25 Years and Growing: Wilton Dance Studio Celebrates

Wilton Dance Studio Celebrates 25 Years With Thoughts From Its Founder and Sunday Shows

What makes a dance studio become a family? Based on what past and current students say, Wilton Dance Studio has a special place in dancers' lives. In this post, we hear from its founder, Brenda Froehlich (a Wilton native), on favorite memories and the happy future of the studio. Don't miss their Spring Shows on Sunday At 1 pm and 4:30 pm. Here's what Brenda had to say.

Why did you start the studio 25 years ago?

Brenda: I've known since I was a young teenager that I wanted to be a teach dance.  I started out teaching for another school moving through the ranks of novice teacher to Ballet Division Director.  I briefly left teaching to start my own family but in 1989 my husband, Mark Froehlich, gave me the encouragement and support I needed to go out on my own.  Being a dance teacher is not the easiest or the most glamorous job in the world. It is also not the one with the highest pay or the most consistent rewards. But there are many reasons to rejoice that I chose this field so many years ago.  I love the artistic expression and creativity my job demands. I know of no other job that would require me to be creative every moment of every single day, even when I do not want to be! I get to design the classes that I teach, create choreography, choose costumes, props and music, write newsletters...oh, the list goes on!  Every day I have the opportunity to touch a child's life in a positive way.  I can think of no better job than this!

Why do you think dance continues to resonate so much with young children, tweens and teens?

A dance studio like ours embraces each student's individuality.  We recognize that there are many different learning styles and types. Dance innately reaches a large portion of the population by utilizing components from each of these seven learning styles:

What has changed the most over those years?

Technology! It's amazing that you can think of a song you need and presto - it's downloaded on your ipod ready to use in your class.  What has changed for the worse are the stresses and pressures that so many of teenagers are under these days.

What has not changed at all?

My desire to provide a quality dance education in a safe and nurturing environment as well as my enjoyment of working with young children.

Why does dance continues to resonate so much with young children, tweens and teens?

A dance studio like ours embraces each student's individuality.  We recognize that there are many different learning styles and types. Dance innately reaches a large portion of the population by utilizing components from every learning style.

Also, dance is just plain fun!  Where else can children be themselves, express themselves and their emotions without the risk of ridicule.  It's a place where they can come and feel safe and forget about the outside world and all its pressures.  It's a place where they can do a leap on a stage and feel completely free!

What do you see as the future of the studio?

I see the school continuing to grow with the changing tastes in dance techniques and styles, while remaining true to our roots of providing a high quality ballet foundation.  We are a strong neighborhood school that offers classes for both recreational students (kids that take one class a week) and for the serious student looking for a career in dance. 

What is a favorite memory for you? 

Brenda: Too many to count--the experience one mom shared with me of her severely learning challenged student who after taking dance for six months showed a remarkable improvement in her cognitive abilities. Yeah!

As a mom,  I have to share the memory of watching my daughter during a dress rehearsal one year practicing by herself in the wings because she had strep and wasn't past the 24 hour mark for being on antibiotics. 

But of course also seeing many of the dancers that have passed through the studio doors go onto become lawyers, doctors, models, professional dancers, mothers, actors and so many more.  But most of all watching them become successful and confident adults.

 Also, learning one of our former students was the youngest American recruited by The Bolshoi Ballet in Russia.  We meet so many wonderful families.

The Wilton Dance Studio Spring performances will be on Sunday, June 8, 2014 at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at Wilton High School’s Clune Performing Arts Center. To buy tickets, call 203-544-9007 and leave a message or order at www.wiltondance.com. Tickets are also available at the door on the day of the show.