Student Spotlights

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Ever since I can remember, dance has been an integral part of my life. No matter where we moved, dance remained a constant companion. One dance studio, in particular, holds a special place in my heart. It was at Dussich Dance Studio that I made many connections with teachers and friends who shared my love for dance. Dussich has a unique program called Imperial Dance Corps, or IDC, where they rehearse every Saturday to prepare for a performance at the end of the eleven month season. IDC then  donated the proceeds from the performance to a local charity, such as “The Children’s Hunger Project” and “Families Exploring Down Syndrome”. From the moment I started attending Dussich, everyone kept telling me to join the program, so I decided to audition for the next season. After joining IDC, I started to love being a part of it, merging my passion for dance with a profound desire to make a difference in the community. 

A year later, my family had to move 200 miles across the state of Florida. I realized that this would mean leaving Dussich and IDC. The prospect of giving up dancing for IDC was unthinkable, so I made a proposal. My family agreed, so every weekend we would drive 4 hours for IDC rehearsals on Saturdays. Even though this was a long drive, I knew that it was important for me to be a part of IDC because it was the perfect way for me to give back to the community. I was also cast as Belle in the “Beauty and the Beast” production. Taking on the lead role meant extra dedication with rehearsals on Fridays and longer days on Saturdays. Managing my academic responsibilities was crucial, as I had to get all of my homework done before leaving every weekend. It was worth it, however, when I was able to see the impact that IDC had on the community.

Beyond fundraising performances, we also volunteered at chosen charities throughout the year, such as running 5K’s, dancing at festivals, and packing food for kids in need. Serving with charities gave me a greater understanding of the pressing local needs and how my small involvement could make a huge impact. Dussich also gave me the opportunity to serve others outside of charities. Dussich holds dance class for children who have Down Syndrome, and I had the chance to choreograph two dances and teach them to this class. The kids I met through that class were incredibly sweet and attentive as I taught them the dances. They especially loved when they were able to choose their own leap or turn to do during their dances. Their faces would light up when it was time for them to showcase the dances they spent months practicing. Seeing the joy of the children in the class as they learned and performed the dances was the best reward.

Through my gift of dance, I have not only cultivated the dedication it takes to be a successful dancer but also imbibed the life-long lessons about the power of giving. Through IDC, I have found my love of helping other people, a commitment I intend to uphold through other charitable initiatives and in my career. The discipline and time management I honed during my time at IDC will undoubtedly serve me well when confronting future challenges. The invaluable lessons I have learned through IDC will remain steadfast throughout my life.

 Peter  received a 4 year scholarship to the Julliard School & received the  Hector Zaraspe Award for choreography.  He spent 2 years with Montreal  Jazz and 3 years performing with Celine Dion in her show in Las Vegas.   He formed his own project-base dance company,  "Chuthis", 

Dear Mrs. Liz, Al, and all of the Dussich family,

Thank you, all of you, for the constant support I have received throughout the years. Without this organization of wonderful people, I would not be the dancer/person I am today. Nor do I think I would have the aspirations and motivation push myself as far as I need to in order to achieve wh...at I want in life. Dancing has always been my escape from the pressures that life lays upon me, but can potentially become more overwhelming than the rest given the environment I'm in. It's happened many times and places throughout my life, but never when taking at Dussich. Every time I set foot onto that floor, I feel as comfortable as I would while dancing around my living room/kitchen/bedroom/bathroom. The place simply makes me feel at home. What I'm saying is, among having excellent teachers and a well planned curriculum, the environment was exactly what I needed as an adolescent to keep me on the path I've chosen. If it wasn't for Dussich Dance Studio, you can be sure I wouldn't be the well rounded, happy, dancing person that I am today. Again, thank you so much for all you have given me!

Yours Truly,
Patrick VanBuren (currently Soloist with the Cloumbia City Ballet)

Patrick  is certified to teach by the ABT National Training Curriculum. He has  served as the Assistant Director of the Ballet Conservatory of South  Texas, Ballet Master of Montgomery Ballet, and as an instructor in the  upper school of Fort Wayne Ballet’s Auer Academy. 

Mr. VanBuren joined The Florida Ballet 2021.