Gail Harts Performing Arts Group Inc.

Gail Harts Performing Arts Group Inc.WelcomeAbout UsStaff & InstructorsInformationGalleryVideos Welcome

Welcome!!!

"Dance As If No One Is Watching"

Welcome to "Gailsdanceplace" where you can enjoy the fun, experience the love and educate yourself to the world of dance as an art, with others in a serious but pleasurable environment! Through gifted and annointed faculty, we have a distinctive method of teaching in order to promote positive, self-motivated minds and gifted bodies!

B.A.D (Blessed, Annointed, And Distinctive)

This is a place that shows the kindess and compassion of family to many students and adults who are in need of growth, whether be physically, mentally or spiritually. It is through this foundation that the Gail Harts Performing Arts Group Inc. has been able to be a blessing to so many, especially young people.

Patient and Kind Instructors

Proper Techniuqe

Necessary Life Skills

Consistent, Quality Instruction

Family Oriented Enviornment

Personalized Private Lessons

About Us

Mission Statement

About Us

The Gail Harts Performing Arts Group, Inc. works to develop creative potentials and healthy outlets for self-expression. While nurturing good character, this organization fosters the acquisitions of marketable skills and career options through education and the arts. Participants develop a connection to the community, enhance self-esteem through performing and a commitment to community service.

Owner and Director

Mrs. Gail Harts

Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana Mrs. Gail Harts has been singing and dancing since the age of two. If someone asked, she would best describe herself as a devout christian. Due to a severe injury some time ago she was told she would never dance again. Needless, to say she overcame those obstacles and now continues to press forward on faith. She has an extreme passion for her craft and now, with over 40 years of experience she continues to teach at her studio and oversee her instructors as senior choreographer. Her love for the arts has grown exponentially over the years and as of now it is stronger than ever!

Non-Profit Organization

The Gail Harts Performing Arts Group Inc. is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization whose passion is to build and nurture our youth not just through the arts but with work ethics, respect,confidence and dedication. The things we desire to do for these young people can sometimes be larger than us financially. In turn, we kindly extend our invitation for you to make a tax deductable contribution and become apart of an organization that encourages them to step out on faith and reach for the stars in order to enhance their futures.

Staff and Instructors

Staff - Instructors

Presenting Our Wonderful Staff & Instructors!!!

The Gail Harts Performing Arts Group Inc. have great people who work with the highest dignity and determination in order to give the best of what this organization has to offer their students. This page is dedicated to them and the gifts that they contribute on a daily basis.

Feel free to click on one of the buttons below in order to know more about our staff and instructors!!!

Administration

Specialty

Ballet

Contemporary

Hip Hop

Information

Class Descriptions.pdf

Information

Classes

"From Ballet to Hip Hop"***Full Copy of Class Descriptions Available for Download Above***Here at the Gail Harts Performing Arts Group Inc. we provide a variety of regular and private classes in every style we offer. From beginner to advanced, we will place you with our kind and warm loving instructors guaranteed to offer the highest standard of attentive and personalized instruction at a price anyone can afford! Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Pointe, and Creative Dance are just some of the styles that are offered. More are constantly being added on a consistent basis.Liturgical and Gospel PraiseThe Gail Harts Performing Arts Group Inc. is much more than just a place to come and learn the arts. We are a family based dance academy hoping to educate, empower, and elevate those who are intrusted to us by teaching and ministering to them in a positive and proactive environment.

We Have Moved Home to Portsmouth!!!

Come and join us again in bringing our performing arts company back to the city of Portsmouth! Our dance history is something special to share with any and everyone, so come and help us in recapturing the family atmosphere you all had a part in giving birth to in Portsmouth....

"FIND YOUR FACE IN THE PLACE!!!"

Christmas Gala was a success!!!!

The spectacular show that took place Dec. 17th was a HUGE success. If you missed it don't worry, the company has plenty of performances left before the year is out so make sure to check back often to find out when and where we will be performing next!!!!!

