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PERIDANCE FACULTY

Guest / Past
Danielle Polanco

Danielle Polanco

Vogue Femme

BIOGRAPHY

Danielle Polanco is known to be one of the most versatile performers of her time. Born and raised in the Bronx, New York of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent, dance was an integral part of her life. Her development in dance began at the age of 4 and continues to this day. While receiving the disciplined art form of Ballet, Modern and Jazz at Middle School 180 in the Bronx, Danielle acquired dance training at Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club in Salsa, Hip Hop, Jazz, Cha Cha, West African and Samba becoming an elite member of KCompany and coming to the realization the drive and passion she possessed to learn the true essence of all styles. Yearning for more intense training to get on a more advanced level , Danielle commuted to Manhattan for two consecutive summers attending Ballet Hispanico learning dance stylings in Ballet, Pointe, Horton, Flamenco, and Mexican Folk Dance. That prepared her for high school where she trained at the prestigious and one of the most elite schools of dance, Alvin Ailey. While at Ailey from 1999-2003, Danielle received aggressive dance training in Ballet, Graham, Horton, Jazz, West African, Pointe, Limon, Dunham and in her senior year Popping. Outside of school, Danielle took additional classes in African at Larocque Bey and Hip-Hop, Street Jazz and House.

In 2003 at the age of 17, Danielle booked her first professional job with Beyonce but that wouldn’t be her last. Danielle is best known for being the leading lady in Omarion’s video ‘Touch’ and in 2008 for portraying the role of Missy Serrano in the hit movie ‘Step Up 2 The Streets’. Polanco has an impressive resume; she has choreographed for Beyonce, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Usher, Chris Brown, Eve and Estelle. She has also appeared as a dancer in over 20 music videos with top artists such as Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Janet, Usher, Jennifer Lopez, Chris Brown, Neyo, LL Cool J, Nelly, Amerie and Kat Deluna. Wanting a change from the music industry, she got the opportunity from Writer/Director Arthur Laurents to perform in the smash hit revival of ‘West Side Story’ on Broadway, in which she played the role of Consuela. Getting to sing, dance and act in one of the best musicals of all time was definitely a highlight of her career.

Aside from her professional career, Danielle is known to be one of the top Underground female dancers of this era. In 2003 she was introduced to the underground Ballroom scene where she started voguing and the underground hip-hop and house scene. Since then she’s been the top female voguer of her time inspiring a whole new generation, especially females, to move with more femininity. She now teaches the true art of vogue and other styles all over the world.

Danielle always knew she had a gift but if it wasn’t for family support , the brilliant guidance from her teachers in school, to her friends in the clubs, she would not have found the uncompromising secret of her talent and artistic expression.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

Femmology is a style Danielle created from drilling and coaching women how to be feminine with correct alignment and technique while having personality and style, all in heels! By coaching stars like Beyonce and JLo, she realized women weren't receiving the knowledge they needed to work alongside stars like these. If one can't pose, one can't walk, and if one can't walk, how can you dance? This class helps you understand those little details that are non existent in most of today's classes. Any level dancer will find this class beneficial whether you're a beginner or have experience but just need a brush up on technique.
The class begins with a light warm up before we put on our heels and start drilling poses you would see on a red carpet like Bevals, T Stances and more. Once everyone knows correct alignment in their stance, we then upgrade it to a proper walk, then some quick drills across the floor, finishing with combination.
This class is ideal for the female dancer wanting to know what it takes to keep up with leading acts like Beyonce, Janet, Jennifer Lopez or to be a leading lady along side Usher or Chris Brown!
Your heels should provide ankle support and not be over 4 inches high unless they are sensible platforms. Most importantly, you should be able to feel the floor and be comfortable. If you feel you are not yet ready for heels you may still participate without them!
Learn how to pump in heels feeling sexy, classy and confident all while maintaining a proper line!

Vogue Femme
There are different styles of vogue...Vogueing the Old Way, the New Way, and Vogue Femme! All were created in the ballroom scene and have similar elements but can be executed differently.
Vogue Femme has 5 elements: catwalk, duckwalk, spin, dips, and hand performance with an added element of floor performance. Created mainly by Femme Queens, the style is extra feminine but is also very active with different body levels.
There will be a light warmup to prepare for the element of catwalk and then progressing to movement across the floor and/or a combination. This class will help prepare you for the ballroom scene and help with all you dancing in general. Aside from learning the elements, it's all about bringing out your personality while you vogue-- let go and have lots of fun!

Faculty videos and individual schedules are coming soon! Check back later for more.
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