Warm Up 2008 was a dance clinic designed to bring area dancers, grades 7 through 12 together to “warm up” their skills before yearly dance team auditions.

The day-long clinic started with a warm up session lead by 8 Count Owner and dance instructor Tara Falcone, followed by former Cleveland Cavalier Dancer Natalie Smith leading the group through a high energy dance session. University of Akron Dance Company member Sara Barbuto worked out the group with Pilates and floor barre and IBFF Professional Fitness Competitor, Summer Montabone introduced the group to a new stretching work out with state of the art resists-bands.

The participants also worked through a Kick Line Boot Camp and finished the day with a contemporary jazz piece choreographed by Tara Falcone.

“It was a wonderful day for all of us,” said Falcone. “We were able to bring dancers together from all over the area to share our talents and hone our skills. The students were able to learn a lot in a non-competitive environment.”

One student said, “I loved learning new dances, meeting the teachers, and learning new technique.” Another stated that she, “. . . had the best day of dance ever.”

 “I’m really proud of the teachers and the students,” said Falcone. “We really had an amazing amount of talent in the room.”

 8 Count Dance and Choreography was founded by Green High School Alumni Tara Falcone. Since the beginning of 8 Count in 2007, Tara has had the privilege to teach at the Ohio Community Theatre Association’s State Conference, choreograph Lake Middle School’s Broadway Junior production of “Honk,” and teach master classes across the area. She is on staff at Briana’s Elite Dance in Hartville and is also a certified instructor of the new fitness craze, “Zumba!”

Tara will graduate from the University of Akron in December with a degree in education and has been accepted early into the Masters of Arts Administration program at Akron.
Learn more about 8 Count Dance and Choreography at www.dancewith8count.com.