When her studio is not busy with classes, Juliana Bertelsen uses it to rehearse with professional-level dancers to prepare for upcoming shows. This photo is from the rehearsal of “eMotion.” from left to right: Rod Raymond, Tamara Phillips, Mike Myers, Danny Whitehead, Lark Phillips (up high), Mike Neilson, Juliana Bertelsen, and Steve Skolasinski. (Photo submitted)
Juliana Bertelsen, a professional ballerina, has opened “Over-the-Top” Dance Studio at 132 E. Superior St., Suite 275. She is collaborating with several teachers so customers can choose from a range of styles. Teachers and styles include Vladimir Messing (Hip-Hop), Barb and Dave Hanson (Argentine Tango), Juliana Bertelsen (Salsa, Ballet, and Modern Dance), Sheila Matthews (Belly Dance), Lark Phillips (Tap), Rob Wittig (Tai Chi), Cynthia Tope (creative dance for youngsters), and Amber Olson (Lyrical Jazz).
Bertelsen said she wants to provide a space for everyone; adult beginners, toddlers or professionals to have fun and learn. “People say they are scared of dance or can’t dance, or sometimes intimidated to try,” Bertelsen said. “Often people try to learn a style that doesn’t fit their personality.”
She told how her mother tried to get her brother to dance a style that didn’t fit his personality, “When I was a kid, my mom, also a former ballerina, tried to make my brother take ballet. My brother was not a ballet dancer. No bribe would get him to ballet class, and he’d play hooky whenever possible. My mom had to get over it. Then my brother discovered Tap. He loved going to tap class!! Ten years later found him still busting out in spectacular moving rhythm of his own volition. He had discovered what people who dance know, that dance is freedom.
Classes are $7.00 per lesson. Visitors are welcome or phone 218-591-0748 for more information.