Rules and Regulations (Finished).pdf

Rules & Regulations

***Full Copy of Rules and Regulations Available for Download Above***The first step to becoming a successful dancer/performer is making a solid committment to your class, rehearsals and performances. Strong technique is a key ingredient and class is where you develop that technique. Come to each class prepared to learn and without personal distractions. Class time is your chance to focus on yourself, so try to leave your concerns or worries at the studio door. True progress is made when you look at each class, rehearsal, or performance as an opportunity to become better at what you love to do. Dance full out,stretch a little further,become more aware of your technique,and make the most of every class!!!

Portsmouth Class Schedule.pdf

Class Schedule:

Gallery

In-Class Pictures

Caught in the heat of the action, below are a few pictures from a typical class at Gail Harts' studio.

They feature pictures of various aspects of the class, including warm-up stretches, across the floor, and even an occasional break.

Mrs. Harts and Sam Roundtree

Full of Laughs

Chatting It Up

Taking a Break

More Horton Techniuqe

Horton Technique

Reach!

Demonstration

Warm-Up

Another Demo

Across the Floor

Teachers Demonstration

Professional Pictures

Above are a few pictures from a professional photoshoot that took place June of 2010 in the studio!

They feature pictures of workshop, junior and senior company!

Gails Corner

Gail's Corner

Welcome to Gails Corner!!!

We would love to cordially invite you in to Gails Corner! This is a page dedicated soley to you!

Feel free to drop us a comment and let us know how how much your enjoying the studio!

You can also leave a comment stating something you would like to see done to help you and your children have a better experience here or you can simply state what's on your mind.

Whatever you have to say were all ears!

Gail's Quote of the Month:
"For I know the plans for you to prosper and not fail"- Jeremiah 29:11 -

Contact Us

Contact Us

Come Find Us!!!

Feel Free to Contact Us!!!

We are convienently located in the heart of Portsmouth off of Victory Blvd. Feel free to stop by or contact us by one of the means below. We'd be happy to hear from you!

Address: 2513-A Victory Blvd.

Portsmouth,Virginia 23702

Phone: 757- 410 - 8517

Fax: 757- 410 - 8576

Hip Hop

Hip-Hop

Christopher Harts

Lee Alexander Jackson (Student Teacher)

John "Rick" Ravizee

This style refers to dance primarily done to Hip-Hop music and, over time, has evolved as part of its culture. Hip-Hop is "grounded" and can either be done by improvisation (freestyle) or through sets of choreographed movements.

The Gail Harts Performing Arts Company Inc. have broken up this style in to sections that are normally not taught in other studios, called the "5 Shades" of Hip-Hop . It consists of Rhythm/Coordination, Choreography, Popping/Ticking, Tutting, Waving/Isolations. The instructors listed have the ability to do all styles but they also shine in their own areas.

Another new style that is over looked but taught here is Lyrical Hip-Hop . It is a fluid and more interpretive version of Hip-Hop most often danced to down tempo Rap or R&B music. Dancers interpret the beat differently, focusing more on choreography and performance.
*** Specialty Styles*** Hard-Hitting, Groove Son of Preston and Gail Harts, Christopher Harts has been dancing all his life. He started from a very young age learning and excelling in all styles of dance at an accelrated pace. Though he is talented in dance he also posesses many other ablilties.A dedicated scholar Chris is attending Hampton University and will be graduating soon with a Bachelor's Degree in writing, due to his incredible talent for it. He also will be applying for Grad Shcool to pursue a Master's Degree in Film and Cinematography.He teaches at Gail Harts Performing Arts Company Inc. as a Hip-Hop instructor, choreographing for events such as her annual recital and also works with the youth at the local YMCA.
“*** Specialty Styles***Swag, Lyrical Hip-HopBorn on December 22, 1988 in Norfolk, Virginia, Rick was pulled in to the world of dance when he was about 15 years old. His style can best be described as "Smooth" due to heavy influence from stars such as Michael Jackson, Usher, and Omarion. Being blessed with amazing energy, remarkable agility, coordination, and sense of rhythm he has taught himself Hip Hop from the fundamental level all the way to advanced. He has had the pleasure to work and associate himself with many choreographers and organizations in the area such as ODU Dance Department, Lisa Wallce of Hurrah Players, Jon Green of Virginia Beach Steppers, Eboni Young of Dance Dimensions studios.Rick has been on television for “"Karma Butler’s American Dance Legend"” which aired to 2.8 million viewers in Hampton Roads, CBS Network Affiliate Channel 3, June of 2010. He now trains and teaches as a Hip Hop Instructor at Gail Harts Performing Inc. and oversees student teacher in training, Lee Alexander Jackson, working with him to develop his abilities as a dancer and instructor.
*** Specialty Styles***Tutting, PrecisionLee Alexander Jackson, native of West Palm Beach Florida, was born January 31, 1991. The world of dance was extended to him at the age of 7 by his beloved Aunt learning liturgical and other pop styles. Alex’s nickname “Tutting King” comes from his impressive hip hop improvisation style. It's a style that requires control and extreme focus due to various geometric shapes that are made with the human body in rhythm to music. Alex has won many awards including, recently, a campus wide talent show that took place in Joseph Echols Hall Gymnasium to an estimated 7,500 people on the campus of Norfolk State University. Lee has been brought under Gail Hart's wing and is now training with Gail Harts Performing Arts Inc. directly under John "Rick" Ravizee as a student teacher, working to perfect his craft as a dancer and instructor.

