Maya Pottiger
For 20 years, SPARK Dance Studio has shaped dancers in Anne Arundel County.
SPARK’s motto is “to ignite each dancer’s potential, whether it’s for fun or for those who want to dance professionally,” said studio director and owner Amy Rink.
“I’m really passionate about what I do,” Rink said. “I like seeing the kids enjoy it. I try to make it fun for them.”
A variety of classes are offered at SPARK, hitting all skill levels between beginner and pre-professional. In total, there are about 30 classes per week geared toward those ages 2-and-a-half to adults.
At the beginning of each semester, Rink asks her students about their goals and what they want to get out of the class. She then incorporates their responses into the classes, whether it’s audition preparation or different exercises.
“I make the classes relevant,” Rink said. She has a 95 percent acceptance rate when it comes to her dancers’ auditions.
The year is broken into two semesters with performances in January and June. Unique to SPARK is that it has two yearly performances whereas most schools have only one, Rink said.
“Personally, I would be bored doing one show and drilling that one piece all year long,” Rink said. “I try to incorporate new things to not only keep it interesting for me, but to keep it interesting for the kids.”
In addition to the classes, SPARK has a competition team that participates in regional competitions a few times each year.
“Our studio isn’t a competition-based studio, but we do offer that opportunity,” Rink said. Over the last five years, the SPARK competition team has won awards for choreography, technique and concept.
Rink also offers her students masterclass opportunities with professional dancers. These teachers have included Amanda Wheaton of the Martha Graham Company, “So You Think You Can Dance?” finalist Jamile McGee and Scott Rink with the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company.
For Rink, the most enjoyable part has been watching her students grow up.
“If they’ve started out young, seeing how they evolve not only as dancers but as humans, that’s always nice,” Rink said.
Rink opened studio locations in Millersville, Severna Park and Annapolis. The Severna Park studio runs out of Severna Park Racquetball & Fitness Club, which Rink said has been more than accommodating in assisting with whatever she needs.
“I like the environment here. It’s family-oriented. It gets the kids involved while their parents are working out,” Rink said. “It’s a nice facility, too.”
In addition to SPARK’s classes, performances and competitions, Rink incorporates different benefits and charity events into the SPARK program. SPARK performs at the Chesapeake Family Camp Fair and a benefit for war veterans.
“It’s important for the kids to show that you can give back to the community and that it’s important to do that,” Rink said. “It’s not just thinking of yourself and your personal goals but what can you add to the community to make it better.”
For more information on SPARK Dance Studio, visit www.sparkdance.net or call 410-212-1429.
Severna Park
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