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General Interest
Announcements, newsy items, etc.
ISTD Medal Tests - May 20, 2013
Examinations and tests provide a goal that keeps you focused on what you need to accomplish in order to excel in dance.
Dancing With The Stars - Spring, 2013 - March 18, 2013
Check out our Classes and Parties, get on the list for Phillip's critique of Dancing With The Stars, and get info about our Gulf Coast Stars Dance Contest
American Cancer Society Fundraiser - March 5, 2013
The Dance Place teams up with the American Cancer Society to raise funds for its annual Relay For Life movement. Please join us on Saturday, April 20th, and dance your way to a great feeling. With your help, we CAN make a difference.
Gulf Coast Stars - February 21, 2013
The Gulf Coast Stars Dance Tournament offers competitive events for dancers of all ages and skill levels. Divisions are available for Showcase / Solo events. For details, email pbstephens1954@gmail.com or call 713-248-2299
Zumba Fitness Classes - February 21, 2013
Zumba classes at The Dance Place on Saturday Mornings! Get a great start to your weekend. For details, contact Gale Ford - regaleing@aol.com
Special Class Opportunity
Two Fantastic Italian International Standard Dancers will be at The Dance Place on Dec 11 & 12, and are offering a special class at 8:00pm on Wed, Dec 12.
Studio Updates and Dancing With The Stars, Season 15, Week 10
Commentary provided by Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing Fellow and Examiner Phillip Stephens
Season 15, DWTS, Week 7
A professional "take" on the Dancing With The Stars performances and the judges' remarks provided by Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing Fellow and Examiner and Championship Judge Phillip Stephens.
Season 15, DWTS, Week 3
A professional "take" on the Dancing With The Stars performances and the judges' remarks provided by Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing Fellow and Examiner and Championship Judge Phillip Stephens.
TDP October Updates
As time goes by, things change. No matter how much we might like it if some things did not change, they do.
Season 15, DWTS, Week 2
The high-paced dance drama continues with more off-center criticism and blind-eyed praise as "the best of the best" vie for that coveted mirror ball. ISTD Exmainer and Championship Adjudicator Phillip Stephens provides an "eyes open" perspective.
Some Special People
There are a lot of terrific people around The Dance Place, but some deserve a special thanks for going "above and beyond".
Summer Schedule
School's out and people are traveling for vacations, but The Dance Place is still "abuzz" with activity.
DWTS - Week 7, Season 14
"Classical Night" on DWTS seemed out of sync. The music seldom went with the dance it was chosen for. However, it was a joy being able to listen to Jackie Ivanko's fabulous voice, which did make up for some of the "wrong music" frustrations.
DWTS Wk 6 & Updates for GCS & Relay for Life
Gladys Knight went home, Gulf Coast Stars was bigger than ever and Karen Humphrey reached her personal goal in the Relay for Life Cancer Research fundraiser
Gulf Coast Stars, Relay for Life, Dancing With The Stars
Spring is in full swing here in Houston. Lots of activities at The Dance Place with our Gulf Coast Stars competition coming up, a Relay for Life walk-a-thon and Phillip's Fabulous Comments on Dancing With The Stars
DWTS - Week 4, Season 14
Some realistic judging for some and a lot of overrated commentary for others this week, but the right person did get sent home.
DWTS - Week 3, Season 14
As we progress from week to week, it becomes easier to see which dancers are weak. Read the article to see which 3 dancers ISTD Fellow and Examiner Phillip Stephens thinks can go home right now.
Dance Congress, Competition and Exams
There are several activities coming up at The Dance Place that you will want to know about and/or be part of, so read the article to get the full story.
April/May Events + Dancing With The Stars
April and May are busy months around The Dance Place. Be sure and get all the activities marked in your calendar.
Exciting Activities at The Dance Place
Spring is in full swing, and so are things here at The Dance Place.
USISTD Examinations and Tests
The Dance Place will host a US Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (USISTD) Examination Session for Teachers and Students during the weekend of May 12 & 13, 2012
Late February Updates - February 23, 2012
There is a lot going on at The Dance Place. Great classes, great private sessions and super parties. Join us for a bit of exercise and a lot of fun!
