ARTICLES

 

March 17, 2008

Masters of Movement to move to expanded facility

Masters of Movements' The Barbie Girls are (l-r) Sara Clem, Rebecca Fitzgerald, Heather Hazewski, Elise Harmon, Brandy Fischer, Bella Nardo and Haley Schell Lewes, DE, March 17, 2008: Nicole Groll, owner of local dance studio, Masters of Movement, is excited to announce that she will be opening a brand new, state of the art, dance studio in Nassau Commons located in Lewes. Masters of Movement is currently located in Peddler’s Village on Route 24 in Lewes. The dance studio offers a variety of dance classes to girls and boys off all ages. Due to the overwhelming response to the classes offered, Groll found it necessary to grow the studio to accommodate the needs of her students. The new 3,000 square foot facility, slated to open in September of 2008 will offer a reception area, more changing rooms, 1,800 square foot dance area and a boutique. The boutique, named “Backstage Boutique” will offer a variety of dance attire and necessities and will be open to both the students of Masters of Movement and the general public. Aside from the new and improved facility, Groll has also decided to add some interesting new dance classes to the schedule of offerings. She will be bringing back ballet and tap classes for the 2 year old age group, adding Hip-Hop Tots, which will be catered toward preschool children, and including a Boys Only, Hip-Hop class for young men 8 years of age and older. The youngsters are not the only ones that will be able to have fun while learning some new moves as there will be several new adult classes added to the schedule as well. As previously stated, the new dance facility located at 17543 Nassau Commons Boulevard is slated to open September 8th. The new class schedule is however, currently posted and online reservations for the classes will be accepted as of April 1st. “Our classes are so popular and fill up quickly,” stated Groll. “We wanted to post the classes early to generate some excitement, however, it is important to know that reservations are taken on a first come first serve basis. I limit the number of individuals in each class so that my instructors can offer everyone the personal direction and attention they deserve.” For further information on Masters of Movement or for a complete schedule of dance classes, please visit www.masters-of-movement.com or call 302-945-0290.

January 1, 2008

Hyett Refrigeration Helps Dancers to High Seas

Ernie Hyett, President of Hyett Refrigeration presents a donation to Nicole Groll of Masters of Movement Dance Studio. The donation will be added to funds currently being raised for the students’ performance on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Lewes, Delaware – Nicole Groll of the Masters of Movement Dance Studio in Lewes, Delaware is pleased to accept a donation from Ernie Hyett, President of Hyett Refrigeration, Inc. The donation will be used to help fund the dancers’ upcoming performance on the high seas to Bermuda in May 2008. The Royal Caribbean Entertainment Department reviewed thousands of audition packets and has chosen the Masters of Movements Dance Studio to perform on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. The students in the Technique Program at Masters of Movement will be sailing for 5 days with a Bermuda destination. Their trip will be highlighted by a performance in the Main Theater aboard the Grandeur of the Seas in May 2008! They will be holding fundraisers throughout the year to help subsidize the cost of the trip. Masters of Movement is led by Artistic Director Nicole Groll and instructor Shondelle Graulich. The studio offers a range of classes from introductory courses to help students understand rhythm and movement to jazz, hip-hop, ballet and tap, as well as masters classes. Classes/styles of dance are divided into one hour increments to ensure each student learns the proper warm-up and cool down techniques and has time to learn the choreography. In addition, class sizes are small to ensure each student will get individualized attention from the instructors and to ensure a safe and caring learning environment for each student. Focus is drawn away from competitions or conventions that promote the wrong understanding of self image, discipline, or respect. Instead, the studio strives to locate conventions and celebrations that are nonjudgmental to their students in the hopes of instilling strong values and a strong appreciation for the art of dance. This performance on the Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas is the perfect example of such a celebratory performance. Hyett Refrigeration is a full service Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Company servicing Commercial, Residential, and light Industrial systems in Sussex County. Hyett Refrigeration is committed to being environmentally focused for our generation and the generations to come. They strive to fulfill this promise through their installation and servicing of Geo-Thermal Energy and alternative energy sources, in conjunction with the Delaware Department of Energy and community service. Their financial donation to the students of the dance studio captures their criteria of instilling values in youth through education and the experience and appreciation of the Arts. For more information about Masters of Movement Dance Studio, please contact Nicole Groll at (302) 945-0290 or visit www.mastersofmovement.com. They are located in the Peddlers Village shopping center on John J. Williams Highway. Classes are offered September to June.

