! The studio is a place she always felt was a second home! She brings energy and excitment and no dancer is immuned to her love of dance - and trust me - you'll catch her enthusiasm just by being in her class... Her love of dance shines from her inside out as she begins to teach! Let's not forget to mention her skill and talent!We are really excited to have Kara with us this year!!!
Aariel
I've been dancing with TJ dance since I was old enough to join. Never missing a year in between. I went to Riverview school district and then graduated from Cedarcrest High school in 2006 and am now working at a hotel in Monroe. I've taken a couple summer workshops at Cornish (Thanks to Jayne and Peggy) and learned a little bit of Hip hop but mostly Modern dancing techniques. I'm really excited to be trying out a new class, Art & Movement, where I can blend the art of figure drawing with the art of moving your body. I absolutely love music and can't help but see movement in my head when I listen to something that really speaks to me and I love teaching.
TJ Dance adds: Aariel is the "star" of Jayne's imfamous story about the little girl that only watched class (much to her mother's dismay!) with a pleasant smile on her face - and a stern refusal when Mom would beg her to "give it just one try". Suddenly, after 3 months - she stood up - jumped up - and joined us - having learned every step through obsevation! She never missed a beat! Here class this year is a new and wonderful experience for all of us. She is not only a beautiful dancer - but an excellent artist. She is now mixing the two with great success and interest from her teen dancers!
Nyree
Nyree was born in Baghdad of Armenian parents. She was exposed to Arabic music and dance all of her life from all areas of the Middle East. As soon as she could walk, Nyree was dancing in all styles of the region, not just "belly dancing". However, her favorite has always been the Egyptian style of music and dancing.
Nyree immigrated to the United States when she was 15. At age 19 she decided to take a class in belly dancing from an American teacher. She enjoyed the class but realized she could teach a more authentic representation of "Belly Dance" and hopefully create an appreciation for "True Middle Eastern Dance"! Soon Nyree was dancing professionally and teaching. She also continued to take classes herself from the masters of bellydance. One of her favorite memories is teaching "belly fitness" classes at a "Women Only" health club in California. She also organized and taught her own community workshops.
Nyree believes that every woman, regardless of age, body shape or size, can do this form of dancing. It is an ancient dance form that is safe as long as one "listens" to her body and never tries to do anything that doesn't feel good. She stresses fun and feeling for the music in her classes rather than technique. Her greatest reward is seeing her dancers have a breakthrough in their self-expression, allowing the music to move their bodies free of concerns about "doing it right."
Nyree believes that we are all students and teachers. She continues to take classes herself and learns from every dancer she encounters. Her classes provide the safe, non-judgemental environment necessary for students to be "open" to learning this beautiful cultural artform.
For this year, Nyree plans to dedicate at least 50% of her class time on "belly fitness" especially in the beginning of the year. As we get closer the recital time, we will increase the time we spend on learning our dance routine(s). Ladies, whether your goal is to get in shape, stay in shape, have fun, or have a breakthrough in your self expression, this class is for you!
Hilary - is off to college this year! We wish her the VERY best and we'll miss her! Maybe someday she come back and teach for us! Margie T
Margie has been Jayne's friend since Jayne first moved to Duvall almost 25 years ago! She's been a part of TJ dance for over 15 years because her daughter Cassie has danced with Jayne since she was 3. She and her husband Mike have always been there to help with moving the studio (have we really ever counted our number of locations?) - building dance floors - tearing down and building up walls - painting - even hanging signs! Margie has always kept track of tickets at recital time. About 5 or 6 years ago, Jayne and Peg asked for her help with the "book work". Do you really think she knew what she was taking on? This year we asked her to come on board as "Studio Manager"... She has agreed - but she also knows it's a task that is going to take some time getting used to. Our studio was once described by a journalist as "organized chaos" - Margie is used to working in her own quiet office - so imagine the culture shock she experiences each time she sits in the studio office trying to get things done :-) But we'd like her there for all of you - available to answer questions and take care of things that we're only getting done half way because our classes take the majority of our time and energy! We are very glad to have her! If you see her in the office - please welcome her! She's going to need all the encouragement we can offer and many "friendly faces"! Thanks for joining our team Margie!
Keep an eye on this site - new postings for new teachers coming soon!
