‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Star Comes to MontCo

Whether you dance for fun or are serious about putting your best foot forward, area dancers will have the chance to step it up with choreographers from a TV dance show.

Besides the duo’s work with “Dance Moms: Miami,” Smalley was a finalist on the sixth season of the hit TV show “So You Think You Can Dance.” Smalley, who uses a hands on approach to choreography, is professionally trained in ballet, jazz, modern, lyrical and contemporary dance.

Armas is professionally trained in jazz, modern and lyrical. In 2004 he was named the “Top Jazz Choreographer” and in 2005 the “Top Lyrical Choreographer” by the National Dance Alliance.

So, how did the local lesson come to be? Stacy McGrory of Stars Studio said a Facebook message prompted the visit.

“They are doing a tour of the northeast teaching classes at many different studios and were looking for somewhere near Philadelphia to add to their list,” McGrory said. “We are the only studio in the area to host these amazing choreographers.”

Area dancers ages 7 and up–from recreational to advanced levels–can meet and dance alongside Smalley and Armas at the Willow Grove studio, which is located at 1837 Davisville Road.

Most of Stars Studio of Dance’s 32 competition team dancers are participating and McGrory, who helps the studio with fundraising and marketing on a volunteer basis, said there is space for 50 total dancers.

“This is an opportunity for our dancers to get to take from two teachers who are very well known in the industry and masters at their craft,” McGrory said. “Dancers will get to meet two fabulous television personalities, take class with them and learn from them, then have a meet and greet and get pictures with them after the classes.” 

If you go

Stars Studio of Dance, 1837 Davisville Road in Willow Grove, will host Victor Smalley and Angel Armas of Lifetime’s “Dance Moms: Miami” on July 29 from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. for a dance lesson and meet and greet. Cost is $100 for dancers and $30 for spectators. If interested in registering a dancer call Jaclyn Dougherty at (215) 280-8555 to reserve a spot. Space is extremely limited.