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 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.
Acting Instructor, 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.
Voice Instructor , Dorothy Opal -
Dorothy Jude Opal – has been a musician and singer all of her life. She comes from a family of professional musicians. She has performed and recorded with both of her brothers Teddy and Bobby Rondinelli, who have performed internationally with many famous Rock bands such as Aerosmith, Black Sabbath, and Vanilla Fudge over the past 20 years. She attended Suffolk College studying music theory and later went on to privately study piano and voice for the next 10 years. Dorothy sang in Portugal, Jamaica, Cuba and Dominican Republic conducting choirs up to 70 pieces and performing for crowds as large as 20,000. She wrote the song “You’re still God” which was on the Grammy-nominated album “The Heart of Me” co-authored and recorded by contemporary Christian artist Kathy Troccoli. Dorothy is currently working on a project, writing and performing a theme song for the entire New York City School system teaching multi-cultural students to sing, and has also wrote and produced two musical productions “We Crown Him King” and “The Only Gift”. She has released an original CD “Angels Sing” and is currently working on releasing a second one. Today, Dorothy continues to conduct, produce, write and sing. . . Moving forward in God’s awesome gift…….MUSIC.
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.
Office Manager, Mrs. Paulette Brown - Has served as Spirit of Soul's office manager since its inception. She has a Associate’s Degree in Legal Studies from Nassau Community College, and a Bachelor's of Science in Legal Studies from St. John's University. Mrs. Brown is currently attending Touro Law School to pursue her Juris Doctorate in Law.
Studio Highlights:
|
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 |
