History, Schedule, & Rates
We Are Open for Adult Classes Year -Round
JAZZ- BALLET-JAZZ/FUNK-POINTE
HISTORY
SINCE 1973 BACKSTAGE DANCE STUDIO has been one of the most highly respected studios for adult professional training in the southwest, and January 2015 marks our 42nd year in business. Our staff is adult working or retired dancers and/or local, national, and international choreographers. This brings a wealth of solid training varying from nationally recognized ballet and modern companies, theatre, movies, and television, to Las Vegas-style variety shows.
Guest teachers have included Emmy winners Michael Darrin & Michael Peters, Tony winners Ron Lewis & Chet Walker, "So you think you can Dance" choreographers Napoleon & Tabitha, dancer/choreographer Nick Navarro from Academy Award-winning movies "West Side Story" & "My Fair Lady," Star Search Grand Champions John Crutchman & Allan Sherfield, & choreographers to Liza Minelli, Michael Jackson, Cher, Debbie Reynolds, Joel Grey, Juliet Prowse, Paula Abdul, and Gladys Knight.
Our instructors varied training has included The Royal Ballet School, Italia Conti Stage School, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, and The Dance Theatre of Harlem. Their credits have include dancing backup for Celine Dion, Destinys Child, The Cheetah Girls, Mariah Carey, Juliet Prowse, Christine W, Ann Margaret, MC Hammer, James Brown, Brandy, Frank Sinatra, New Kids on the Block, Donna Summer, Kenny G, Spyro Gyro, and Toni Braxton. There are also past line captains for Siegfried and Roy and a top 16 placer on the first season of "So You Think You Can Dance," as well as choreographers for Cirque du Soleil, Disney, IBM, Nike, and Las Vegas' annual MAGIC Conventions.
OWNERS
JOAN PALETHORPE
JOAN PALETHORPE was initially trained at The Royal Ballet School in London. She performed in the West End of London and also on television and film. She came to the United States to dance for the legendary choreographer Ron Lewis. In 1979 Joan began choreographing shows at major resorts in Las Vegas, Reno, Tahoe, New York, Miami Beach, and Carnival Cruise Lines. In 1992 she had the privilege of choreographing several numbers for the incomparable Liza Minelli. Joan also was the first female in 50 years to choreograph the "Lido" in Paris. She continues to choreograph the Finale for our Annual Concert at the Horn Theater, College of Southern Nevada.
STEVE BECKER
STEVE BECKER his first audition brought him from his training in LA to Las Vegas to perform in the renowned "Casino de Paris." In 1979, Steve became assistant choreographer to Joan Palethorpe, learning many aspects of cabaret theatre.
He worked as company manager for two Las Vegas-style revues and became a co-owner and director of "Backstage" in 1984.
ELISE VALLEE
Manager, teacher, friend, 1925-2007, will be remembered as the heart and soul of the original Backstage Adult Studio
INSTRUCTORS
Missy Cochran
Choreographer of special events, industrials, conventions, and dance numbers for Las Vegas shows. Providing Entertainment services such a choreography, dancers, models, and talent for casino marketing events and corporate trade shows
Angelo Moio
Choreographer and master teacher and judge on national convention circuits. Angelo performed and taught in Spain and Southeast Asia, spending two years as a resident choreographer for a television station in Hong Kong. He has danced as a backup dancer for Juliet Prowse and Ann Margret and as a dance captain and performer at Legends in Concert and Siegfried and Roy.
Heather Victorson
From the Royal Ballet and former Las Vegas principal dancer. Heather had all her youth schooling and training at the Royal Ballet School in London and went on to become a member of the world-renowned Royal Ballet Company. Upon coming to Las Vegas, she became a principal dancer in many of the famous Fredric Apcar production shows. Heather teaches all Ballet levels from child Beginning thru Advanced Point.
Heather Nelson
Heather Nelson was born and raised in South Africa and was trained in the Royal Academy of Dance ballet method. She danced professionally for 20 years prior to moving to the USA. Here Heather became a certified Pilates instructor (BASI) and has taught ballet at all levels for 15 years. She teaches Advanced Pointe III.
SCHEDULE
We are open year round for Adult Classes
| Mon. | 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM | Jazz Funk | Missy Cochran |
| Tues. | 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Beg.- Int. Jazz | Angelo Moio |
| 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Int. Ballet | Heather Nelson | |
| Thurs. | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Int. Tap | Jolli Neal |
| 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Beg.- Int. Jazz | Angelo Moio | |
| Sat. | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM | Beg. - Int. Ballet | Heather Victorson |
| Sun. | 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM | Beg.- Int. Jazz | Angelo Moio |
| Thurs. | 6:00-PM-7:30 PM | Int. Ballet | Heather Victorson |
Beg. = Beginning Int. = Intermediate Adv. = Advanced
RATES
| SingleClass | $13.00 cash/check $13.50 credit/debit | |
| Jazz Warm up or Ballet Barre | $10.00 cash/check $10.50 credit/debit | |
| Sat. Ballet with Pointe after | $20.00 cash/check | |
| Tap | $10.00 cash/check paid directly to the instructor | |
| 4 Class Coupons ( $12.50 per class ) | $50.00 cash/check/credit/debit | |
| 8 Class Coupons ( $12.50 per class ) | $100.00 cash/check/credit/debit | |
| 12 Class Coupons ( = 1 FREE class ) | $143.00 cash/check/credit/debit | |
| 20 Class Coupons ( = 2 FREE classes ) | $234.00 cash/check/credit/debit | |
| Coupons have NO Expiration | ||
| Bounced Check Fee | $15.00 | |
BUSINESS HOURS
Mon: 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Tue: 10:45 AM - 11:15 AM, 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Wed: 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Thu: 10:45 AM - 12:45 PM, 3:30 PM - 7:45 PM
Fri: 4:00 PM - 7:45 PM
Sat: 10:30 AM- 2:30 PM
Sun: 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM (This Is Only During a Class Sign-in)
