Belinda and the "Boring" Ballet Class

March 2, 2021

Dani Tucci-Juraga Donates Proceeds From First Children’s Book To Dancers In Need

by Tianna G. Hansen

Sometimes the most beneficial things are considered “boring,” a fact Dani Tucci-Juraga, of Morrisville, explores in her first children’s book, “Belinda and the ‘Boring’ Ballet Class,” largely based on her own experiences as a young dancer.

Dani began ballet at an early age and found it boring due to the classical music and lack of movement – standing at the barre for hours didn’t seem like any benefit to the 2.5-year-old ballerina.

“I wanted to do all the ‘fun’ dances like hip hop and jazz,” Dani recalls. “I have my mom to thank for encouraging me to continue ballet, otherwise I wouldn’t be the dancer I am today.”

Dani’s book pays homage to this, encouraging dancers of all ages to enjoy ballet as a foundation for other styles of dance.

The brightly colored, hand-illustrated book features food as its characters: Belinda and her ballet teacher are broccoli (as Dani explains, “one of the most ‘boring’ foods we often try to avoid”), while the hip hop and jazz students are represented as candy.

“It’s a reminder to everyone, we can’t enjoy the sweet foods and fun dances like hip hop or jazz without the essentials: broccoli, and ballet.”

Ballet teaches dancers coordination, posture, mental strength and focus, to name a few. Her skills learned in ballet propelled Dani to become a professional dancer.

Another message from the book is, she says, “We’re all built differently and dance for different reasons; that should be respected. Everyone deserves the opportunity to dance.”

She has owned and operated her own dance studio in Morrisville for the past 19 years, where she helps students experience the gift of dance.

“We have always tried to award silent scholarships; I don’t want anyone to feel singled out as someone in need,” Dani says. “During the pandemic, I wanted to keep offering that extra help.” This sparked the idea for her book, something she always wanted to do.

As Dani sees it, she’s fortunate enough to have the opportunity to dance, which changed her life.

“Financial status shouldn’t determine whether you get to dance or not.”

Dani is donating all proceeds from her book toward these scholarships to help kids who want to dance and their families as our community endures this pandemic.

Downstage Center Dance Studio is a fully operating dance studio year-round, with a summer session upcoming.

“We’ve been making it work through the pandemic, keeping a fun and safe outlet for kids who’ve had their worlds turned upside down,” Dani says. “It’s a little harder for kids and my teen students, because they’re not going to get these years back. We’re trying to place an emphasis on togetherness in a safe way; any way our dance studio can support these families, we’re looking for that outlet.”

For those looking to help support aspiring dancers, consider purchasing a copy of Dani’s book, which is a joy to read for dancers and non-dancers alike.

“Come by the dance studio and I’d be happy to personalize a copy for you!” Dani says.

You can also find the book online.

Visit Downstage Center Dance Studio, located at 830 W. Trenton Avenue, #1, Morrisville, to pick up a copy and consider beginning your own dance story today.

Dani’s book leaves a message to anyone: take time to rediscover all that you find “boring” – you may be surprised just how much it benefits you.

PHOTO CAP: Dani Tucci-Juraga with her new book.

DSC Performs "BROADWAY IN CROATIA"

Downstage Center Presents

"BROADWAY IN CROATIA"

August 2019

On August 7, 2019, Downstage Center Dance Studio performed at one of Europe’s most sought after tourist destinations- Croatia.

Produced, Directed and Choreographed by Dani Tucci-Juraga the Musical Review “Broadway in Croatia” was presented on the Dalmatian Island of Murter and was a hit for tourists and locals enjoying the summer holiday.

The cast of eleven included: Alain Brutus, Emily Eisengrein, Noah Eisengrein, Pete Eisengrein, Charlie Gormley, Adam Juraga, Dani Juraga, Colleen Nay, Matthew Robertson, Katie Skelly, Matthew Snyder with crew members: Kresimir Juraga (video) and Jordan Sheetz (mc)

"Broadway in Croatia" was sponsored by the Murter-Kornati Tourist Board and the first performance of it’s kind on the island. The show included Broadway classics like Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, 42nd Street, Cabaret and so much more.

