Annette Ultimate Dance Studio
Melbourne, FL is the home to Annette's Ultimate Dance Studio, owned and operated by Annette Alvarez-Gutches. This studio is strategically located on the coast between Daytona and Ft. Lauderdale FL. "I felt like Melbourne was a beautiful place to live and work, and thought I had something to offer the community," states Annette.
Melbourne was also in need of a highly technical, professionally structured, and most importantly, an atmosphere that was fun for children of all ages. It didn't take long for students and parents alike to realize that Annette's Ultimate Dance was the place to dance in Brevard County, FL.
Ms. Annette's childhood aspirations to own and operate her own studio came to fruition when the owners of the dance studio she was managing in the southern Florida offered her the opportunity to purchase their studio as they were retiring. This was just the opportunity that Annette desired.
After being successful in southern Florida for 10 years, Annette decided since this area had become saturated with studios it was the appropriate time to sell this studio and relocate up the coast to Melbourne, FL.
Ms. Annette is not only a studio owner/instructor; she is one of the best mentors for teenage dancers in the state of Florida. Ms. Annette has a God-given talent when relating to the teenage dances and the crisis management that this age brings. She has a very professional manner combined with a strong knowledge of "how these dancers think!" When on combines these talents, Ms. Annette can extract the best out of many different types of dancers, under any circumstance that would happen appear.
Ms. Annette was asked what her greatest accomplishment has been so far. She promptly smiled and replied, "I am blessed that my dancers have been invited to multiple competition teams such as Power Pak and Dance Wave's team. I have kids win titles, scholarships and top scores. My first choreography award was very exciting for me. It is such a confidence booster for the students to do well and have their studio do well. I think my greatest accomplishment is just being able to do what I want everyday, teaching dance to my kids."
"Being asked to choreograph for MTV was very special and fun. They were so nice and great to work with! The name of the show is "Engaged." MTV called me and asked if I would choreograph the young couple's first dance. The one request the couple had for the dance was that there be a dip in it for Grandma. The producers and film crew came from New York the next day for the taping. While most of it was "reality," some parts were redone if the angle or effect was not to their liking. It was a very cool experience." Watch MTV for air times as this show is sure to be a success.
Currently Ms. Annette will continue teaching, mentoring and choreographing. Dancers travel from as far away as North Carolina for Annette to choreograph solos for the next competition season. She would enjoy more opportunities judging competitions stating, "It is great to see and encourage all the different dancers out there. If anything exciting should present itself, I would definitely be interesting in it!" says Annette.
Annette likes to switch up her studio's yearly dance competition schedule. She states, "I like the variety. I do StarPower every year though- they just make it so much fun and really make the parents understand it is about the art and not to get medal crazed. While we all want top scores, the kids need to know as long as they improve, they have done their best, and most of all had fun, whatever they earn is okay."
Ms. Annette is also a member of Florida Dance Masters and Dance Masters of America, chapter 2. "I think studios need to have qualified instructors teaching the students. It is so much harder to fix bad technique than to do it right the first time. Both of these organizations have high standards for their members, including testing in subjects that you teach. You also have to know anatomy, as they test you on that too. Seeing as how physical dance is, I think that is an important aspect. I hate seeing kids at competition or who come to me from studios that have been taught so obviously bad technique--it just breaks my heart." expresses Annette. One can feel the passion within Ms. Annette just by conversing with her about her dance career and students.
When you observe a young dancer, what do you look for?
Commitment, passion, drive, tolerance- dance is a tough sport. I don't think you can have any other hobbies and do well in dance. It is a full time commitment,
especially for the competitive dancer. Our recreational dancers are just having fun, they are getting the correct technique and enjoying class--what could be better?
In your opinion, what makes a
great dancer?
TRUE passion for the art! Talent helps.
Why is technique so important in your opinion, over just learning the routine?
Without technique it is just painful to watch. Dance should never be painful
to watch.
What CD is currently in your car?
A lot! Right now a mix one of my students made for me for my recital is actually in the CD player. To own and operate a dance studio is one thing. To own and operate a dance studio such as Annette's Ultimate Dance is more than any parent ask for when their daughter was"Born to Dance!"
Visit Annette's web site at http://www.ultimatedancer.com.