Show Photos - February 3, 2012
Still photos from our 2011 Christmas Show are now available via Photobucket
Show DVDs and "Updates" correction - January 27, 2012
A correction on the competion date and an update on the Christmas Show DVDs
Late January Updates - January 26, 2012
After the Christmas and New Year holidays, Janyuary leaves some people feeling a bit glum. To cure that feeling, come on down to The Dance Place. We've got LOADS of great dancing to get you back in the swing of things!
27th Annual Christmas Show - December 31, 2011
The Dance Place 27th Annual Christmas Show, attended by more than 160 people, was a huge succss
It's Christmas Time! (Almost) - December 8, 2011
People are shopping, baking, wrapping, decorating and, in general, getting ready for Christmas. The people around The Dance Place are no different, except most of us are also busy getting ready to put on a show!
DWTS Week 9, Season 13 - November 15, 2011
Did Hope Solo spend so much time with Maks that she adopted his attitudes? She was certainly far from gracious about the judges' remarks this past week. Read the rest of the article to see how Phillip Stephens rated the dancers.
November Updates - November 11, 2011
The Holiday Season is upon us and schedules around the studio get shifted a bit. Be sure and check with your instructor to make sure your private or group lessons will all be on their normal days and at their normal times
DWTS Week 8, Season 13 - November 9, 2011
The "Graceless Gal" is finally gone! Perhaps we can enjoy some higher quality dancing during the rest of this season.
DWTS Week 7, Season 13 - November 7, 2011
Another week of Maks being a bully. Is that REALLY the way to prove that DWTS is "his" show and that "he" made it?
Showcase Update - November 7, 2011
The Dance Place will present its 27th Annual Holiday Show on Saturday, December 17.
DWTS Week 6, Season 13 - October 26, 2011
Tensions mount as the pressure builds, but does that give Maks the right to say this is "his" show, that "he" made it? See what Judge and Examiner Phillip Stephens thinks about Maks and this week's performances
DWTS Week 5, Season 13 - October 19, 2011
Week 5 had some major disappointments - see what ISTD Fellow and Examiner and Championship Adjudicator Phillip Stephens has to say about this week's DWTS perfromances.
DWTS Week 4, Season 13 - October 13, 2011
Movie Score Theme Week ... Some good, some not-so-good performances. ISTD Examiner and Championship Adjudicator Phillip Stephens provides a Pro's Eye View of this week's performances
DWTS Week 3, Season 13 - October 5, 2011
A surprising outcome of who goes and who stays...See what Championship Adjudicator and ISTD Examiner Phillip Stephens has to say about Week 3 of Dancing With The Stars
Early October Updates - September 30, 2011
Ahhh! Fall is arriving and temperatures are abating
DWTS Week 2, Season 13 - September 28, 2011
Are viewers being manipulated by DWTS producers? It seems that low quality dances get high marks and some top performers go relatively unrewarded. See what ISTD Fellow and Examiner Phillip Stephens has to say about Week 2 performances.
Opening Night for DWTS, Season 13 - September 21, 2011
Season 13 of Dancing With The Stars got underway on Monday, September 19, 2011. Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing Examiner and Championship Adjudicator Phillip Stephens provides commentary on this highly popular show.
Thanks, Miss Phyllis - September 21, 2011
We want to thank Miss Phyllis Baker for the super fall decorations.
Fall Season Approaches - September 15, 2011
Fall brings about a sense of urgency about learning to dance because of all the social activities that involve dancing. It also brings about the new season of TV shows, including our favorite: Dancing With The Stars!
September News - September 8, 2011
We're still mighty dry, but at least we're getting cooler. And Dancing With The Stars starts again on September 19.
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like... - August 11, 2011
With all this hot, dry weather, it's pretty tough to imagine that Christmas is not too far away. But cool weather and all the seasonal holidays will be here before you know it. Following is a brief outline of our fall lineup.
