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Assistant Managing Editor EAST LONGMEADOW Julie Raina Szymanski has brought her talents to where they were first developed -- East Longmeadow. Szymanski said its good to be home. "Now that I'm here," she acknowledged, "It's nice." The mother of two began her dancing career as a child at the New England Dance Conservatory. After graduating from UMass in 1999 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance, Szymanski, also an East Longmeadow High School alum, and a partner opened the Dance Studio in Wilbraham. Eight years later and she has opened Dance Inc in Heritage Village Shoppes, a place where students can learn various styles of dance -- Jazz/Hip Hop, Modern, Ballet/Pointe, Toddler Groove, Tap Funk and more. Szymanski said what sets them apart is that it is a non-competitive studio which can take pressure off of students and let them develop at their own pace. Instead of a lengthy recital or competition, Dance Inc offers an end of year performance that lasts about an hour and a half. "It's a relaxed, fun atmosphere," she said, adding that dance has unlimited benefits. "[When I was young] I had a hard time expressing myself verbally. I was able to do it through body and motion and dance. It builds self confidence. They learn social skills as well, interacting better and making new friends." Along with dance instructors Aimee Stone and Kevin Szymanski, Dance Inc classes run the age gamut -- from the Toddlers Groove, for those ages 15 months to two years of age, to the Company for those ages 12 and up, a dedicated group that focuses on dance at a more professional level. Dance Inc has variety of unique offerings such as Fit Kids, which is a mix of cardio and strength training using activity balls, jump ropes and hula hoops. "Dance enhances the body for sports -- flexibility, agility, coordination," Szymanski said. Her two young sons, ages 16 months and four years, participate in classes at the studio, which she feels will benefit them when they enter the sports realm. Dance Inc is located at 33 Harkness Ave. For more information on registration or programs call 525-0979 or visit www.danceincschool.net. | ||||||