Contemporary

Contemporary

Style: Modern

This is a genre of dance that sometimes employs compositional philosophy and emotion. It uses dance techniques and methods found in ballet, modern dance and sometimes jazz. Normally, the inspiration for movement in this genre are outside the realm of classical dance technique.

The individuals represented here thrive in this art form of dance. These instructors are another essential part of the Gail Harts Performing Arts Group Inc. because they represent an art form that is, at times, over looked and highly underated when compared to classical styles such as ballet.
Jennifer Black is a native of Chesapeake, VA. From age 3 to 19 she’s participated in performing arts and danced competitively, but found a home with Gail Harts Dance Company (currently know as, Gail Harts Performing Arts Group) during the latter years of her prime. Jennifer attended Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and graduated with her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Sociology in 2007 and Master of Social Work degree in 2010. During these years she served in multiple student organization positions, including President of VCU’s student chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Undoubtedly, the discipline and commitment instilled from the art of dance best prepared her for these leadership positions.Currently, Jennifer is focusing on remaining rooted in community by working with children as a Foster Care Caseworker by day, and providing support to the students of GHPAG by night. Mrs. Harts prides herself on creating dancers that remain inspired to continue their craft for years to come, as she embodies steadfastness and longevity. Jennifer hopes to assist in contributing to Mrs. Harts legacy by encouraging our students to share their gifts with the community and abroad.“Ideal teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross, then having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create bridges of their own.” – -Nikos Kazantzakis-

Jennifer Black

Style: Jazz
A native of Sussex County, Va., and graduating senior at Norfolk State University Willis King will soon graduate with a degree in Mass Communications/ General Broadcasting. His ideas in film and broadcasting help to encourage our youth in the arts. Willis began his studies in Dance with the Norfolk State University Dance Theater, where his passion for dance made him seek further training with Dance Dimensions Academy. Since then, Willis has decided to persue this passion further by enrolling in a continuing education dance program with Mrs. Harts with NDEO, a professional Dance Program for Dance Professionals and Teachers in Dance Education.

Willis King (Student Teacher)

Ballet

Christin Thomas

Ballet

*** Currently Teaching Lyrical, Jazz, Ballet and Pointe ***A native of Takoma Park Maryland, Christin migrated with her parents to Virginia in 1987. She has been a student of Mrs. Harts since 1990 as well as in the Magnet Dance Program at Churchland High School in Portsmouth Va. where Mrs. Harts was Dance Director. Besides posessing an amazing dance ability, she is also a dedicated scholar. Graduate of Churchland High School, she currently attends Norfolk State University in Health Service Management and graduates in December 2011. A recipient of numerous Dance Awards, including "National Grand Champion", she was accepted to Deeply Rooted Professional Dance Company in Chicago. Truly gifted in the arts, she humbly offers her grand teaching experience and comes to the company with a proactive passion to teach and empower young people.

Danyel Smith
Danyel Smith has been a dance instructor at GHPAG for over two years. She currently has the responsiblity of teaching workshop classes which are ages 2-9 and she also assists with the choreography. Danyel has been dancing since the age of 2 with Mrs. Gail Harts and is now a junior in Oscar Smith High School. She is a student in the IB Program, Jr. Class Vice president and participates in other numerous organizations and clubs. An active member of her church, she is one of the choreographers of the Youth Praise Dance Ministry. She plans on attending college after she gradautes from Oscar Smith High but until then she continues to train and teach for Gail Harts Performing Arts Group Inc.