December 7, 2007

Masters of Movement dancers to perform on cruise

They have danced on the east coast and they have danced on the west coast, now Masters of Movement dancers gear up for dancing at sea on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines in May 2008! Over the summer studio owner Nikki Groll submitted an application to the Stars at Sea program which is an entertainment division of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. The application required a current video of the students dancing that was judged among other studios from all over the US. Royal Caribbean Entertainment Department screens each and every application and only chooses studios with professional show qualities, which includes execution, choreography, energy, and stage presence. The studio is thrilled to be able to give their students another positive outlet for dance. “We aren’t against competitions; we just don’t think they send the right message to young girls. Dance should be about fun, about pushing yourself to be the best you can! You shouldn’t have to hear you aren’t good enough at something you love and try your hardest at. Girls don’t develop a healthy self esteem at being rejected at something they have a passion for. That’s why we have opted for conventions and positive learning environments. It betters our students and helps us to make sure they are supported in the healthiest way possible. Besides who wouldn’t love to have the chance to say I danced on a cruise ship?” says owner Groll. The students have been very busy fundraising all year. “We have had a lot of support from our local businesses!” A mum fundraiser was held with the help of Jeff’s Greenhouse in Bethel, a Lia Sophia fundraising party was held with the help of Sharon Roselli, Kids Cottage, Kids Ketch and Kings Ice Cream have all donated money into their fundraising account, and even local restaurants feel it’s a worthy cause with the likes of Applebee’s and Friendlys jumping on board to help the studio. They held a huge spaghetti dinner on November 18th, from 4-6pm at Angola By the Bay Community Clubhouse. Businesses and families have donated food and “prizes” for the night to be raffled off. La Rosa Negra, DiBonaventures, Martin’s Plumbing, Hair Dimensions, Kevin Fleming, Bill’s Sport Shop, Christmas Spirit, Jewels Antiques, Creekside Homes, Tulip, Delawarewebs.com, Irish Eyes, Bad Hair Day?, Boardwalk Candles, Brittingham & Collins, Down by the Bay, Doggies at the Beach, Boyle Brothers Restaurant, the Maher family, the Lawson Family and the Sowinski family were all very eager to help out the studio for such a great cause! “It’s so great that our community is willing to help support the students with such an amazing opportunity! The students are having so much fun preparing for this experience, and are truly appreciative to the businesses and families who have been so supportive during our fundraising efforts.” Their next fundraiser will be held at Applebee’s from 8-10am and is open to the public for just $5 a ticket. To find out more about the studio or what fundraising event is next, visit www.mastersofmovement.com.

February 16, 2007

Masters of Movement shows off in NYC

So you think you can dance? Masters of Movement’s dance students can, and they proved it in January at the Pulse Tour! New York City's Broadway Dance Center has been the heartbeat of professional dance training for over 20 years. A few years ago, to further their reach to traveling dancers, they began a series of weekend workshops. Due to popular demand from across the country they have brought a new experience for all to enjoy: The Pulse. They enlist only the most sought-after faculty in the industry! The Pulse offers dancers a weekend of longer, intensive classes with new, innovative ideas to get students excited about dance, and challenge them to learn what's "out there" now. Masters of Movement dancers had the exciting chance to take classes with Shane Sparks (So You Think You Can Dance?), Brian Friedman (Famed Choreographer to Brittany Spears, NSYNC, and most recently So You Think You Can Dance?), Mia Michaels (Choreographer to Cirque de Soleil's touring company and Celine Dion's Vegas Show; also a Judge/Choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance?), Wade Robinson (creator and host of The Wade Robinson Project on MTV, and guest choreographer on the hit show, So You Think You Can Dance?), Laurie Ann Gibson (Making the Band, with Puff Daddy), and Chris Judd (Choreographer to the stars and famed dancer for Michael Jackson). “I try to find venues for my students that are nonjudgmental in the hopes of instilling strong values and a strong appreciation for the art of dance. Anyone can go to a dance competition, but it’s the conventions that are educational, and that’s what I strive for, education in dance” says owner Nicole Groll. Not only did they participate in the Pulse Tour, the studio has had Master Teachers come to the studio. They have traveled to Broadway Dance Center as well as Steps on Broadway, both located in NYC. Next on their list is guest teacher, Ken Skrzesz, of Clear Space Productions, Inc. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for my students to take classes at such prestigious dance centers and conventions. Being exposed to as many different styles and instructors is an important part of their dance education. Many of my students want to continue as professional dancers or teachers and this exposes them to the “real world” of dance. I am happy to be here to help them accomplish that” says Groll. To find out how you can become a part of Masters of Movement Dance Studio, visit their website at www.mastersofmovement.com or call the studio 945-0290 for more information.

