(Today’s AMA post comes from AMA dance instructor, Lauren Tedeschi!)
I remember my first dance class back at the park district in 1998 with the AMAzing Ann Marie Frank. I was in my shiny new buckle tap shoes, black leotard and pink tights. I remember slipping on the dance floor. She would call out “marching feet,” so that I and my other friends would not slip and slide all over the place. We would gather around the barre, having to stand on our tip toes just to be able to reach, and begin with the basic of all tap classes: The Toe Tap.
After finishing class I remember we were all rewarded for our continuous efforts and hard work with a chocolate or vanilla animal cracker! I loved coming to my classes to see all my dance friends and little did I know I would become best friends with her daughter Kendall!
Growing up, Miss Ann Marie taught me ballet, jazz, tap and mother-daughter class. Miss Ann Marie didn’t just teach me dance steps and how to always keep learning and never give up on the dance floor. She also taught us how to keep learning and never give up through life!
When I heard she was going to open her own business, happiness flowed through me! All her dances were fun, and she used awesome props. (I remember dancing on suitcases when I was about 8-years-old!)
I remember being there throughout the process of opening her new studio. We started to set up the office: a white empty space with a table and two chairs at the time. The two white studios with empty shelves are now so colorful and filled with bean bags, the beloved ponies, colorful flowers, umbrellas and so much more! I remember when we had an open house with free dance classes for the first week and tours for people to see the place (we all got fun yellow hard hats since it was “under construction”)! Miss Ann Marie can put a fun spin on ANYTHING!
Ending pose for Breakfast at Tiffany’s at the AMA Awards.
Top: Amy Capps & Lauren Ehlers
Middle: Me! Lauren Tedeschi
Sitting: Jessie Frank & Kendall Frank
I obviously have never owned my own business or opened my own dance studio. But, growing up under the wing of Miss Ann Marie, I learned quite a bit. You not only have to have a passion and a dream, but determination as well. This lady was faced with many roadblocks (I know this since I was really good friends with her daughter, Kendall). I learned from observing closer than most that you can work around most roadblocks with patience and a plan.
Coming to dance classes for the past 10 years at AMA has taught me a variety of personal values and qualities for everyday life. For example, I learned the importance of being responsible, from showing up for classes on time, to making sure I had all of my shoes, to coming to class in the proper dress clothes. I also learned to respect others. I learned about personal space, teamwork, respect and to just be nice because it makes a difference. I use all these characteristics that I learned in dance class EVERY day in my life today at 20-years-old.
Being a part of AMA I have been able to perform at some pretty cool places including The All State Arena for a half time show for the Chicago Sky, walking in the numerous Park Ridge and Des Plaines parades, and Maine West’s Annual West Fest. I love to perform and it is something I want to continue to share with others.
Jessie Frank, Lauren Tedeschi and Kendall Frank holding backstage
passes for the performance at the All State Arena. (June 2010)
In 2013, Miss Ann Marie approached me with an opportunity to be a teacher at AMA. That day was a turning point for me. I was so excited that I had a chance to share with others my passion for dance.
It is a new experience to be in front of the class passing on my love of dance to a younger generation. I love when kids enter and leave my class room with a big smile on their face, especially after we learned a tricky new move or technique. I keep in the back of my mind tricks of the trade that I learned from Ann Marie, for example, keeping the dance class going with some technique and then a fun bean bag song transition to keep the kids engaged in the class! It is humbling to have my choreography on stage while sitting in the audience. Again, very different than performing, but equally rewarding!
Miss Lauren’s Hippity Hoppers class at 2014 performance AMA Legends.
The next year after being a teacher for AMA, I was invited to join the front desk staff with more responsibilities, yet another new role at AMA. I love working the front desk along with teaching! Being a part of this team I continue to learn all that is involved in running a successful business. I am honored that Miss Ann Marie believed in me enough to give me this opportunity. I never realized how much work the office staff has to do! There is ALWAYS something to be done!
Lauren is ready to greet our students and their families!
Many things have changed for me over the years but one thing hasn’t. My love of dance! Whether I’m a student, teacher or desk staff, I am always learning and improving!
I want to wish Miss Ann Marie and AMA a very Happy 10 Year Anniversary! I wish you many more years and I hope I can be a part of it every way I can… Either behind the desk greeting our families, or in the classroom standing in front of the class saying “marching feet everyone!”
Be a part of something AMAzing!
AMA instructors excel in teaching dance, music, tumbling – and in building confidence! Learn more about enrolling in our classes by calling 847-299-2233 today. We can’t wait to hear from YOU!
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