The Gail Harts Performing Arts Group Inc. has recently aquired the talents of new instructors!!! The expertise of the instructors shown here, if you haven't guessed, is Ballet! All of the individuals presented here have been trained from a very young age under the tutelage of Mrs. Harts. Containing excellent technique, flexiblity, and extension, they continue to contribute and give back to the company by sharing their extensive experience and knowlegde with the other students.

Kiara Faulks
Currenly residing in Portsmouth Virginia, Kiara Faulks has also danced and trained with Mrs. Harts since the tender age of 3 years old. With amazing flexibility and extension she teaches her classes with all of the knowledge and experience she was given. A sophmore at I.C. Norcom High School she plans on possibly attending college at VCU to major in dance.

Staff

Administrative Staff

Board of Directors
Mr. Harts, husband of Mrs. Gail Harts for over 30 years, is the Truancy Administrator for the Portsmouth City Schools. He was an All-American football player for both Norcom and Kentucky State University. He is also a graduate of KSU in Health and Physical Education. He received his Masters in Administration from Columbia of NYC. Mr. Harts has been in the Virginia School Systems since his return to VA in 1978. Prior to his move to VA., he was a teacher. Mr. Harts. brings his Administrative skills and his expertise working with the youth to the board. Mr. Harts is his wife's greatest supporter, and will do anything to help the facility run properly.

The unique and blessed individuials presented here are the backbone of Gail Harts Performing Arts Group Inc. From taking care of secretarial duties such as talking to parents and answering phones to assisting Gail Harts with the furture direction of the company; they handle various and important responsibilites. Simply put, without them it would be impossible for the organization to function.

"Hard work spotlights and exposes good character. An asset that is detrimental to success."

Mr. Preston Harts

Administrative Assistant
Ms. Val, a parent with the Gail Harts Dance Company for 12 years, is always encouraging and supportive to Mrs. Harts and all the students. As a parent she wanted to see her own child progress and be in an atmosphere that was pleasing to her. Volunteering to help in any possible way, Ms. Val is responsible for the Company re-opening. Through her encouragement and support, Mrs. Harts had a listening ear and a strong shoulder to lean on to get the Company back on it's feet. Ms. Val runs the office and answers all your questions. Get registered and let Ms. Val direct you to the proper information on becoming a performing arts student with GHPA Group, Inc.

Mrs. Valerie Smith

Specialty

Specialty

Liturgical
*** Can Teach All Styles ***The daughter of a brick mason father and a Seamtress, jack of all trades mom. She adopted the determination and work ethic of her working class parents, a work ethic she constantly imparts to her dance students. Not limited to just one or two, Mrs. Harts has been blessed with the ability to teach all dance styles. Besides dance, she has had a talent for other things as well such as pagents, and even attended Southern University of N.O. for her second passion, Fashion Design since there was no major for dance back then. In 1974, she left N.O. to pursue dance in New York City. She landed part in an off broadway play "Where's Charlie", a local Co's "Bubbling Brown Sugar" and Carmen the Opera at Loyola University in N.O. Mrs. Gail Harts has won many prestigous awards such as "Best Choreography" from numerous competitions and in 2005 she recieved the Alli Award from the Contemporary Arts Center in Virginia Beach.Many of her students move on to a professional career in dance. They have had the pleasure to perform with stars such as Brandy, Usher, Mariah Carey, broadway shows like Fame, Smokey Joe's, Mary Poppins and even So You Think You Can Dance.

The instructors represented here are under this certain "specialty" category because not only can they teach the majority of the dance generes offered but they can also teach a style that no else can in the studio.

Mrs. Dametria Petty-Mines has the ability to teach and offer proper technique in gymnastics. She has prevalent experiance in the area and to this day teaches her students the fundamentals of being fit acrobatically.

Mrs. Gail Harts is able to teach the genre of dance known as Liturgical. This style of dance can reflect the beauty and wonders of worship. Using universal principles of spirituality, she can offer practical tools for leading a joyous,and abundant study of dance ministry in youth and even in adults.