September 1, 2006

Masters of Movement welcomes new teacher

GRauLICH Masters of Movement has announced the newest addition to its teaching staff, Shondelle Graulich. Originally from Perth, Australia, Graulich began her training at the age of two in ballet and jazz. She was then enrolled into an elite dance academy focusing her studies on jazz dance. By the age of 18 she began her professional career working for Steve Armstrong and the Flirtettes, Perth’s number one cabaret show. While working there not only was she one of their top dancers she was also one of the choreographers as well. At 20, she and her sister began running their own studio, WA Stage School in Perth, where she still currently works on their administrative team. In 1998, Graulich had the opportunity to work overseas in Kominato, Chiba, Japan as a dancer at a five- star resort hotel performing three shows a day, seven days a week. Continuing her career, she returned to Perth working as a dancer and choreographer for top traveling entertainers. In 2003 she moved to the Caribbean to further her dance career, working in the entertainment department for various resorts. She has since settled down into the Lewes area with husband Nathan and daughter Harlee. “Shon has extensive training in both jazz and hip- hop. I am so excited to have her on my staff. Her knowledge in dance and choreography will be a wonderful asset to the students. "Her love and enthusiasm will bring a new energy to the studio,” said Masters of Movement owner Nicole Groll. Graulich taught dance during Masters of Movement’s free dance classes, Experience Dance Workshops, held Aug. 22- 24. For more information about Graulich and Masters of Movement Dance Studio, visit its website at www.mastersofmovement.com, or call the studio for more information 945-0290.

May 19, 2006

Masters of Movement represents Delaware

One studio from each of the 50 United States and 15 countries from around the world were selected to represent their state and country at a week of dance classes, master workshops, and an International Performance Boards at Dance Excellence! in Hollywood, Calif.  Masters of Movement Dance Studio of Lewes, under the direction of Nicole Groll, was the studio chosen to represent the state of Delaware.  This year marks their second trip to Hollywood during their five years in business in Peddler's Square Village near Lewes.  The studio is honored to be hand selected again for such a prestigious event.  Dance Excellence! chooses who may attend their invitation only convention based on the highest criteria, focusing on student performance and excellence in dance education.  Masters of Movement is thrilled that they were specifically chosen to represent the state of Delaware for a second time. The goal of Dance Excellence! is to integrate all of the performance areas - voice, drama, musical theater, television, and feature film with special emphasis on dance.  this was an extra special year for Masters of Movement because not only were they chosen to attend Dance Excellence! they were also asked to perform in Disneyland.  Masters of Movement performed their own specialized 20 minute show at the Snow White Theater in Fantasyland in front of the hundreds of patrons that attended Disneyland that day.  They wrapped up the week long trip with an International Dance Competition where they competed in the jazz, hip-hop, and lyrical dance categories.  Not only did they receive marks of outstanding but also brought home trophies in all of their divisions.

May 6, 2005

May Day Celebrated in Lewes

May Day, May 1, was celebrated at the Villages of Five Points with various activities for the whole family.  The festivities began with a traditional maypole dance by Masters of Movement dance school in Lewes.  Music for the dance and the day's event was provided by the Milford Community Band.

