Southern Strutt, Bringing It Home

COLUMBIA, SC – March 3, 2009 – In February, Southern Strutt was recognized as the second most competitive dance studio in North America and first in South Carolina. After observing thousands of contenders, Dancer Universe, the most widely circulated dance education magazine selected Columbia’s own dance studio to be one of the top two companies in terms of innovation, technicality and risk.

The entire cast at South Strutt enjoyed this recognition. When it takes a year to prepare for a competition with anywhere from 30 to 50 numbers, acknowledgment like this comes truly appreciated.

The weekend prior to competitions dancers sometimes start practice at eight in the morning and dance until eleven at night, said Nancy Giles, owner and creative director of Southern Strutt Dance.

All of this comes after multiple dance genre trainings, world-renowned choreographer sessions and grueling rehearsals. But to Giles that kind of hard work and dedication are key to the success of her studio. Last year, when her competition troupe brought home top honors in two major divisions at Star Power Nationals, Giles could not have been prouder. But that did not mean she was ready to kick back and ride the coattails of their victory.

I feel like we have to work twice as hard now, Giles said of the win, because of the high standards we have set for ourselves.”

Showbiz National Talent Dance Competition, Southern Strutt Performance.From left to right: Niki Kesling, Noelle Chasmar and Kimberley McManus.

Giles expresses great appreciation to the extended Southern Strutt family of dedicated parents and teachers. She said, “Parents, kids and instructors all working together creates a uniquely supportive situation. Everyone is in involved and that’s what makes it happen.”

As excited as all of the members of Southern Strutt are for their many victories Giles stresses that dance is much more than being a champion. “Winning doesn’t hold the greatest meaning. The joy of knowing you’ve done your best is the most important part,” Giles said.

Southern Strutt strives to instill self-confidence and pride in all their dancers, whether they are in it for competition, fun or just great exercise. The studio encourages all skill levels and abilities in dance. Each level or team is treated with the same training, emphasis and professional standard. “We dance for the joy of it, for growth, for training and for friendships. We think of all the kids as stars. We are not only teaching them dance we’re teaching them life skills. At Southern Strutt we believe success is sweeter shared.”

People interested in checking out Southern Strutt in action can catch the studio’s performance at halftime at the USC/Tennessee game, Thursday, March 5. The game starts at 7 p.m. This Junior hip-hop performance, DAH COTILLION, was choreographed by Caroline Lewis-Jones.

For the Dancer Universe article click here.

For more information contact Nancy Giles, Creative Director, The Southern Strutt Studio, 803-781-3980 or email Nancy through the website at: www.southernstruttdance.com