FLASHBACK: I signed my daughter up for dance class. She struggled. She did not want to be too far away from me. She kept going back and forth between class and me as if there was nothing important going on. I felt nervous because the other kids were all in the room learning the moves and paying attention. I began to feel as if I was a failure as a parent because my daughter wasn't focusing. I began to beg her to go in. Bribe her. Command her. Whatever it took for my kid to be like the other kids; I mean after all she LOVED dancing and music any other time of the day or night.
Julie came out and was very direct with me. She gently and kindly "banished" me out of the sitting room adjoining the dance room out to the hallway. She said that kids when go through this, a bit of planned ignoring is best. She told me to relax. Kind of like if they don't see you, they forget you're there. If they forget you're there, they focus on the activity. If you force kids or push them too much, they will not dance for the enjoyment of what it should be for them. (They may even come to resent it). Julie was right. My being banished to the hall was the best thing for her (and for me)! THAT WAS FOUR YEARS AGO! At the age of 5 (almost 6) my daughter still loves to dance (with some kind of rhythm that I have no idea where she got it from). She loves to watch others dance and will sit for hours after her class (if I'd let her) watching and admiring the beauty of the art of dance with the older girls. She wants to be one of those older girls. And most of all, she absolutely adores Miss Julie.
This summer, one of Julie's lifelong dreams has come true. She has purchased a building for her own in one of the best locations in the city of Ogdensburg. The building is down in the Greenbelt section of "the Burg" on State Street. It is simply beautiful.
See Julie and Rich in front of the door of her new studio! Congratulations!!!
The Remington museum is a block up the street. There is a park directly across the street with walkways, trees and park benches to sit on and admire the mighty St. Lawrence River, as she is also across from the marina between the Dobisky Center and the Kid's Kingdom Playground. Take a walk down down behind Customs and the walking trail that runs along the Oswegatchie. Wander over to the gazebo or out on the pier where there are binoculars that you can use to watch the ships. Or Canada. Or ships if they happen to be unloading (there are some new silos up now). Point is, there is plenty to do while your child is inside! This is the perfect location!
Silly rain drops. Julie gets ready to cut the ribbon with America1 Realty! Rhonda Roethel and the fine folks from America1 did not miss out on this momentous occasion.
Rain rain went away but not before photobombing us! Julie cuts the ribbon amidst rain drops. Some of her nearest and dearest express their joy (little Hopi is hiding in there somewhere). To be here among these people is a great honor!
Julie shakes hands with the people who helped her realize her dream. Give a shout out to America1 Realty!
Julie Hooper is an amazing person and teacher. She is firm; has rules and expectations. She is so kind and shows a genuine care and concern for whatever her students are going through. She has a beautiful soul and works very hard to make her dreams come true. Right now, her business has grown and continues to grow exponentially. She has many teachers of different ages and has planted the seed in my daughter's head that she may possibly become a teacher with JDS one day.
Some of Julie's many dance teachers and helpers meeting on the plans and expectations for the coming successful year!
When you walk inside you can see the amount of heart that was put into it. Every inch of the building has a tender, loving touch with either paint or immensely sentimental items given to her out of love over the years by her many students and friends. The building is corner to corner; wall to wall (and wall to floor) full of personal meaning to Julie and the hearts that they are connected to. The images below are a slideshow; click on each image to get to the next image.
The rooms are invitingly spacious and colorful with a variety of hues that are not too bold, but not too light; they are perfect for the space. Slide though the gallery below The images below are a slideshow; click on each image to get to the next image.
The images below are a slideshow; click on each image to get to the next image.
The rest of the images below are single and are not part of a slideshow or carousel.
The barre has three different levels for the ballet dancers to stretch and practice on. Julie strikes a pose with the man who created the barre structure (and his daughter). On the other side of the room are the many mirrors.
Old paintings like this truly steal my heart. Too often paintings like this get missed. Not this time. With all the fabulous themed items in this wonderful place, this did not escape my attention.
During the summer, Julie teaches baton. I could not believe the sheer number of twirlers in baton. I was wandering down the sidewalks, taking pictures; and I can't even tell you how many people I heard commenting on their amazement at the number of girls twirling with JDS in the Seaway parade. See recent pictures below.
Here's a cutie from the baton group at the 2016 Seaway Parade.
The number of twirlers is mind boggling! This amazing woman can do it all.
She opened her NEW studio on September 7, 2017 although she established her company in 1996. This particular date is significant and meaningful to her for another reason.....it also marks the wedding anniversary that she shares with the love of her life, her husband Rich. Together with their son, they are embarking on this new chapter in life. Thank you Julie for working hard for your dream to come true. Because of this, you are setting the stage (and an example) for the dreams of many other little boys and girls to come true too! Dreams do come true! You are living proof. We celebrate you.
Hope at Gary & Aileen's getting her hair done before her dance recital. This was year 2 for her. I did not believe that was right, but I counted her costumes. The first year was a scratchy yellow and orange "You Are My Sunshine" outfit! The second was this silver and pink one with sequins. The third was a white and pink ballgown-type dress. I can't wait to see what this year's costume is!
I know I'm not alone in looking forward to another successful year with Julie's Dance Studio! And I couldn't be prouder to be a part of this.