April 10, 2017

Meet Jason Coosner of Burbank Dance Academy

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Coosner.

Jason, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
From as early as I can remember I wanted to dance. My younger sister who is 17 months younger than myself did from a young age and I wanted to as well. That’s pretty much where that dream began and ended. It was not something that nice South African Jewish boys did. So, I was relegated to being an audience member. I refused to let that deter me. I studied dance by watching and by listening. I went to every competition. In South Africa, the format is very different from here in the USA. At the end of each section there is an adjudication by the judge who addresses the dancers directly. At this time, the judge would comment on the good and the bad that they saw and offer suggestion on how to apply these corrections. I listened intently and held on to every word. After a couple of years of doing this I had developed a pretty comprehensive understanding about fundamental dance technique. I also went to every ballet performance with my mom (contemporary and classical). From this, I developed my eye for aesthetic. All that was missing was putting the theory into practice which finally happened when my parents resigned to the fact that I wanted to come to the USA to study Musical Theatre. I was blessed that this decision was supported. After all, this was almost 10 years later and I believe certain perceptions had evolved. In 1998, I got on a plane and moved to America by myself. I spent the first year at a community college in Dallas, TX while I did my due diligence. I needed to find the perfect college to attend. That college was Elon University in North Carolina. I was accepted into the BFA Musical Theatre program. I loved every moment of it. For the first time, I was able to submerge myself in every aspect of the performing arts. More importantly though, I was able to dance. It was like backdraft. I was finally able to put all that theory into practice and it was glorious! Everything fell into place. I think it is important to make clear at this point that my desire to dance was always very pure. It was and still is only about the art form for me. I never wanted to become a professional dancer, it was just something that I was madly in love with and knew I wanted an intimate relationship with it. My undergraduate experience was spectacular. I loved every moment of it. I had some of the best teachers in the world and they were instrumental in nurturing this passion of mine. I ended up being a teacher’s assistant for one of my mentors. It was that experience that sparked my insatiable appetite to teach and create dance. Shortly after graduation, I accepted a role on the Broadway national tour of Kiss Me Kate. I loved touring, for a while at least, and then I became restless. At the time, I was also teaching class for the ensemble which further solidified my passion for teaching. I loved it! I wanted to know more. I started researching graduate schools. I was offered a full artistic scholarship to attend graduate school for dance at Southern Methodist University’s, Meadows School of the Arts. It is one of the most selective dance programs in the country and I was aghast when the acceptance letter came. During my time in Dallas, I taught at several reputable ballet schools further cementing my decision to be a dance maker and educator. Upon graduation, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue my teaching and choreographing career while still being able to honor my desire to act and sing. Teaching took over, it was a steady source of income but more importantly it was something that I knew I had a gift for and that I loved. After several years of teaching for some wonderful programs in the greater Los Angeles, the opportunity with many student’s successes, I was presented with the opportunity to take over and buy an existing ballet school with whom I had an exciting relationship. The school was struggling to survive and needed new life breathed into it. I rebranded, renovated and completely overhauled the curriculum and in August of 2015 I officially launched Burbank Dance Academy.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
So far so good!

So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Burbank Dance Academy story. Tell us more about the business.
Our goal is to provide for our students a dynamic, all-encompassing curriculum focusing on the development of the whole dancer in a positive, supportive and nurturing environment. With classical ballet at its core, we are able to establish a solid foundation upon which the dancer can build.

The best dancers are well-rounded; therefore, our program is comprehensive. With our combined 80+ years as dance educators and performers we know this to be true. We ensure that all lessons taught in class are transferable and applicable across genres. We meet monthly to maintain the integrity of what is being taught in all classes, assess student progress, and address concerns; thus, ensuring the best possible outcome for each dancer. We believe that feedback is very important for both parents and students alike therefor bi-yearly progress reports help parents and dancers track their improvement.

Our team firmly adheres to the charge that no matter what one’s future goal may be regarding dance, it is important that one is taught correctly at the onset. To nurture a love of process, detail, history, tradition and learning is of the utmost importance, which in turn fosters a lifelong appreciation for this magnificent art-form. Dance is a practice that requires commitment, diligence, discipline, time and perseverance. The road is long and dancers will encounter many an obstacle along the way. We strive to make the journey a positive one by helping our learners make remarkable discoveries about themselves as human beings and artists. Whether it be the finest ballet company in the world, the Broadway stage, a prestigious university program or simply a physical and creative outlet, it is essential that our dancers are equipped with the skill sets that will afford them the opportunity to, if they so choose, follow a professional path as a dancer.

Our three core values are artistry, education and inspiration. Artistry, we encourage individuality, supporting dancers in the discovery of their unique artistic voices. Education, our commitment is to provide the best instruction, ensuring optimum results for each learner. Inspiration, we seek to ignite this within each of our students through our unrelenting passion for teaching and love of dance.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in it. I believe in hard work and integrity. Do what you say you are going to do. Be available. Be above board. Be honest with yourself. Know your strengths and hire people to mitigate your weakness. Never stop learning.

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