April 2004

Dance Fest

Nicole Groll and her Masters of Movement will travel from Lewes to Hollywood, Calif., to participate in an invitation-only program called Dance Excellence, a weeklong celebration of dance, voice, drama, theater and film April 3 to 10.  Activities range from workshops to professional audition sessions. Officials from Dance Excellence invited only one studio from each state as well as one from each of 15 countries to represent its area.  Masters of Movement is a troupe of girls ages 10 to 18 who have been dancing together for the past three years.  Groll says her dance team is very excited about the event.  To learn more about Masters of Movement, visit www.mastersofmovement.com.

July 9, 2003

It's Her Destiny to Dance Teacher to Represent State Onstage in Hollywood

LEWES – When she’s not dancing, Nicole Groll is teaching dance, and when she’s not teaching dance, she’s, well, dancing. Nicole Groll, owner of Masters of Movement in Lewes, has been dancing since age 2. “It’s pretty cut and dried.  And it really is that simple, which is why it’s hard for me to stand still,” says this bouncy 22-year-old whose been on her toes for at least 20 years and still gets a kick out of the art form. Especially since her studio, Masters of Movement, has been invited to represent Delaware next April 3-10 at Dance Excellence in Hollywood. Consider her repertoire: ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, and modern dance.  “The last 12 or 13 years, I’ve done lyrical dancing, but in the last few years, I’ve really gotten into Hip-Hop.  That’s more what young people here want, the MTV moves,” Groll says. The Reading, PA, native danced her way to Delaware 3 years ago when she was hired by Cape Henlopen High School as choreographer for the student musical “Fame.” PROFILE AGE: 22 RESIDENCE: Lewes FAMILY: Husband, Corey; mother, Estelle Nuebling of Lewes; brother, Christopher of [Puerto Vallarta], Mexico POSITION: Dancer and owner of Masters of Movement EDUCATION: Attended West Chester (PA) University INTERESTS: Gardening, traveling, and scrap booking She’d been working in musical theater in New Jersey when she got the call, a move she views as fortuitous.  Her now-husband Corey was the show’s director.  “It was pretty much love at first sight,” she remembers.  The couple will celebrate their second anniversary in December. Groll, who regards Dance as a means of expression, has been expressing herself since she slipped on her first pair of Ballet shoes at 2.  She danced in “The Nutcracker” for Reading Berks Ballet when she was 6. Younger brother Christopher followed her footsteps, taking jazz, tap, and hip-hop classes when he was 7.  Today, he’s a professional show dancer at a resort hotel in [Puerto Vallarta], Mexico.  “My mom taught disco lessons in the ‘70s,” Groll recalls.  “We grew up dancing.  For us, it was as normal as eating.” High school musicals further fueled Groll’s ambitions.  She studied musical theater and dance at West Chester (PA) University until January 2000 when she accepted a five-month college internship in the arts at Walt Disney World, in Orlando, Fla.  She moved on to opportunities in New Jersey, then settled in Lewes that fall. Since September 2001, she’s been teaching dance at her Rehoboth Beach studio, Masters of Movement.  Demand for her introductory to advanced classes has increased so much she is relocating to Peddlers Village on Del. 24, north of Rehoboth Beach. “I feel it will be a more central location for my students who come from Lewes, Rehoboth, and Millsboro,” says the Lewes resident.  She’s renovating a former ice cream shop at Peddlers Village to make more room for her 130 students. “I want to expand so I’ve added a waiting room and a dressing room,” Groll says.  She expects renovations to be completed by Aug. 17, when registration opens for fall classes, set to start in September. Groll’s students, mostly female and age 2 ½ to adult, are dancing their way to increasing visibility.  A trio of invitation performances last month didn’t hurt. “We danced at Six Flags America’s Dance Fest, at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand, and at the Brandywine Assisted Living Center in Rehoboth,” Groll says. Next April, she’ll take about 15 of her students to the invitation-only Dance Excellence in Hollywood.  “We’ll perform a medley of dance styles,” she says.  This fall, Groll plans to add a new dimension to her new location: competitive dancing. “I used to take ballet classes in Dover but I decided to go with [Groll] because I knew it would be fun.  She has so much energy and enthusiasm and such a laidback teaching style,” says Sarah Murray of Lewes, a Cape Henlopen High School junior. Groll in February choreographed the school’s musical “Over Here!” in which Murray danced.  Murray has taken Ballet and Tap dancing from Groll since her studio opened. Masters of Movement offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, and modern dance plus an introductory class that is half tap, half ballet. Cost for introductory level classes is $35 monthly; 3 additional ability levels range from $40-$45 a month.  All classes meet weekly.  Groll’s invitation-only technique class is reserved for her most advanced students.  As a member of that class, Murray has a ticket to Hollywood next April. “I love teaching and I love passing on my love of dance to my students,” says Groll.  “I’ve always been artistic.  Dance is an artistic form and a wonderful way to express yourself.  It’s very freeing.”

