'Dance 'Til the Stars Come Down From the Rafters'

Agnes De Mille, twentieth-century American dance extraordinaire, is quoted as saying "to dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful"; that surplus of beauty and power has found a home right here in Montrose under the tender care of Julie Kay Stallcup.

Stallcup opened Honolulu Avenue's artistic haven, Revolution Dance Company, just over six years ago, and she is passionate about her two things: the art of dance and inspiring kids and teens. She strives to be a role model for students, and she encourages parents to be role models, as well; Stallcup frequently tells parents "if your kids are inspired, then you are doing something right; you need to get them inspired!"

That's just what RDC is doing: inspiring students everyday. RDC caters to 975 dancers in its remarkable program. With classes in tap, ballet, pointe, jazz, musical theatre, contemporary dance and cheerleading, everyone from 18 months to 81 years can find something at RDC to get passionate about.

One of RDC's strengths is its ballet program. Stallcup notes that "last summer we had nine of our ballet students audition for Joffrey American Ballet Company intensive program. All nine of the students that auditioned were accepted into this prestigious program." Although Stallcup is proud of her former ballet students, RDC does more than just churn out prima ballerinas and professional dancers;  Stallcup's goal is to provide a "recreational dance studio" that offers something for everyone. Some students follow a strict regimen of classes (up to 20 hours a week), while other students take class on a more recreational basis.

Stallcup's desire is to "build a strong, confident dance community," and she is committed to sharing her passion for dance with others in the area. RDC dancers regularly perform at local nursing homes, festivals, the Montrose Oktoberfest, and the Crescenta Valley Country Fair. Recently awarded the honor of "Glendale's Best" dance company, Stallcup feels "blessed and grateful" to have so many dedicated and committed dancers in her program. Her mission statement is "to develop each student to his or her fullest potential by nurturing them in a positive and loving atmosphere and instilling our love and passion for dance, while helping them learn to appreciate themselves and others as unique and amazing individuals."

The next big event for RDC is its musical theater performance of Big, The Musical (based on the Tom Hanks movie Big). Auditions for lead roles will be held April 15 from 2-5 p.m. at RDC. Children ages ten and up are invited to audition. Chorus roles (which do not require an audition) are also available. Rehearsals begin June 20th and culminate in four performances beginning July 28.

RDC is located at 2287 Honolulu Avenue and their phone number is 818-249-1100. Day and evening classes are available Monday through Saturday, and the studio is also available for rentals. Visit their website here.