ATJ’s high energy classes offer students a high level of training in a caring and nurturing environment. Students learn best through positive reinforcement. Through mutual respect we work to build outstanding dancers in body, mind and spirit. Excellent technique classes, performances, and competition opportunities give students the chance to develop into strong, confident dancers.

ATJ’s studios are equipped with hardwood floors, mirrors, air conditioning and natural light. Viewing windows and a video monitoring system help students develop the ability to be comfortable in front of an audience. We encourage parents to watch their children in class so they can appreciate and follow their children’s achievements and progress throughout the year.

OUR MISSION

At ATJ we want to offer quality dance training to develop strong dancers. All of our staff approach dance as a creative art form and technical dance form. ATJ staff members support and nurture student effort by providing a setting in which students can feel comfortable receiving constructive feedback on their dance technique and by giving them the opportunity to perform their dance skills.

We work hard to provide a dynamic and exciting learning environment.

OUR FACULTY

Lisa Lester – Harris

director • dance instructor • mom

Lisa Lester-Harris has an extensive background in dance and has been sharing her passion with young dancers since 1989. She studied ballet, jazz, tap, and hip hop at the Port Huron School of Dance and has attended many dance workshops in the Detroit area.

In 1997 Lisa graduated from the University of Windsor with an honours degree in Kinesiology ( B.H.K.) in 1997, and two years later became a qualified school teacher (B.Ed.). In 2004, Lisa took part in the Boulder Jazz Dance Workshop in Colorado, an intense 2 week workshop focusing on technique and performance.

Lisa is a member of the British Association Teachers of Dancing (B.A.T.D.), and has participated annually in nationally known dance teacher conferences in New York City, and other parts of the U.S.A.

Owning and operating All That Jazz Dance Co. has fulfilled a big dream for Lisa. It’s success has already far exceeded her expectations.

Having worked as a school teacher and having four children of her own Lisa understands how to motivate the young dancer.

Lisa loves to watch her students mature into confident, creative and assertive dancers.

Christopher Rich

dance instructor • choreographer

Chris has an extensive background in dance with over 13 years of experience in the areas of ballet, lyrical and jazz dance forms.

Chris was accepted on a full scholarship at the age of 10 by one of the leading dance companies in the United States’ Midwest. He traveled back and forth from Los Angeles and New York City to further his dance studies. Chris fell in love with lyrical dance and started teaching and choreographing at the age of 14.

By the time he was 17 Chris’ technical and creative choreography was winning top overall scores at international competitions.

All That Jazz Dance Co. is very fortunate to have Chris on staff. Also known as “Seargent Chris” , he is a teacher that knows how to push his students to be the best dancers they can be.

Cary Templeman

dance instructor • rap artist

Cary is responsible for our breakdance classes at ATJ. A talented teacher and breaker, Cary shares his enthusiasm for breakdancing with all of his students. In addition to teaching Cary is also a rap artist and has released two CD’s of his own creative works.

Kim Hammond

Kim is the administrative co-director at ATJ.  When Kim is not lip syncing and dancing in her bathroom shower, she can usually be found at All That Jazz sharing her enthusiasm and love of dance with all the young dancers, and her daughter Emma.

Kim takes great pride in being a part of the ATJ team!