The love of dance has no age limit, nor expiration date
Creating a love of dance through creativity and artistry for all ages
About Us
A Mission of Movement
To create a love of dance by fostering creativity and artistry for all ages from childhood to adults, while incorporating overall health and fitness.
Teachers with Experience
Owner/Director
Julie Fitzgerald
Julie began dancing at the age of 5. At the age of 13, she found her love for classical ballet and started her pre-professional training with Boston Ballet School. At age 15, she continued her training and schooling at Walnut Hill School for the Arts, where she then graduated. Julie also spent every summer on Cape Cod dancing with teachers Skip Warren, former professional of Boston Ballet and former owner of North Atlantic Ballet Company, and Thomas Vacanti, Artistic Director of Pioneer Valley Ballet.
After graduating high school, Julie joined Festival Ballet Company in Rhode Island as a professional ballet dancer. Over the years, Julie has danced many leading roles, such as Swanhilda in Coppelia, Titania in A Mid-Summer Night's Dream, Cinderella, pas de deux in Graduation Ball, and Dew Drop and Snow Queen in The Nutcracker. Julie trains and dances competitively in American Rhythm, Ballroom. She is also Stott Totalbarre certified.Julie has been teaching all ages and styles of dance for the past 6 years at Dance it Up! As a new owner she is excited to instill her love of dance to students of every age and level!
Dancer/Choreographer
Jo Meysha Matrow
Born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, Jo Meysha developed a love for dance and had to share it with the world. It all began at the age of 11 under the direction of Laurice Jiggetts across the street from her house at Dunbar Community Center. Through the years of being a student Jo Meysha developed the art of dance and teaching from Carol Broadway, Joanne Galavati, and David Bovat, where she learned Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical , Contemporary, Modern, Hip Hop and Acro. Jo Meysha continues to work on her craft by assisting at Master Classes throughout Western Mass and taking dance classes of her own. She has had the opportunity to perform in local parades and talent shows, as well has be on the panel of judges for Competitions such as Carol Step Up to Dance tour and many more. She really enjoys watching young dancers explore different genres and step out of their comfort zone, most exciting to her is when dancers enjoy themselves not only on stage but in the classroom as well. She has also performed at Six Flags as well as the biggest fair in Western Massachusetts, The Big E. One of her latest jobs was performing as a backup dancer for the group Ready For The World, they are most known for their hit record from the 80s “Oh Sheila”.
Jo Meysha currently teaches jazz, hip hop, lyrical and contemporary in Belchertown at Creative Dance, as well as in Sturbridge. Jo Meysha hopes to continue learning from performers she may come across and also keep the energy light and positive at all times. Her energy spreads to all of the dancers in her class and her encouraging teaching style enables her dancers to reach their potentials. Jo Meysha is ready to meet all of the beautiful performers through their stories and ready to be entertained.
Teacher/Choreographer
Elizabeth McCarthy
Elizabeth began dancing at an early age and she immediately knew it was something she would be involved in her whole life. Her dance training began in NY under Marya Kennett who inspired her to recover from mistakes and missteps, to learn from failures, and to never give up. Marya Kennett inspired Elizabeth to keep learning and doing something she was so passionate for. Elizabeth continued her dance training and education at Hofstra University, and Hartford Conservatory studying under Lance Westergard and Robin Becker. She furthered her dance education at the Hartt School, where she studied Graham technique under Peggy Lyman Hayes, Contemporary/Modern with Patrick Nollet, Rebecca Lazier, Bonita Weisman, and Ballet with Franco DeVita, Maria Youskevitch, and Alla Osipenko. She graduated with a BFA from the University of Hartford/Hartt School with an emphasis in children’s dance. After graduating, she performed in Boston with many local performing groups and worked with many different choreographers like Perla Joy Furr, Judy Webber, and Kelly Donovan. Perhaps most importantly, Elizabeth truly loves teaching and inspiring others to dance. She has extensive teaching experience in contemporary, ballet, beginner and fundamentals of dance, and musical theater. She is also a trained Lead Montessori Teacher and continues to teach young children in a preschool setting. Her musical background and experience has allowed her to continue her piano teaching.