Condolences to Lance Estridge - August 11, 2011
We are very sorry to relate the following article, but want to support Lance Estridge during his time of loss.
David Appel Functions at TDP - August 10, 2011
David Appel will host dance functions at The Dance Place in August and September. The August dance will be Country Western and Swing will be featured in September.
Remembering September 11 - July 2, 2011
As we approach the 10th anniversary of 9/11, we should all take some time to reflect on how that tragic incident has affected our lives.
Wk 10, Season 12, DWTS - May 24, 2011
Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing Examiner and Championship Adjudicator Phillip Stephens comments on the final week of DWTS and predicts a winner...
Wk 9, Season 12, DWTS - May 18, 2011
The Semi-Finals have come and gone. Three couples remain for the Final. See what Championship Adjudicator and Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing Examiner Phillip Stephens had to say about week 9 performances
Appel Swing Party - May 11, 2011
David Appel hosts a West Coast Swing Party at The Dance Place
Wk 8, Season 12, DWTS - May 11, 2011
Phillip Stephens provides commentary on Dancing With The Stars from the perspective of ISTD Examiner and Championship Adjudicator
Updates for May, June & July - May 10, 2011
There are quite a few irons in the fire at the moment, so we wanted to let everyone know what's going on around The Dance Place.
Wk 7, Season 12, DWTS - May 10, 2011
Insightful commentary on Dancing With The Stars from Championship Adjudicator and ISTD Fellow and Examiner Phillip Stephens
May & June Updates - April 27, 2011
There are lots of great things coming your way at The Dance Place. Check our schedule regularly to find out what might interest you the most
Wk 6, Season 12, DWTS - April 27, 2011
ISTD Examiner and Championship Adjudicator Phillip Stephens offers insightful - sometimes in-cite-ful - commentary about the "stars" the pros, the commentators and the judges appearing on Dancing With The Stars
Wk 5, Season 12, DWTS - April 22, 2011
Petra Nemcova, though charming and energetic, got the boot at the end of week 5. Chelsea Kane, Hines Ward and Chris Jerrico all seem to be contenders for that Mirror Ball Trophy.
Wk 4, Season 12, DWTS - April 18, 2011
The competition gets more intense every week. One by one, the "less desirable" competitiors get the boot. Those that are left once the dust settles try harder each week with more and more daring feats. The question is: Who will remain to the end?
Loads and Loads of THANKS - April 18, 2011
The Dance Place wants to thank all the T-RIFFIC people who helped make our Gulf Coast Stars Dance Tournament become such a fun and successful day.
Competition Schedule - April 13, 2011
April 16 is the "big day" for those who have entered the Gulf Coast Stars Dance Tournament. We're providing a brief schedule of events for participants, though it is not "set in stone".
April Updates - April 8, 2011
A lot has been going on around The Dance Place lately and we thought you might like some details.
Wk 3, Season 12, DWTS - April 7, 2011
Once again, the stars got out on the floor to strutt their stuff. Everyone got a "gasp" moment when Kirstie and Maks fell, but I think there were sighs of relief when they told Wendy to go home & stay there.
Wk 2, Season 12, DWTS - April 4, 2011
Dancing With The Stars is rockin' & rollin' right along. The overall quality of dancing is slightly better this season. Wonder how that will translate in the final results?
New Lights - March 28, 2011
Some of the new lights are up and - wow! - they really make the place bright.
Teaching Degrees - March 28, 2011
Several people are studying for teaching certification examinations at The Dance Place
Dancing With The Stars - Week 1 - March 24, 2011
The Season Premier of Dancing With The Stars had a few surprises. Championship Adjudicator and ISTD Fellow and Examiner Phillip Stephens provides critiques on all the moves - check it out
On the Horizon - March 17, 2011
The Dance Place is a beehive of activity these days. We are gearing up for Medal Tests, reports on Dancing With The Stars, a "double whammy" competition and more.
To Test or Not to Test... - March 9, 2011
Should you be studying a structured dance program in which you periodically go through an evaluation or test that shows your progress?
