My 8 year old daughter Camille took Youth Hip Hop. I was immediately impressed with the dance moves and steps she brought home with her, but was completely blown away by her recital and the quality of the program and production. As a former Producing Artistic Director for two professional theaters, a former member of AEA, SAG, and AFTRA, in my current role as the Director of the Virginia Film Festival, and as a Dad I have sat through numerous dance recitals that were ill-conceived, undisciplined, with little or no sound and lighting design, and seemingly endless. We go and sit through them because we love our children, want to support them, and believe that dance is a good experience for them. Lea’s Dance Explosion Recital was the exception. All of the dances were excellent, the show was beautifully lit, the sound was crisp, the costumes were smart, and the whole recital ran like a Swiss watch. I left the auditorium with the knowledge that my daughter had received excellent dance and performance training, had been in a quality production, and had fun. By the way, it was truly fun for me as well.
~Jody Kielbasa, Parent and Director of the VA Film Festival
I cannot say enough about Lea Moore’s ability as a dancer and dance instructor! My eight-year-old daughter has taken ballet, jazz and tap classes for the past couple years and my five-year-old started dancing Spring 2010. What amazes me about Lea is that she is able to teach solid skills in a kid-friendly way. I love that she teaches “dance etiquette” in each class. It is not to take away from having fun, but to teach each student the important life skill of respecting others even in a creative environment. Both my girls have learned a lot and have become fond of Lea. She truly cares about her students, wants them to gain a love of dancing and encourages them to give it their all. My daughter quoted something from Lea’s studio yesterday unexpectedly… ”Life’s not about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” I am thankful that she is learning this lesson as well.
~Christine Lazorishak, Parent
My 9 year old daughter Gracyn thoroughly enjoyed youth hip hop. As a parent of a young girl, it is so important to us that she participate in activities that allow her to feel confident, poised and strong while having fun and this class did all of that. All young girls need to find an activity that allows them to become who they want to be, have fun and let their spirits shine. You have truly given Gracyn that outlet.
~Lisa Goldstein, Parent
I was the director and producer of entertainment for the Ronald McDonald gala fundraiser and contracted with professional dance company. Lea Moore and her company were nothing short of spectacular. From the very beginning, Lea was thoroughly professional, always punctual, completely reliable and wonderful in translating any request I made to performance reality. I believe our event was defined by the dancers performances. My signature statement when working on charity events is to transform the typical event from mundane to visual theater, and Lea’s company made that vision happen on the precise level that I was looking for. The evening was magical, thrilling and memorable all because of the dancers. I look forward to another opportunity to work with Lea and her company again and would highly recommend them to any event planner or charitable organization if they are looking for high standard performance.
~Jane Scatena, AEA/SAG
My 4 year old son Carlos thoroughly enjoys himself in the Pre-ballet and Tap class! Thank you for providing such a rewarding experience! Lea’s classes are packed full with developmental skills and challenges! As a former teacher, I commend her instruction and organization. Lea commands the class with respect, structure, FUN and technique. It has been a true delight to see Carlos grow in confidence and skill! She has really brought out his “inner Chris Brown”. He is no longer shy when it comes to dancing in front of people and my family loves it!! One day he even busted out some tap moves in Whole Foods! Thanks to Lea for inspiring Carlos and teaching him!!
~Nedra Fleming, Parent
As an intern and a student with Lea, I received such valuable instruction and guidance. Her knowledge, experience, and vision allow her to inspire and improve all of her students and staff. It was refreshing to be in a studio where the director insists on teaching her students proper ballet technique. Lea’s instruction strengthens your technique to improve performance in any genre. I loved that I could go to class and know I would receive personal corrections and instruction on how to improve. Lea and her staff have wonderful teaching abilities and inspire their students every class. The atmosphere they create allows everyone to feel comfortable as the teachers connect with each student, no matter their age. I am forever grateful for the influence Lea has had on both my dancing and teaching careers.
~Martha Baldwin
I have had the pleasure of including performances by the CPAS dance company in our Friday’s After 5 concert series several times over the course of the last few seasons. Friday’s After 5 runs on an extremely tight schedule and it is imperative that all performances, especially short dance skits in between our sets of live music, be well-rehearsed, tastefully presented and professionally coordinated in advance. I have found that Lea Moore and her colleagues cover all those bases very well. Moreover, their dance numbers are truly compelling and exciting to watch. They always captivate the audience and garner well-deserved attention and applause. The addition of their performances to our Friday’s After 5 concerts truly adds “something extra” to our events at the Charlottesville Pavilion.
~Chris Bowman
Production Manager, Charlottesville Pavilion
“At half time for one our home girls Basketball games, both the Albemarle fans and those of our visiting team enjoyed the exciting performances of the dance company! Every one of all ages loved the upbeat music and marveled at the talent these performers brought to the floor. Thank you for putting a captivating smile on the face of everyone sitting in the stands. It was fantastic!”
~Deb Tyson
Athletic Director
Albemarle High School
“I continually find myself referencing and rediscovering the things I learned in Lea’s classes. She was always able to push me to explore both emotional and physical realms in my dancing; these ideas carry over into every form and aspect of the art. Her classes complemented my classical ballet training in their attention to correct alignment and technique, while also providing me with new skills and ways of conceptualizing movement. Under Lea’s encouraging and perceptive guidance I discovered many of the reasons I am dancing and performing today. She is a truly gifted teacher and artist.”
~Stephanie Oakes, Former Student
MFA, New York Univeristy
“Lea Moore is a complete package – dancer, choreographer, and instructor! As a former student and fellow instructor, I appreciate not only the dance technique I learned from her, but also the teaching technique. The encouragement she gave me as an adult student still spurs me on to try different dance forms every chance I get. Lea relates well to children and adults of all dance ability, even in mixed age- and ability-level classes. Her integrity is evident in her physically sound and age appropriate classes and choreography. She teaches dance AND respect for self and others.”
~Denise Ridley, Instructor
Eastern Virginia School for the Performing Arts (EVSPA), Williamsburg VA
“Ms. Lea to me was the one dance teacher I learned the most from. Not only did she teach me new steps but she also taught me how to have fun while doing them. Because of her I put more emotions into the dances. Out of all the classes I really enjoyed coming to hers the most because she made them the most fun.”
~Katie Bontranger, Former Student
“In my youth, I took more dance classes from her than any teacher. All of her students loved her and she always demanded the best from us, challenged us, made dancing fun, was an excellent choreographer, and most of all she cared about us. Lea is her devoted to her students and her students were to her. No other dance teacher I have had since has compared. I not only grew as a dancer under her instruction, but I also grew as a person. Lea has had a big impact on my life. She exemplifies the kind of teacher I want to be. The life skills I have learned from dance and from Lea’s instruction have helped make me into the person I am today. My hopes are that this testimonial will convey the caliber of person Lea is, her devotion to her students, and her love of dance. I am in full support of her efforts to bring the next level of dance to the Charlottesville area. It will not doubt be an invaluable service to the community and its people.”
~Emily Clark, Former Student
Sports Information Director, Hillsdale College