Reviews
Adult Ballet
I am a 58 year old ultra-runner who would like to continue
running the mountain trails as long as possible. I recognized the
need to improve my balance when bounding from rock to rock, increase
my foot strength to nimbly run through technical terrain and improve my overall flexibility. That’s where ballet and Julie came into play. I decided to take a private lesson because my goals were pretty specific and I was looking for a tailored class to get me where I wanted to be. Julie did all the right things. She listened to my goals, started me off slowly and progressed my class as I improved. My foot strength was the first success I started to see. I could run longer without my feet getting tired, I felt stronger on rocky terrain, and started to see that beautiful ballet arch in my feet! Everything starts with the feet! I really enjoyed the barre routine and graceful moves Julie would teach me. I found it challenging physically, but also a wonderful stress reliever after a long day of work. I progressed to pirouettes and ballet jumps as the months went on and those successes motivated me to keep at it. Yes, I loved the ballet class, how it was structured, and watching myself improve. I enjoyed performing the graceful moves that relaxed me after a hard days work, but I also looked forward to seeing Julies smiling face and spending time with a positive, authentic woman. Her resume says it all. She knows and loves ballet and passes that love and knowledge on to her students. I now have another sport that I will do as long as possible, ballet, and I look forward to progressing my skills and spending time with Julie! Thank you Julie, for bringing the love of ballet to my life! Julie is right, “The love of dance has no age limit or expiration date”
-Tammy Godin
Barre Fitness
I am thrilled to share with you all my experience at Adult Barre with Julie. A few years ago, I was looking for a way to amp up my weight loss goal, and knew I needed to do something I hadn’t tried before. I have always had a passion for dance, and I couldn’t think of better program. I describe only as fun!
You have to try it to believe it. And the best part is Julie teaches you everything you need to know.
You learn to:
· Be aware of your core
· Conscious of your posture
· Build endurance
· Light weights
· Stretching and toning
The transformation was amazing, not only had a lost the weigh, but I toned up, and can honestly say I look fabulous. The very best part of the class, is the friendship that developed between myself and Julie, even during the tough times, we would still meet one on one via Zoom and rocked our class. Barre is what you want to make it, but you need to try it, because you’ll keep wanting to come back for more. I know I did
-Susan Lucey
Class Schedule 2022/23 Season
Monday
4:30-5:30pm Ballet/Tap 1
5:30-6:30pm Ballet 2/3
6:30-7:30pm Pre-Professional Ballet
Tuesdays
4:30-5:30pm Pre-Primary Ballet /Tap
5:30-6:30pm Lyrical
6:30-7:30pm Jazz
Wednesdays
4:00-5:00pm Hip Hop
5:00-6:00pm Primary Ballet/Tap
6:00-7:30pm Pre-Professional Ballet
Thursdays
4:30-5:30 Kids Hip Hop
5:30-7:00pm Pre-Professional Ballet
Fridays
5:45-6:30pm Acro Dance Kids
6:30-7:15pm Acro Dance Teen
Saturdays
9:00-10:00am Dance Movement
10:00-11:00am Creative Drama
10:00-12:00 Pre-Professional Ballet
Shop us online for all of your dance uniform needs!
http://shopnimbly.force.com/Fitzgeralddanceandfitness
Files coming soon.
OPEN Auditions!
Introducing our VERY first version of The Nutcracker 2022, “Kingdom of The Sweets, Clara’s Dream!” We will be performing this famous traditional Second Act of The Nutcracker in December 2022!
🌟AUDITIONS will be open to all ages 4-19 & ALL will have a part!🌟
Date: Sunday June 19th
Time: 12:30-1 ages 4-7 1-1:30 ages 8-10 1:30-3 ages 11-19
Cost: Full cost includes rehearsals, costume, & auditions $350 per child. $20 to sign up with the remainder $330, due by September 1st.
Rehearsals: Saturdays starting September 10th Show: Date coming soon!
SUMMMER CAMPS
Broadway Dance Summer Camp!
