Meet Francesca and Randolph Stern of Dance 1 in Redondo Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Francesca and Randolph Stern.

Francesca & Randolph – please kick things off for us – where does this story begin?

We opened in April 2010 in a one room studio, with big dreams and no students. Francesca taught ballet, jazz and tap to anyone that walked through the door. Since then, we moved into a 6,000-square foot state of the art facility that Randolph and Francesca designed. Complete with floating floors in all 5 studios, a home work room, teacher’s lounge, dance store, adding 21 of the best teachers and the dream continues to grow… Dance 1 is the home to the National award winning performing company as well as to Redondo Ballet. We believe classical ballet and classic jazz gives our dancers a sound foundation in dance, we offer many other genres to enhance their dance curriculum, but believe it is the classical foundation that produces the technically sound dancers that allow them to transition into a professional career

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As opportunities grew, so did the variety of detail and strategies needed to make the most of our chances. Whether dealing with slow moving bureaucracies or the highly-charged passion of growing dancers, we kept our sights set on the positive, invigorating studio that we work very hard to maintain. We have an amazing staff and teachers that support our dreams and the goals of our students. The smooth part is when so many people pull together and have such pride in Dance 1. It is great when we see people wearing Dance 1 gear out in the community. We are thrilled and think “Wow, that’s us”. We teach as though our dancers will dance for the rest of their lives. They will have either the fantastic choice of a professional career or a dancer who appreciates the art.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Dance 1 – what should we know?
Francesca now teaches ballet and is co- artistic director along with Donna Perkins of Redondo Ballet.

We are most proud of bringing the highest level of teaching to our dancers. The merging of concept and work can lead to wild, unexpected, and gratifying results. We work long hours to satisfy all of our clients, from the once a week toddler to the dancer pursuing a professional career. We are constantly reworking and enhancing our two original ballets There is new and fresh choreography to be done for our award winning performing company for regional and national competition. We are always in contact with the 25 plus venues our companies dance at each year. The two studio wide recitals for all of our dancers give the opportunity to show the beauty of the dance to friends and family, our adults are either rekindling an old love, finding a new one or continuing their own dance education. The spring show is at the hillside bandstand at Wilson Park in Torrance. This is our version of the Hollywood Bowl. The highlight of this event is the Daddy/ Daughter Dance, very tender, not a dry eye in the house.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
This is an endeavor that has weaved together many talents, however if we may note a few; Donna Perkins, her work ethic and dreams fall in line with Francesca and together they push each other and our dreams forward.

Francesca’s parents, who led her to believe all things are possible, that you don’t want to be 80 in a rocking chair wondering “what if”.

Randolph’s parents for the value of real hard work, attention to detail and no job too small. Our children for their patience and participation.

The so many families who support their dancers with time and love.

Contact Info:

• Address: Dance 1, 2228 Artesia Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90278
• Website: www.dance1redondo.com
• Phone: 310 371 2141
• Email: francescadance1@verizon.net
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/dance1redondo/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/dance1redondo
• Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/dance-1-redondo-beach
• Other: www.youtube.com/c/dance1redondo

Image Credit:
Laurie Phan and Steve Wakisaka