Photo: KG – Julie Fallis gets lots of help from daughter Kennedy who is a student and an assistant at the dance studio
Like most people with a passion, Julie Fallis started early, inspired as a 7 year old watching Sammy Davis Jr. perform on the Lawrence Welk Show.
Yes, she is that old, even though she looks like she could be a student. She studied dance all through school and launched her own business at the age of 23 at the Goodlife Fitness Club on Chemong Road where she was also a fitness instructor. The manager at the time graciously allowed her to rent a squash court to deliver her first dance classes, at a “friends and family” rate of $1 per student. Within 3 months this attractive business proposition was no longer tenable, as enrollment in her classes had risen to 90 students! For more than 20 years, she operated her dance school in Peterborough, but in January she opened her doors at her new location at 1748 Syer Line just west of County Rd. 28.
With almost 30 different classes, Fallis offers a wide variety of dance styles and proficiency levels and welcomes dancers of all ages, from ages 2 and up. Her studio is located in a renovated barn with more than 2000 square feet of light-filled space with high ceilings, a new floor and many mirrors to allow students to see their progress.
Move N’ Groove is a well-established dance offering a variety of dance styles and for students of all ages and skill sets. Among the many types of dance the studio offers is Jazz, with its dazzling footwork, tap, primary ballet, hip-hop and more. For the younger crowd, there is Creative Expressions which allow 2 to 4 year olds to explore dance through creative play in a controlled environment. Despite that comprehensive list, Fallis is considering some new programs for the fall, including a toddler and a seniors program. Move ‘N Groove is also Competitive Level 1 Dance Studio offering competitive classes for experienced dancers who must demonstrate proficiency to join this group. For all MNG students, the season culminates with an extensive performance held on the big stage at Showplace in Peterborough, ensuring everyone can bring their admirers to witness their development over the year.
With a full calendar of such varied classes, Fallis spends a lot of her day time planning the activities and objectives for each group. During classes she is ably assisted by daughter Kennedy, herself an experienced dancer, and as well as other experienced students and graduates from her programs. All instructors are trained and experienced in each style of dance they teach and embrace the philosophy of respect and personal development. It may be a dance studio, but in the process of learning how to use their bodies to express themselves, students are also building confidence and learning to be kind and supportive to their classmates, and acquiring self-discipline and motivation to reach their goals.
While dancing in the studio is fun, but to be fun for everyone, there are rules- no drama allowed! Fallis works diligently to develop and maintain an atmosphere of respect, with a zero tolerance for any behaviour that approaches bullying, inside her studio or amongst her students. With hormones raging and self-esteem flagging, the female students are taking physical and emotional risks in learning the athletic skills and interpretive moves to achieve a level of performance that meets their expectations, which can be quite unrealistic at times. Fallis says one of her biggest challenges is managing student (and parent?) expectations about what a student can achieve. “Reality” talent shows and youtube video sensations can lead to unrealistic expectations, and there is very little instant gratification in the world of dance.
This summer, Fallis is offering two summer dance camps for ages students aged 11 to 15. The program is a full day experience and includes other activities including swimming to keep the participants moving. For more information about the programs offered at this studio, visit the studio’s facebook page or contact Julie Fallis at 705-768-8428. KG
