Outside the airy studio, the sounds of everyday life in Lihu‘e competed with a small boom box that pulsated its music. Students entered the studio lined with mirrors on one wall and the reflections, added dimension to the studio that
Outside the airy studio, the sounds of everyday life in Lihu‘e competed with a small boom box that pulsated its music.
Students entered the studio lined with mirrors on one wall and the reflections, added dimension to the studio that opened up to the world with its expanse of windows.
It was the class for the 9- to 11-year-old jazz/hip hop, returning following its winter break. That break started with a public performance during the Kukui Grove Shopping Center holiday entertainment schedule.
But when students returned to classes, they were greeted with new offerings created by Aloha Dance Studio instructor Tiffany Dodge.
Working a six-day week, there are now offerings for people as young as 4 years old through adults.
“We are a dedicated and qualified studio who take a personal interest in the training of all who want to enhance their lives with the joy of dancing,” states the studio’s Web site.
This personal touch is the unique mother-daughter combination between Tiffany and her mom Kathy, who runs the dance retail operation.
Additionally, a ballet/tap combination class for young dancers 5 to 8 years old, an introductory class to jazz/hip hop for youngsters 4 to 7 years old, a tap class for young dancers 11 to 13 years old, a ballet class for young dancers in the 11 to 13-year-old range and an adult class in beginning ballet are among Dodge’s offerings.
Dodge heads up the studio that offers classes in jazz, tap, hip hop, ballet, flamenco and pointe at their studio located just opposite The Home Depot in Lihu‘e.
As an added convenience, Tiffany’s mom Kathy down-sized a dance clothing and accessories store from their location in Seattle, Washington, to open in the same location as the studio.
This makes it convenient for dance students to pick up their dancewear without going around town.
“We just down-sized the operation and moved it here from Seattle,” Kathy said. “We have almost everything dancers need.”
This also includes hula dancers who Kathy said come in to pick up leotards to go along with their skirts.
Kathy is quick to note there are other places on the island who have offerings of dancewear, but are limited in what they have.
As an example, she said Marta’s Boat in Kapa‘a has some leotards and Wal-Mart has a few slippers and shoes for dancers.
A Web site for Dancewear Etc. promises the re-launching of its online store.
In the meantime, Kathy said they are open for schools, gymnastics, cheer and service employees on the island.
Dancewear Etc. offers a one-stop place to get dancewear, clothing and many of the supplies people need under one roof.
These supplies include books, dance socks, dance and garment bags, hair accessories, jewelry, legwarmers and workout and exercise supplies.
The store is open from Mondays through Fridays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This coincides with the various classes that go on in an adjacent room.
Classes are held from Mondays through Saturdays, usually starting from around 3 p.m.
For a more detailed schedule, people can visit the Aloha Dance Studio Web site at www.alohadancestudio.com, or call 245-1810 for more information.
The Dancewear Etc. phone number is 246-0567, or visit their Web site at www.Dancewearetc.com.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com