Mrs. Gail Harts

Gymnastics
*** Also Teaches Lyrical ***"Miss Dee" is our Assistant Instructor with our Junior and Senior Companies and started as our Gymnastics Instructor in the beginning the fall of 2009. Miss Dee is a graduate of Hampton University and a former Terpsicorian at Hampton. A native of Florida, Miss Dee began gymnastics at the age of three followed by dance at age four. She became a member of the Ballet Guild of Sanford-Seminole at age nine. Miss Dee taught and choreographed for Taijiri Performing Arts School from 1988 - 1992 and taught gymnastics at Sanford Gymnastics Associations from 1990 - 1992

Mrs. Dametria Petty-Manes

Click Here to visit our Gospel and Liturgical Company Website!!!

Events (Christmas)

The Gail Harts Performing Arts Group Inc. would like to cordially invite you to our........

Events

Save the date! December 17th at 7pm! Our Gala takes place at our new location in portsmouth.

For ticket prices and other information feel free to contact us by email, phone, or just stop by the studio!

Christmas Gala

Come join us for a spectacular evening in celebration of the upcoming holiday season!!! The Gail Harts Performing Arts Group Inc. will be hosting a spectaclular Christmas show for your enjoyment, so don't hesitate and don't be late! Come out and experience the magic and wonder of christmas through the art of dance. We promise to give you a show that will set the holiday spirit right for you and the whole family.

The Concession stand will be open for refreshments!!!

Programs

New Programs Starting January 2012!!!

Programs

Gail Harts Performing Arts Group Inc.

Coming to

Crispus Attucks Cutural Center!

Young Lady's Inc.
Young Lady's Inc is a Rites of Passage program designed to help with the development and socialization of young women.There are values and traditions in our communities that have been passed down through the years that are required to pass from girlhood to womanhood.In the African Society there is a process through initiation that is used as apreparation for young girls to understand the responsebilities and world challanges she will face before growing to the level of womanhood.Our program uses this Rites of Passage procedure as well as other methods to Encourage, Empower, Educate, and Elevate young girls to seek high values and demand respect because they are respectful of themselves.Our program is designed to show the participants that they can be successful and that it is okay to dream dreams others see as unreachable. It only takes Faith, Hard Work, Education, and Choosing the Right Paths. We will accomplish these standards by introducing our girls to Professional Business Woman in our communities to assist them in their selections of careers and sharing their own successes. We will have sharing sessions,guest speakers,and bonding outings to encourage proper behavior,to educate about the disadvantages of early pregancies and positive side of celibacy. We will assist with the education of seeking secondary education and recognizing special abilities and what is needed to reach these goals.We will educate our participants on finance and debt,to help them prepare for self-sufficiency.At the end of our sixteen week program we will hoast a cotilion to introduce these young women to the community to let others know about the positive young people in the community ready to give back.Call to secure your place;757-410-8517, We are seeking girls ages 8-18.Parents let us help you with the direction of your young girls.This is a mentoring program to assist with the development of the social graces,proper behavior,personal hygiene,proper dress,public speaking,networking with positive teens,and the encouragement of young women to take their rightful place in their communities and stand up and say;

The expert quality instruction that you value and love from Gail Harts Performing Arts Group Inc. is coming to Crispus Attucks Cultural Center January 2012!!!

For more information contact Gail Harts. Crispus Attucks information is listed below

Crispus Attucks Cultural Center, Inc.

P.O. Box 1272

Norfolk, VA 23501

757-622-4763

We are seeking Mentors: Contact us if you are a professional business who would like to volunteer your services by mentoring one of our girls.We are looking for women who can bring positive roles to the lives of young women through sharing their stories of struggles to success,and how you overcame the odds to achieve your dreams. E-mail us at:creolegumbo1_verizon.net and send us your bio.

www.cacc-inc.org

Events

Events

The Gail Harts Performing Arts Group Inc. will have a new list of events that will be taking place soon!!!

Events

New Programs

Gail's Corner

Contact Us

Phone: 757 - 410 - 8517
Email: creolegumbo1_verizon.net

" To Dance is To Live "

Kenny G - The Moment.mp3

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