Broadway Dance Camp is back this summer! Learn choreography from The Lion King and Aladdin and perform on the Sturbridge Common on Friday July 22nd!
Dates: July 18th, 20th, and 21st
Time: 4:30-6:30pm
Show: Friday July 22nd
Ages: 9-18
Cost: $108
Our Current Class Offerings
Dance Movement
Taught by Miss Julie, our Dance Movement class was designed for ages 2.5-4. The children will learn the basics of dance, while enjoying fun music and play!
Pre-Primary/Primary ballet & Tap
Taught by Miss Julie, this class is for ages 5-7. The children will be learning the Royal Academy of Dance(RAD) ballet technique that is the world’s most influential dance education and training program, along with the an introduction to tap.
Ballet levels 1-3
Taught by Miss Julie, this class is designed for ages 8-11 depending on abilities. They will be learning RAD ballet technique, which will form a solid base not only to their ballet technique, but also in all other forms of dance.
Ballet levels 4-5
Taught by Miss Julie, this ballet class is typically taught to ages 12-14 depending on abilities. They will be further advanced in the RAD method of ballet and will be strengthening their feet and ankles to be ready for pointe work. The teacher will determine when each student is ready to go on pointe.
Pre-Professional Ballet
Taught by Miss Julie, this class will be by invitation only to include ballet dancers who are physically ready for the demands of an advanced RAD class level. They will meet four times per week, which will include a pointe/variation class and a Progressive Ballet Technique class. In the variation class, students will learn variations from many classical ballet performance, along with learning some history of dance. The Progressive Ballet Technique is a revolutionary program to enhance ballet technique.
Lyrical
Taught by Miss McKenna, the contemporary class is a combination of modern, jazz, and lyrical. It is a style of expressive dance that allows the dancers to move in a fluid no restrictive manor.
Jazz
Taught by Miss McKenna, this class will be offered to ages 5-18. Jazz combines techniques of classical ballet and modern dance, using body isolations with an emphasis on rhythmical accuracy, and style.
Hip Hop
Taught by Miss Meysha, Hip Hop is typically danced to hip hop music and is a high energy style of dance using moves seen in many popular music videos and on the famous TikTok app.
Acro Dance
Taught by Miss Mandy, Acro Dance is a combination of gymnastic tumbling with the addition of dance choreography.
Creative Drama
Taught by our Theatre Program Director Mrs. Lamprey, Creative Drama will consist of an introduction to Theatre using games, improvisation and skits.
Tuition and fees for students
45 minutes-1 hour class per week $20.00
1.5 hour class per week $28.00
2 hour class per week $38.00
For students dancing more than 2 hours per week it will be $17.00 per hour.
Tuition will be calculated for the entire 38 weeks then broken up evenly each month from September to June and can be paid by cash, check, or credit card over the 9months. First month’s tuition will need to be collected by September 1st and will be due on the 1st of each month after that.
A one time non-refundable registration for will be $20.00 per dance season per student or $30 per family. Costume fee of $95.00, will need to be paid by November 1st and will be non-refundable if student drops the class after December 1st. Costume fee can be broken up and added into monthly tuition to be paid in full by December 1st.
Make-up policy
Make-up classes are available for classes missed due to illness, or inclement weather. Please contact studio in advance to schedule a make-up class.
Files coming soon.
FD&F After Dark/Adult classes
All adult classes are $20 for Adult Ballet and Barre drop in and $22 for Yoga drop in. Class cards available to purchase. Registration can be made without a fee to guarantee a spot in class. Private lessons available upon request. Contact us for pricing.
Events
Beer & Ballroom at Oakholm Brewing Company!
Learn the Cha Cha, Swing, Rumba & more! Everyone gets 1 free beer each class! Monday June 20th, 27th, & July 11th 6-7pm. No partner necessary!
Cost: $45 per person for all 3 classes
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Contact Us!
For inquiries about lessons or classes, please send us a message.
We will get back to you soon!
Fitzgerald Dance & Fitness
71 Main Street, Sturbridge, Massachusetts 01566, United States
Copyright © 2022 Fitzgerald Dance & Fitness - All Rights Reserved.
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