This year is the beginning of what will be a growing partnership with Croatian Tourist Agencies to bring Musical Theater song and dance to the Adriatic’s Dalmatian Coast.

Dani & Dominick 'SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK'

This time last year Dominick Sannelli and I auditioned for Mandy Moore (emmy nominated choreographer) and were chosen as featured dancers for the movie 'Silver LInings Playbook' starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert DiNero.

We spent a week at the Benjamin Franklin Hotel in Philadelphia, filming and are THRILLED to announce that we made the cut!  

Here's what to look for if you see the movie:  
(It's at the end of the movie when they go to the "dance competition")

Shoot 1:   We are the dancing couple wearing GREEN (I am in a Green Corset and Black Fishnets, Dominick is in a Green Dress Shirt).  They pan in on us dancing and DiNero says "What is this Dancing with the Stars?"

(you'll see us here a few times dancing)

Shoot 2:  When Jennifer Lawrence runs into the ballroom, Dominick and I are behind the door practicing our dance (don't blink or your miss this one)

Shoot 3:  Bradley Cooper is walking into the ballroom by himself and we are the "contestants" walking in right behind him.

This movie is rated R for language.  Parents, please use your own judgement.

Aside from my excitement of being in it,  I can confidently say that it's an excellent movie....I give it 5 out of 5 stars!!!!  

ENJOY!  

-Dani

A Dance Teachers Journey

Written below is a glimpse at what I do and why.  It’s also a message to my dancers. 

A Dance Teachers Journey-By Dani Tucci-Juraga

I am a dance teacher. I am a choreographer. But beyond that, I am an educator, a mentor, and a friend.  It is my responsibility to teach my dancers about pliés and shuffles, but more importantly about commitment, teamwork, responsibility and accountability.   

My brain never turns off.  When there’s music on I am choreographing it.  If I am shopping, I think to myself, “Could I use this for a costume or prop?”  I am forever answering emails.  I am constantly thinking about the next show, even though I am barely through the current one.  I am always searching for music and combinations because I crave inspiration for my dancers and myself.  I am endlessly editing music.  I often need to skip family gatherings to finish a 3-minute dance that takes all weekend long.  I can sometimes be found in an empty studio or theater on an anniversary or birthday, preparing a show until 2am because I would rather die first then have anyone of my dancers disappointed.   I am “at work” always, mentally and/or physically.

Giving 100%

Will always be enough!

I am an artist, entertainer, costume designer, creator, sculptor, music editor, marketing manager, bookkeeper, guidance councilor, cheerleader and salesman.  I am a self-motivated entrepreneur. I am always and forever a student, realizing that the main component to growth is exposure and education.  It is my duty to pass these invaluable life lessons on to you as those before have done for me.

Me upholding a dress code goes so much further than ‘being mean.’ It instills the necessity of preparation for the day of classes and ultimately life. Your boss may not be forgiving when one day you show up unprepared for the assigned work or presentation. It could cost you your job.  

Me encouraging you to ask questions goes much further than you understanding the combination or choreography at hand. It builds the confidence to know when you need help, take a step back and look at things objectively and subjectively. It allows you to communicate confusion or frustration.

Me teaching you how to layer your tights and perform a 1-minute quick change in the wings goes further than just the dance recital.  It teaches time management – multitasking, prioritizing, and knowing when to ask for help.

Me drilling you on the importance of a technique goes beyond me saying it over and over. It shows that with the proper training and the right coaching and mentoring, that anything is possible. And that one-day with all of the hard work you have dedicated in class, that you will get to your full potential as a result.

I know how much you are capable of and expect nothing less than your full potential at all times. I hold you to a higher standard because I know that you are more than able to meet and surpass that standard. I push you because I know that once you move on from the studio, the world will be so much harder than I ever was.

