Petite Feet Dance classes introduce terminology and basic technique in playful and creative ways and connect movement education to every day learning. Storytelling, original and familiar songs, and imaginative games are incorporated to keep the atmosphere fun, friendly and age-appropriate - and to keep the emphasis on promoting self-esteem and self-expression. Ballet Basics classes expands upon the foundation built in Petite Feet classes, exploring dance elements and storytelling in more complex ways and through the integration of more challenging (though still age appropriate) ballet technique. Petite Feet videos use engaging and imaginative exercises, games and stories to introduce children to basic ballet positions and vocabulary, as well as general dance and musical concepts. Focusing on the creative potential of dance and its storytelling possibilities, Petite Feet encourages children between the ages of 2-6 to learn fundamental and age-appropriate ballet steps, to build confidence and coordination, and, of course, to have fun! Featuring original music and a colorful set, along with the Story of the Dancing Dolls and some help from Waldo the Walrus, Petite Feet is a great way for kids to stay active on a rainy day—and a sunny one too!
***************************************************************************
After receiving her B.A. in Theatre Studies from Yale University, Liz has been a dance, yoga, theater and early childhood educator in New York City and now in Los Angeles. She has taught through the New York City Ballet’s Education Program and through the California Dance Institute, as well as at various studios and public schools, while also performing in and choreographing for professional productions. She is a strong believer in arts education and promoting physical well-being and opportunities for artistic expression to people of all backgrounds. She has always been a dancer who acts and an actor who dances, and she draws from both of these disciplines in her teaching and performance. Liz is currently pursuing her multiple subject and kinesiology credentials and her MA in Educational Foundations through the Charter College of Education at California State University Los Angeles. She recently joined the dance staff at Gabriella Charter School, a public charter school where all students have an hour of dance a day.
***************************************************************************
“I have had an opportunity to watch Liz teach ballet in person and she has a way of making all the beginning introductions to ballet developmentally fun and comfortable for children. Liz knows how to integrate story telling, dance and music in a very accessible and engaging way for all children.” -Marsha Greenberg, LCSW
“For four years, Liz Vacco provided my son with a warm, encouraging environment with all the tools and the foundation for him to have entered a pre-professional program at the School of American Ballet.” – Nicole Leibman, mother to Philip
“We had the pleasure of having Liz as our daughter’s first ballet teacher. Briana adores her classes and always comes out smiling and twirling. Liz understands children and teaches with grace, ease and magic. We will always be thankful to Liz for having been such a wonderful inspiration for Briana.” - Dana Szarf, mother to Briana
“Through ballet, Liz has instilled in our daughter a love of dance. Liz's classes are structured and fun, and have helped our daughter build her confidence and poise.” -Beth Bracken & Kevin Galbraith, parents to Sasha
“Penelope started taking ballet classes with Liz when she was two. Now, as a five year old, she carries herself like a little ballerina! We credit Liz with instilling in Penelope a love of dance and performance as well as a sense of confidence in her movements.” –Mew Chiu, mother to Penelope
“As a ballet teacher and mother of two boys who took ballet with Liz, I can say that she is one of the most talented teachers I have ever come across for this age group. She is creative and knowledgeable and creates the perfect atmosphere of seriousness--so they are actually learning ballet technique, and fun--so their inherent love of movement is nurtured, not stifled. I am so excited to have the opportunity to have her class on DVD, so my children can experience her terrific class whenever we want!” - Kim Kittay, mother to Micah and Asa
******************************************************************
Written and created by Liz Vacco
Featuring Sasha Galbraith, Jorden Hernandez, Penelope Wu and Waldo the Walrus
Produced by Liz Vacco, Olivia Newman and Rob Strauss
Music by Doran Danoff
Lyrics by Liz Vacco and Doran Danoff
Directed and edited by Olivia Newman
Director of Photography - Ben Salley
Set Designer - Jennifer Revit
Line Producer - Veronica Nickel
Camera Operators - Ben Salley and Shawn Wines
Gaffer - Michael Toscano
AC/DIT - Ben Feuer
Sound Recording - Anthony Thompson
Sound Mixer - Jacob Cooper
Production Assistants - Amy Fannon and Siobhan Towey
Colorist - Valerie Bischoff
Motion Graphics - Will Allen
Cover Design - Paula Monahan