March Classes and Studio Updates - February 17, 2011
Spring is just around the corner on the calendar, but feels like it has already arrived in Houston. Yeah for some good weather!
The Big "Non-Event" - February 4, 2011
What happened to the Snow? That's a question that has been on everyone's mind and one that left egg on the face of many a weather forecaster
The Big Chill - February 2, 2011
Winter visits Houston and is likely to set a new record wherein the city receives measurable snow three years in a row.
Learn to Teach Partnership Dance - January 28, 2011
Dance Expert, Championship Adjudicator and ISTD Fellow and Examiner Phillip Stephens is now offering training programs in Partnership Dance
End of January Updates - January 24, 2011
The new year is abuzz with activity and The Dance Place has exciting new classes and other activities available that will interest everyone
2011 New Year Updates - January 5, 2011
The Dance Place has a lot of great things planned for 2011 and we're sure some of them will appeal to you or someone you know. For instance, February will see our "Rodeo Special" class series. Details on that are provided later in the article.
Holidays So Nice! - December 20, 2010
The Dance Place presented its 26th Annual Holiday Show on December 18 to a packed house with a full roster of fabulous routines.
Lookin' Like Christmas - December 7, 2010
The Dance Place extends a big THANK YOU to the wonderful ladies who put up and decorated our trees and have been working so hard on putting the Christmas "Cheer" into the studio.
26th Annual Holiday Showcase - December 3, 2010
The Dance Place is proud to present its 26th annual Holiday Showcase. Featuring routines performed by students and professionals, this show has become a Houston Tradition that is a "must attend" listing on hundreds of calendars
Season 11 Results - Dancing With The Stars - November 29, 2010
Commentary on Season 11 Results Show of Dancing With The Stars provided by Championship Adjudicator Phillip Stephens
Wk 10 Review - Dancing With The Stars - November 28, 2010
ISTD Fellow and Examiner Phillip Stephens provides insightful commentary on Dancing With The Stars
Halloween Dance & Updates - November 8, 2010
We had a great time at the Halloween Costume Party
The Dance Place Updates - October 3, 2010
Updates and news concerning activities of interest at The Dance Place
A New Season of Dancing With The Stars - September 18, 2010
Season 11 of Dancing With The Stars will begin on Monday, September 20, 2010. Be on the lookout for news and information about the show provided by none other than US Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing Fellow and Examiner Phillip Stephens
FREE Ballroom & Latin Dance Teacher Training! - August 25, 2010
If you've always thought it would be fabulous to teach people how to dance (which it is), then you need to come to these auditions!
Season 10, week 8, Dancing With The Stars - May 14, 2010
Championship Adjudicator and ISTD Examiner Phillip Stephens offers an insightful review of Dancing With The Stars
Season 10, week 4, Dancing With The Stars - April 15, 2010
ISTD Examiner and Championship Adjudicator Phillip Stephens provides insightful commentary on Dancing With The Stars! This week, which is a Double Score Showdown where each couple will receive 1 score for performance and 1 score for technique, ...
Season 10, Week 3, Dancing With The Stars - April 9, 2010
ISTD Examiner and Championship Adjudicator Phillip Stephens provides insightful commentary on Dancing With The Stars
Wk 2 - Dancing With The Stars - April 1, 2010
Season 10, Week 2, Dancing With The Stars A critique by Championship Adjudicator and ISTD Examiner Phillip Stephens on our favorite Ballroom Dance TV Show.
Dancing With The Stars - March 31, 2010
Season 10, week 1: Here's a critique by ISTD Examiner and Championship Adjudicator Phillip Stephens on our favorite Ballroom Dance Program.
Are you dancing in 2010? - March 14, 2010
The economy has affected many things, but we hope it has not kept you from the joy of dance
25th Annual Holiday Show - January 19, 2010
The Dance Place celebrates 25 years of Dancing Excellence
Decorating Divas - December 10, 2009
Wow! Check out the super decorations at The Dance Place. We sure want to thank the ladies - our "Decorating Divas" - who tackled that task...