I educate my dancers to not only be technicians and performers, but to be highly effective contributors to society, no matter which path they choose.  

So dancers, know this:  I love you and am more proud of you than you will ever know. We will always have an unbreakable bond that was formed within the four studio walls, at a ballet barre, with marley and sprung wood floors underneath us.  Remember that nothing, (bent knees, sickled feet, etc..) can alter the respect I have for you.  I know that each time you put on those shoes and step onto the floor, you’re invested, you’re dedicated and because you decided to show up, you’ve stepped up.  Because you’ve done that, I am there for you!  You will always be a winner. 

Dani and Downstage Center

Downstage Center Dance Studio

Just talking about dance makes Dani Tucci-Juraga’s eyes sparkle. The small, but mighty woman, who looks barely older than the teens in some of her 22 weekly dance classes at Downstage Center Dance Studio, has been dancing for 40 years - since she was just 2 years old. 

“I’ve never not danced,” she said. “Even when I was pregnant, I danced until the last two weeks (of my pregnancy).”

She apparently passed on the dancing gene to her son, Adam, 17, who, like his mother, is fond of tap dancing. 

On top of owning and teaching the bulk of the classes (save hip-hop: “it’s not really my jam”) at the studio she opened in 2001, Tucci-Juraga teaches tap class at Rider University, choreographs Bucks County Playhouse productions and choreographs the musicals at Bucks County Technical High School.

“It’s good and it works out,” the high-energy Tucci-Juraga said while sipping decaf tea that her husband, Kresimir, prepared in his photography studio, which sits adjacent to Downstage Center. “I’m gonna do it as long as I can.”

“Her natural level is extreme,” the ever-jovial Kresimir said. 

Before setting her sights on studio ownership, The Bristol Township native danced on Broadway, including a stint as Elmo in Sesame Street Live. She also danced as Minnie Mouse on a Disney cruise ship, where she met her husband. 

With only 60 students in the roster, the couple opened the dance studio soon after marrying. For the 2018-2019 season, 300 students are enrolled and, in addition to Dani, seven instructors teach classic dance classes, including ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern and pre-dance for the youngest dancers. About four years ago, they opened Juraga Photography alongside the dance studio. Kresimir uses his passion to feed the dance studio, often photographing dancers, building stage props and housing fitness classes.

“It’s a nice collaboration,” Dani said of their work. 

One of the studio’s newest collaborations is “A Chance to Dance,” a class that brings together special needs students ages 5 to 10. 

“It reaches them in ways that other education doesn’t,” she said of the class. “It’s really, really amazing.”

Since 2011 Dani and her instructors have also offered adult fitness classes, including Zumba and yoga. 

The not quite five-foot-tall Dani, with her slender, yet muscular frame – resulting from lots of ab crunches and healthy eating – is the poster child for fitness.

“I like to walk the walk for the kids,” she said. “I like to show them what to do. I like to be a good example and a good role model.”

A featured dancer in the Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence blockbuster, “Silver Linings Playbook,” Dani also shares that dance is for everyone, regardless of skill level. Her studio is performance-based, and dancers participate in recitals and parades, as opposed to competitions. 

“We have classes for everybody,” she said. 

When she was younger, being in the limelight was important. But, now, as she ushers in the next generation of dancers, Dani stays focused on giving them the spotlight.

“What brings me the most joy is being able to produce these shows,” she said. “(I think) ‘what can I produce that can let others shine?’ They get up onstage and they light up. They’re proud of themselves.”

Hence the dance-inspired sparkle. 

To learn more

Downstage Center Dance Studio is in the Lincoln Point Shopping Center, 830 W. Trenton Ave. The studio is open seven days a week and offers a variety of dance classes for children ages 3 and up. Adult fitness classes, including Zumba, yoga and yoga/barre are also available. To learn more visit www.downstagedance.com/or call 215-736-8424.

Dani, Krese and Their Backstory