Our Faculty:
Artistic Director, Ms. Tracé Wilkins Francis - Has over 30 years worth of experience in the performing arts field. She studied ballet, modern, jazz and tap through her high schools' performing arts program, The American University in Washington, D.C., and New York University. Mrs. Francis trained and performed for several years with a modern ballet company in Manhattan, and has performed with numerous groups in the New York and Washington, D.C. areas. She was featured in several independent films, and played one of the leading roles in a musical revue of "Ain't Misbehavin'". Mrs. Francis has taught children's dance for the Wyandanch School District and at the YWCA in Brooklyn. She has also choreographed for several events and productions in the Long Island area. Ms. Wilkins Francis is one of the recipients of the 2010
Allstate "Spirit of Dr. King" Award for her outreach efforts with children and is also the recipient of the 2006 Wyandanch Parent Civic Association's Rainbow Warrior Award.
Pre-Junior Combo, Jazz/Tap and Hip-Hop Instructor, Miss Kandyce Bryant – This young lady started out as a student with Spirit of Soul during its inception nine years ago. Miss Bryant choreographs for various groups in Long Island and for the entertainment group ASOJ Productions. She is the 2007 recipient of the Oliver “Gene” Bridges and Latonya Johnson Memorial College Scholarship, and is currently attending Farmingdale College to pursue a career in medicine.
Director, Acting Division
, Mr. Michael Francis - Michael Francis started his acting career at Wyandanch Memorial High School.
He continued his theater training at Junior College of Albany and American
Academy of Dramatic Arts in Manhattan in which he was introduced and trained
in the Meisner technique. Michael has appeared in various plays including: a
musical revue of "Ain't Misbehavin'"; and leading roles in ASOJ production's
hit Long Island gospel musical "A Sign of Judgment" and dramatic play "When
A Child Cries" (he wrote two of the songs for the latter production).
Michael also wrote various movie scripts and plays, and directed and
co-wrote a Long Island independent film "Luv is Blind". As CEO of KJB
Entertainment/Whispering Oaks Enterprises, he is releasing two artists in
the Fall 2009 and currently promoting former "New York KNICKS City Dancer" SYNDEE of True Sound Music Group.
Ballet and Jazz Instructor , Dina-Verly Sabb-Mills-
A Philadelphia native, Dina recently finished her MFA in dance at Temple University, following a BFA in dance performance from the University of the Arts. Dina's teaching credits include Temple University, Muhlenberg College, Koresh School of Dance, The University of Pennsylvania, DaCi International, The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, American College Dance Festival, and Black College Dance Exchange. Dina has also been asked to teach at Drexel University and Cedar Crest College. Dina is based in New York and has recently worked with choreographers Kariamu Welsh, Charles O. Anderson,and Kota Yamazaki.
Ballet and Jazz Instructor, Simone Webb
Photo and bio to come
Studio Highlights:
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Small Classes: Average Student to Teacher Ratio: 9:1 Individualized attention in an atmosphere conducive to
learning.
Student performances, events and field trips throughout the
year to enhance students' dance experience.
One of our students is currently in training for the role of
Young Nala in Disney's "The Lion King"
2006 Wyandanch Parent Civic Association's Rainbow Warrior
Award
2003 McDonald's Gospel Fest Praise Dance Finalist
Studio and Artistic Director featured in October 2008
edition of "Dance Studio Life" magazine, an international dance trade
publication
Winter Coat Drive:
Each year the studio conducts an annual winter coat drive for a local women's and children's shelter.
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