|
 Chris
Collins grew up in Alexandria, VA and
started tapping at age five. He and his brothers performed together throughout
the Washington, DC area and in Atlantic City, NJ. At age eight, he was a
featured soloist at his dance studio. By age 13 he was a teaching assistant and
he has not had a day off since!
Chris was certified by Dance Educators of America. He spent eight summers as the
assistant director to the Stars of Tomorrow Children's Theater in Atlantic City.
He has also started many dance and movement programs for area preschools and day
care centers over the past thirty years and worked with local schools on musical
programs.
In addition, he is the founder and director of the Accent on Youth talent
competition. This was started to give local performers from all studios an
opportunity to perform and refine their talents.
 While managing two locations of the business, Chris still enjoys being in the
classroom, sharing the excitement of dance with enthusiastic young tap students.
When the studio first opened in 1975, Chris was the only teacher for all
subjects. Now he primarily teaches tap to all ages and levels.
Chris has been awarded many choreography awards over the years, and his students
have been the recipients of numerous awards as well. The main emphasis of the
studio is not on competition but on instilling a love of dance and giving those
interested an opportunity to perform.
Nothing is more rewarding than having former students return because they want
their own young children to dance with the same teacher they had years earlier.
Though many former students are performing and teaching now themselves, Chris
realizes that very few students will pursue dance as a career, but hopes that
his classes Build Confidence and Make Memories for all his students. |