December Updates - December 10, 2009
2009 has been a Super Year, and we want to thank everyone for keeping The Dance Place at the top of the list of dance studios in Houston!
Week 8, Season 9, Dancing with the Stars - November 14, 2009
Kym Johnson looked fabulous! All the pros (except Karina, who did not look all that great in the "I dream of Genie" pants that made her tiny hiny look "bubble big") were dressed nicely for their first routine.
Dancing With the Stars, wk 4, Season 8 - April 1, 2009
What iswith being so unreasonably cruel with comments about Steve Wozniak's dancing? They don't have to LIKE his dancing, but they could evaluate it without being childishly cruel.
Certification in Dance - April 1, 2009
Well-trained dance teachers are more in demand now than ever before. Join one of ISTD Fellow and Examiner Phillip Stephens' Certification in Dance teacher preparation courses and become a qualified dance educator in just a few short months.
The 2009 Texas Challenge - December 3, 2008
The Texas Challenge has NEW DATES for 2009 Please Join us during the weekend of March 19 - 22, 2009
Learn to Teach Ballroom Dancing - June 23, 2008
In just 1 week of intensive training, you can be well on the way to receiving USISTD certification as a Ballroom Dance Educator!
New Social Dance Classes - February 9, 2008
Move up to higher levels of Ballroom Dance in our new classes!
Season 5, week 6, DWTS - October 29, 2007
There were some judging surprises in DWTS this week, especially giving Jane and Tony such low scores.
The Stars Step Out - October 12, 2007
Season 5, week 3, DWTS performances came with a few surprises and a couple of dissappointments
Big Success! - September 26, 2007
Wow! The Houston Dance Community really pulled together on this one!
Shoe Guide for Dancers - July 14, 2007
Having the right shoes for the job and taking care of them properly are vital to good dancing.
Benefit for Ronnie Leverett - July 11, 2007
Ronnie and partner Alice (DuBose) Harrison were many times undefeated US Champions in American, International and Theatrical styles of dance and won many titles in all 3 styles.
Finale - Dancing With The Stars - June 16, 2007
The final report for season 4 of Dancing With The Stars
8th Week - Dancing with the Stars - May 8, 2007
Is Tinsel Town turning into Turkey Town? Can Cyrus' fans not see what torment they are causing all the bona fide dancers and dance aficionados? Let's get rid of the Cyrus Circus and bring back some genuine credibility to this show!
Week 7 - Dancing with the Stars - May 1, 2007
There seems to be a disturbing trend with "fans" keeping non-dancers on the show while bumping better dancers off. Hopefully, this current trend won't continue
Dancing With The Stars - 2007 - March 7, 2007
The 4th season of Dancing With The Stars gets underway on Monday, March 19th
Gearing Up - January 3, 2007
A New Year has begun, and The Dance Place is gearing up with Classes, Practice Parties and Private Lessons - come on in and join the fun!
Dancing With The Stars - Week 10 - November 20, 2006
The best show of the season has run its course
Week 4 - Dancing With The Stars - October 4, 2006
Sara Evans needs to get busy if she wants to stay on Dancing With The Stars much longer. It's a close race at the bottom with Emmit, Sara and Jerry, but ONE of them WILL come in last.
Week 2 - Dancing With The Stars - September 26, 2006
Another exciting season of promoting dancing to the public is underway. Here are this author's views on the show from week 2.
Dancing With (or without) The Stars - September 9, 2006
Partnership Dancing Becomes More Popular with more "prime time" programs on TV this fall.
Love that Line Dance! - August 23, 2006
Going down to Rio? Or just to The Dance Place? In either case, you need to know the Samba!
Tango for Teens? - August 17, 2006
In addition to Tango for Teens, The Dance Place offers Cha-cha, Waltz, Foxtrot, Swing and Rumba, too!
Just in Time... - August 17, 2006
It's the end of August ( nearly! ) and cool weather will be here ... eventually! Just in Time for DANCE!