June 27, 2003

Masters of Movement Sets Performance in Los Angeles

In April of 2004 the State of California will host and International Dance Festival for young dancers called, Dance Excellence.  This festival chooses one dance studio from each of the 50 states and 15 countries from around the world to represent their area for a week in Los Angeles.  It is one of the highest honors to be chosen to perform at this festival and Nicole Groll’s dance studio, Masters of Movement, has been chosen as the prestigious studio that will be representing Delaware.  The studio is located at 7 Peddlers Village, Lewes, on Route 24, moved from its prior location on 715 Suite 9, Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach. Dawn Monroe, Jackie Lovett, Nicole Berzins, Nicole Groll, Angie Brenwalt, Kristi Geschwindt, and Sarah Murray For one week the dancers from Masters of Movement will be engaged in performance areas covering voice, drama, musical theater, television, feature film, with a special focus on dance.  The festival will allow the girls to build and develop their dance skills by covering areas such as tap, ballet, modern, hip-hop, jazz, and African dance.  The festival is a chance for all of the girls attending to enhance their talents as well as expose them to new areas of entertainment.  Nicole and her students are all extremely excited and honored to attend. There will be many activities that the girls will be involved in during the duration of the festival.  The activities include a welcome luau dinner party celebration, a Sunday morning gospel concert and celebration, Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure; performance and fun at the Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios Hollywood; a day of fun with rides and attraction, to include exploration of the creation of film and TV, International Performance Boards; a dance opportunity, as well as an evening at the theater, and an awards ceremony.  In the past, special guest appearances by Mark Walberg, the Fly Girls from In Living Color, the Cast of the Lion King, and the 2003 cast of STOMP were made.  This year’s special guests will be announced as the festival nears. Nicole Berzins and Sarah Murray In preparation for their trip to California, Nicole and her students will be fundraising by way of spaghetti dinners, silent auctions, and pizza sales.  Boardwalk Lights, a local handmade soap and candle company, help to begin fundraising activities for Masters of Movement.  The students will also be putting on performances prior to the trip. This year Groll will be composing 3 competition teams who will be comprised of the students with the highest level of dedication and discipline.  The students’ dedication to the art of dance has been seen in their many performances.  The dancers have been seen on the bandstand in Rehoboth as well as Six Flags America, to participate in their annual Dance Fest. For more information on Masters of Movement, log on to www.masters-of-movement.com, call 302-945-0290, or email nicole@masters-of-movement.com.

November 15, 2002

Masters of Movement Hosts Choreographer Darrin Henson

Masters of Movement recently completed a master dance workshop with Darrin Henson. Darrin Henson is an extremely gifted choreographer whose talents have earned him the distinction of "choreographer to the stars," giving N*SYNC, Britney Spears, and Jordan Knight their trademark dance styles. Most recently, Henson was responsible for the choreography for Jennifer Lopez' "Love Don't Cost a Thing" and "Play" videos. Henson took home the coveted "Moon Man" trophy for "Best Choreographer of the Year" at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards. He has recently released his own set of very popular dance videos entitled Darrin’s Dance Grooves. He has also choreographed stage shows for some of music's top artists including NSYNC, Britney, Michael Jackson, Jagged Edge, Prince and, most recently, Jennifer Lopez' European Promotional Tour. Masters of Movement is a studio offering ages 2 to adult the chance to dance with an energetic and lively teacher in the dance forms of hip-hop, jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical jazz, and modern. With more than 120 students currently enrolled, they are holding a second registration for those who would like to be a part of the 2002-2003 dance year. Registration will be Saturday, December 14th, from 1-4pm at the studio, or preregister online at www.masters-of-movement.com to hold a spot in the class desired. For more information about Masters of Movement, call [945-0290] or email Nicole@masters-of-movement.com. Shown during his visit are (l-r) Caitlin Spieker, Henson, Masters of Movement owner Nicole Groll, Sarah Murray, and Kristi Geschwindt.

