Shine Bright Dance Studio hosts dance instructors

Shine Bright Dance Studio recently hosted Journey Dance Connection as a highlight of its Journey Across America tour.

The event was an opportunity for Shine Bright owners Rachil Baird and Haley Ervin to provide a dance intensive to over 40 local dancers, ranging from age 4-18, at the new Big Prairie location.

This event was one of 14 stops across 26 states for Journey Dance Connection, led by Jesse Kohn, a dancer, choreographer and instructor from New Jersey who is currently pursuing his dance degree at Chapman University in Southern California. He is the founder of Journey Dance Connection, a company dedicated to connecting artists with each other, mentors, and opportunities through classes, showcases and seminars.

Kohn’s career includes collaborations with renowned choreographers, a performance in the off-Broadway production of “Over the Rainbow” and numerous other events. His teaching philosophy, inspired by his own dance journey, focuses on providing the classes he wished he had as a student. This approach has taken him across the United States.

At the Shine Bright Dance Studio Journey Across America intensive, Kohn taught contemporary dance and a nutrition class to older students. He was accompanied by a team of instructors: David Burn for jazz, Kamryn Funk for hip-hop and ballroom, Kate Constantini for jazz and contemporary fusion, and Burn for lyrical. Additionally, videographer Cade Lehl documented the event.

“Working with SBDS was such a joy,” Kohn said. “Every instructor made such strong connections with the students, and the energy from the students was amazing. The space at SBDS is truly top of the line, and the studio owners, Rachil and Haley, run such a smooth operation. There is a true family atmosphere, and we enjoyed stopping as part of our Journey.”

Shine Bright Dance Studio students participated in each dance session throughout the day, learning new techniques.

“We absolutely loved having Journey travel to our studio for our very first in-house intensive. Every instructor was knowledgeable, creative and inspiring,” Baird said. “The day ran as smoothly as it possibly could. Our students and staff enjoyed the day with the Journey staff, (and) we hope we can have them join us again.”

The intensive concluded with the awarding of scholarships to three SBDS students: Wren McFarland, Emillee Estill and Chloe Crider, recognizing their exemplary performance throughout the event.

To learn more about Shine Bright Dance Studio, visit www.shinebright.dance.