ABOUT US
The idea of Studio 17 Dance developed out of the need for choice of professional dance schools in the area. This family-owned business has decades of experience and credentials in performing arts, dance instruction, early childhood education, and administration. All involved in the business have collegial certificates in their respective fields. Our goal is to incorporate appropriate dance pedagogy with the social/emotional development of the whole child. This refreshing approach to dance will help students realize their full potential in the world of dance.
AVERY ZINK
(BA IN DANCE)
Owner/Director/Choreographer
Avery began dancing at age three and developed a love of choreography as a teen. Avery was given the opportunity to choreograph a main stage piece at the young age of 17; thus, inspiring the name of her future studio. Avery's experiences include teaching at a prestigious local studio, substituting for local dance teachers, choreographing audition pieces for students, and developing/implementing a dance program for the Mid-Atlantic Fleet and Family Readiness Organization at Naval Air Station Oceana.
In order to gain professional credentials, Avery studied dance, kinesiology, and anatomy at Old Dominion University, earning her degree in just three and a half years. As she continued to delight students and impress parents, Avery received a national nod for her outstanding choreography at the American Choreographic Dance Festival. (Check out samples of Avery's choreography in the Gallery.)
Avery's vision for Studio 17 Dance is to offer quality instruction that is developmentally appropriate, emphasizes injury prevention, promotes healthy mind and body images, while concentrating on proper dance technique.
MANAGEMENT
KELLY PARKS
Studio administrator, parent liaison
Kelly recently finished a career teaching for a local school system and has returned to her original love - performing arts. After a short career as a performer at Anheuser-Busch, Busch Gardens, Kelly taught grades KG-5th, ran a successful testing program for an elementary school, as well as served on numerous committees that had direct influence on child welfare and wellbeing. Her evenings were spent being a dance mom to Avery while helping assist at dance studios. Kelly will run the administrative end of Studio 17 and serve as studio contact for students and parents.
KELLAM PARKS
Legal consultant
This dance dad's full time job is running and marketing his law firm. Thinking his days as a dance dad were over, he now finds himself handling the boring stuff (as Avery decribes it) for the family studio.
CONNIE HINDMARSH
creative and production consultant, marketing
If Connie's name is ringing a bell, it's probably because you remember her as Miss Connie, the local television celebrity from Romper Room and Connie's Magic Cottage. After a long career in local tv, Connie served as the director of Norfolk Public Schools prestigious Performing Arts Repertory Company. Connie has launched the career of many of today's Broadway stars as well as helped other students gain employment in other areas of the performance industry. Connie will bring her talents to the studio to help equip dancers with performance skills. Studio 17 dancers will develop stage artistry with Connie's guidance.
STUDIO 17 DANCE
4876 Princess Anne Road, Suite 120
Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23462
info@studio17dance.com
(757) 932-2522
Mon - Fri: 3pm - 9pm
Weekends: Hours vary