January 16, 2002

Dance Studio 'Moves' into Rehoboth- Masters of Movement Dance Studio

photo by Kristin Roberts Alyssa Mocci, 5, takes lessons at Masters of Movement The response was better than dance studio owner Nicole Groll had expected. “My goal was to get 30 students into the first session and make enough to pay my rent and save a little, a very little bit,” she said. Instead, 50 students signed up on the first day of registration for Groll’s new Rehoboth Beach-area dance studio, Masters of Movement. Just five months into the business, she has about 115 students, and they’re coming from all corners of the county. “I have girls from Millsboro, Indian River School District, Harbeson, Greenwood,” she said. Groll offers introductory classes, jazz, tap, ballet, adult hip-hop and lyrical dance classes. A dancer since she was 2, Groll, 21, majored in musical theater at West Chester University, in Pennsylvania. She left school after two years to intern at Walt Disney World, after which she worked with dance companies in New Jersey and appeared in a few commercials, she said. She relocated to Delaware after her mother moved to the Rehoboth area two years ago “I always knew that if I didn’t make it big, I’d open my own studio,” said Groll, who has also choreographed productions for the Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theater and Cape Henlopen High School’s production of “Fame” last year. “I had a few girls from (the high school play) who wanted to keep dancing,” she said. “So, for awhile I taught them at Rehoboth Elementary School.” The group had a June recital, she said. Groll said she offers some classes which cater to children and teen-agers, and some which are geared to adults. Her class schedule is available on her studio Web site, www.masters-of-movement.com.

August 17th, 2001

Lessons Now Available to Cape Region Youth at New Dance Studio

Bridin Reynolds-Hughes photo "Some people move your soul to dance," reads a small poster placed prominently on one wall of the Masters of Movement Dance Studio in Rehoboth Beach. Nicole Groll, founder of the studio, is one of those people. Groll, a petite blonde, fits perfectly into the vibrant, sunny dance environment she has created in the Henlopen Junction Mall, located at the base of Rehoboth Avenue. Amethyst colored walls are reflected in the dance mirror and cheery curtains rim the door. Groll opened the studio this summer and is enrolling students now for September classes. "If you can walk, you can dance. I encourage ages as low as 2 to inquire about lessons. That is when I started," she said. Classes are filling up quickly. Groll has 60 students, both girls and boys, registered already. A lifelong student of dance, Groll has experience as a choreographer for shows ranging from children's theatre, to high school musicals, to university productions. She has recently accomplished a five-month internship with Walt Disney World and has also been featured on MTV commercial promoting the recent movie "Save the Last Dance." It was after serving as the choreographer for Cape Henlopen High School's 2001 production of "Fame" that she decided to remain in the Cape Region. "That was my first real 'in' here. After that, I decided that I could move to New York and be an out-of-work actress or dancer, or that I could settle down and make this home and teach dance. I really love it here," said Groll, a Pennsylvania native. She tested her resolve by working with a group of Rehoboth Elementary School students this spring and held a successful recital with the troupe in June. "Anyone can try to be a performer but to be a teacher you have to have the heart and love truly love kids," she said. She will begin Masters of Movement classes in September, featuring introductory classes, jazz, tap, ballet and hip-hop. Classes will run in accordance to the Cape Henlopen School District's school schedule and will include a formal recital at the culmination of each season. "We try to involve our dancers around the town, showcasing their hard work and talent as best we can. Each year may be different, but the recital is the one event that will always remain," she said. Each class is composed of eight to 12 students. If there is an excess of students signing up for classes, more classes offering the style of dance will be added, and private lessons are available. Registration can be made online or by signing up in person at the studio, 715 Suite 9, Rehoboth Avenue. Official registration dates are from 8 a.m. until noon and 3 p.m. until 7 p.m., Aug. 20, 21, 27, and 28 at the studio. There will be a $12 registration fee when signing up.