TEAMWORK
Photos by Philip Marruffo/Sterling-Rock Falls Living
“I put all my eggs into the Sterling-Rock Falls basket, so to speak,” she said, “and I’ve never looked back.” The academy offers two types of classes at a cost of $32 a month. Recreational classes are for beginning dancers or students who want to learn more about dancing for fun and entertainment. Lessons are offered by age and dance type. Classes culminate with a spring recital at the Sterling High School Centennial Auditorium, complete with all genres of music, costumes, make-up and props. Competition classes are for more serious dancers and involve ballet and technique class along with regularly scheduled classes. The advanced competition dancers compete twice each year, usually at the Adler Theater in Davenport, Iowa, as well as performing at the recital.
GREAT SERVICE
Last year’s competition was particularly rewarding: Cassie’s Dance Academy took nine Platinum Awards – the highest scoring medal a performance can receive. Foster has also been the recipient of “Best Choreography” on several occasions. “Cassie is an incredible choreographer at all age levels,” observed Nikki Gebhardt, whose daughter, Macie, 10, has been dancing at Cassie’s Dance Academy for 8 years. “She develops a friendship with the girls and welcomes their suggestion in her choreography, which in turn gives them a sense of pride, knowing they helped develop that dance routine.” Beyond the benefits of strength, flexibility, balance and coordination from dance, Foster believes dance enriches children’s lives in other ways. Self-confidence and teamwork are two life lessons that she fosters in all students.
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