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Dance Teacher Spreads Her Wings

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By SHERRI LONON

IN THE LOOP

Published: March 11, 2009

If Stacey Enyart had a personal motto, it would be "gotta dance."

Enyart, a professional dancer and teacher, barely can remember a time when dancing wasn't a big part of her life. She strapped on her first pair of dance shoes at the age of 5 and has hardly taken them off since.

As the dance instructor at Wesley Chapel High School, Enyart teaches students the finer points of numerous styles of dance. She even helps them learn the behind-the-scenes things they need to know to host a production. But, as much as Enyart loves her day classes, she wanted a way to reach out and share her love of dance with even more students.

To realize her goal of owning her own studio, she opened the Suncoast Dance Theatre. The teaching studio is located at 16541 Pointe Village Drive, Suite 203, in Lutz - near the Suncoast Expressway.
Enyart said the official opening was a dream come true.

"It's definitely been a whirlwind," she said of getting the theatre off the ground, while still focusing on day classes at the high school.

Suncoast is a little different than some dance schools. Enyart's program doesn't necessarily focus on competition. Instead, it's designed to expose children and adults to the techniques of varying styles of dance.

"Our main (goal) is to focus on educating and technique as opposed to competitions," she said. "We cover all the basics and give a taste of everything."
Enyart said she envisions Suncoast as a place for dancers to come to learn more about the art and even assist themselves in the process of going on to higher education in the field or professional careers. Students, however, don't have to be experienced in dance to come and learn.

The school breaks up its classes by age group. Students may begin at the age of 3. Its main focus areas include creative movement, for very young learners; jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop and modern for older children and adults.

Parents Sarah and Doug Chinchar have their 3-year-old daughter, Naomi, enrolled in classes.

"She loves it," said Sarah. "She couldn't wait for it to start up again."

While Enyart and her instructors focus on the fundamentals and techniques in each class, Enyart said courses are about more than proper form.

"It's all about fun."

Instructor Michelle Allen said she is pleased to be onboard at Suncoast.

"It's such a positive environment," she said.
Enyart graduated cum laude from the Point Park Conservatory in Pittsburgh, Pa. She also has studied under numerous choreographers and companies, including the Ballet Met and Cleveland San Jose Ballet. She has also performed on cruise ships, in addition to teaching at the high school level.

For more information about classes, instructors, schedules and pricing, call (813) 792-5299 or visit suncoastdancetheatre.com. In addition to classes, the school also plays host to birthday parties for youngsters and other special events, including summer camps.

Sherri Lonon can be reached at (813) 948-4287 or slonon@mediageneral.com.

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