The Beat for Young Feet - July 25, 2006
Dance classes for Youngsters now available at The Dance Place
A Bit About Teachers - June 26, 2006
Do you take lessons from a certified dance instructor? Should dance instructors have academic qualifications in the field of dance?
Welcome Hunter & Maria Johnson - June 20, 2006
The Dance Place - and Houston - welcomes another superb competitive couple who are also both fantastic teachers and coaches.
Learn To Teach Dance! - May 20, 2006
Are you - or do you know someone who is - Interested in becoming a ballroom and Latin dance teacher? Both American and International style training courses are being offered by Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing Fellow and Examiner
Dancing With The Stars Finale - February 27, 2006
A rose by any other name - or victory - smells just as sweet!
Fashion at The Dance Place - February 1, 2006
Maria McGill - dance fashion designer for Dancing With The Stars and other dance-related shows - will soon be at The Dance Place!
For Young Dancers - January 25, 2006
Youngsters are becoming more interested in dance, and The Dance Place is taking "steps" to meet their needs.
Master P is STILL there??? - January 22, 2006
How is it possible that Master P is still on Dancing With The Stars?
The NEW Texas Challenge - January 10, 2006
A familiar name with a long history and a brand new beginning, the organizers of the NEW Texas Challenge promise to do all possible to make you feel welcome!
More Dancing with the Stars! - January 8, 2006
Last year, an estimated 28 MILLION people watched EACH EPISODE of Dancing with the Stars. With more stars than ever this year, millions more will watch this exciting show!
Dances with Owls - October 27, 2005
The Rice University Social Dance Society needs Volunteers and Dancers - Sunday, 11/13/2005
9th Place 10-Dancers - October 27, 2005
Houston couple finishes 9th in World 10-Dance Championships
Tango like J. Lo? - October 20, 2005
Cha Cha, Rumba, Tango Too! J. Lo can do them, what about you?
John VS Kelly - September 21, 2005
Was it all media "hype"? Was it all a gimmick to get millions of people to tune in and watch TV with family and friends? Did you call in and cast your vote?
Become a Teacher - July 17, 2005
Spaces in Phillip Stephens' Become a Teacher training program are going fast!
Better Laid Plans... - July 13, 2005
Well, things don't always work out the way we have them planned!
Dance with the Stars - July 12, 2005
Dancing with the Stars, on "finale" night, was watched by more than 22 Million people! This has caused a huge interest in dance lessons, making this a perfect time to go into the dance teaching profession.
Two Great Classes - July 12, 2005
Don't miss this opportunity to improve your Performance Power and learn all the Flicks, Kicks & Tricks needed for excelling on the dance floor.
Dance Books - June 2, 2005
We're more than just lessons: The Dance Place sells books containing the figures/steps that you learn for your exhibitions, competitions and tests.
Teachers Needed! - November 15, 2004
The demand for qualified dance teachers is on the rise: Will you help meet that demand?
"In the Good Old Summer Time..." - April 9, 2004
The Dance Place is "gearing up" for its annual Summer Show - one of Houston's "Summer Traditions."
A Major League Dance Championship - April 8, 2004
Competitive Dancers Take Note: Here's your chance to win a MAJOR LEAGUE Championship Title!
A Superbowl Dance Place - January 28, 2004
The Dance Place well-represented in the 2004 Superbowl Celebrations
2003 Holiday Show - October 14, 2003
The 19th Annual Holiday Show at The Dance Place is fast approaching!
Dance Parties - October 6, 2003
We have Dance Parties every Wednesday evening. Dust of those dancin' slippers and drop on down to The Dance Place from 8:15 - 10:00 PM every Wednesday Night
Even More Teachers at The Dance Place - January 30, 2003
The Dance Place Welcomes several more instructors
Dancing With The Stars - Season 14 - March 20, 2012
A new season of Dancing With The Stars got underway on March 19. The contestants all seemed better than the average from previous seasons, so it will be quite interesting to see how things shape up in the weeks to come.
