Studio History
RM Productions opened its doors in September 1999 by owner, director, and instructor, Rose A. McDonough, with a mission of providing affordable quality dance education and performance opportunities to anyone who has the desire to dance. Classes are offered in ballet, tap, jazz and lyrical for ages 3 through adult. Rose began her dance training at the age of 5 studying with Miss Jean
Smithers, whom was also her mother’s dance teacher. She continued studying dance with such teachers as Connie Percozzi and Donna Dan. Rose was a student since1979 and an instructor since 1988 for Deanna Hoffman/Deanna’s School of Dance. Rose purchased the business from Deanna in the summer of 1999 and renamed the business Rose McDonough Productions. She has continued her dance education through workshops and seminars from such nationally know instructors as Jerry Rose, Gus Giordano, Debbie Dee, Lynda Gauche, David Howard,Thommie Walsh, Jeff Hill and many others. Rose was involved in performance activities throughout school including flag corp, Touch of Class Show Choir and competitive dance. From these experiences Rose has put that knowledge to use through teaching. Since 1988 she has worked with Sissonville Middle and High School, Sherman High School, South Charleston Middle School, McKinley Middle and St. Albans High School flag corps. She is now entering into her 20th year with St. She has choreographed for St. Albans (1993-2002) and Nitro High School Show Cats for seven years and recently began as choreographer for Riverside
High Show Choir. Also in 1993, she began the first dance team in Kanawha County at St. Albans High School. This team still exists and continues to grow in quality as well as number of community performances. She has also choreographed the following musical theatre productions: Little Abner and Grease for St. Albans High School; and Tommy, Ain’t Misbehavin, Return to the Forbidden Planet and Batboy for Charleston Stage Company. RM Productions began with 2 small competitive groups mainly focusing on tap. Since 1999, the competitive teams have grown to three levels (college/adult, senior high/college and middle school) and beginning this fall we are adding a 4th level for younger dancers ages 9-11. Tap is still a major focus but we now also compete in jazz and lyrical as well. Last competitive season, RM Productions was well represented with more than 35 entries and multiple top scoring awards including best choreography and best costume at Stars of Tomorrow and top senior large group and top senior small group awards going to the tap teams at Star Systems regional. Many of the dancers also dance in solo/duet categories in addition to their class work. Participation is based on the student’s performance in regular classes including technical abilities, dedication, attendance, attitude and overall desire to grow as a dancer. The philosophy that RM Productions believes in is that everyone deserves the opportunity to dance. Dance is a passion and a love that we want to share. So welcome, and thank you for visiting us.
