TV star opens dance studio in Schomberg

June 29, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Mark Pavilons
Samantha Grecchi’s life so far has been “epic.”
With a sky’s the limit attitude, Grecchi has decided to put down stronger roots in her home town, and become a business woman.
Grecchi, who spent four seasons playing “Stephanie” on the hit TV show The Next Step, is herself taking the next step in her life and career, by opening Epic Dance Company.
She admitted she’s always wanted to open a studio and pass on her knowledge and advice to other dancers. Dancing has been her passion since she was six years old and when she landed a spot on The Next Step, she was literally tossed into acting. In hopes of becoming that proverbial triple threat, Grecchi has been honing her singing skills over the past two years.
There’s little doubt we’ll be seeing more of her in the future.
The finishing touches are being put on the 3,700-square-foot facility on Highway 27 in Schomberg, in preparation of a star-studded opening celebration that includes workshops from The Next Step celebrities. This will indeed be “epic” as the studio welcomes a week of dancing with the likes of Jennie Pappas, Trevor Tordjman, Brittany Raymond, Logan Fabbro, Bree Wasylenko, Taveeta Syzmanovicz, Lamar Johnson, Jordan Clark, Isaa Lupien and Victoria Baldesarra. The event runs Monday, July 18 through Thursday, July 21. Space is limited, so reserve your spot by calling 905-939-7040 or visit www.epicdancecompany.ca.
The studio’s core instructors are all Grecchi’s good friends and top-notch dancers. Epic will provide the full range of genres, from ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, acro, lyrical, hip hop and modern. Instruction is offered in both recreational and competitive levels.
Grecchi pointed out that interest in dance has exploded in recent years, somewhat thanks to TV shows like The Next Step. Dance is being incorporated in everything today, including TV commercials and music videos.
Few expected the huge international success that The Next Step generated. “We’re all so dumfounded at the show’s impact,” she said, noting she has more than 121,000 followers on social media from around the globe.
Grecchi said the show’s popularity among young people had to do with real life issues. The characters went through many trials, tribulations and hurdles. One of the main messages is if you work at it, nothing is impossible. Never giving up on a dream is also one of the show’s themes.
And Grecchi, 21, is living proof.
Prior to her first audition when she was 16, she never thought she’d be on TV.
Her interest in creating her own studio came from her many fan appearances and teaching gigs. Her love for dance, her experience and connections allow her to pull a lot of resources and talent together at Epic Dance Company.
She keeps in touch with all of the cast from the show, many of who live in the GTA. She has a big team of supporters for the studio and she’s both excited and anxious to see it come together.
Auditions will be held at Epic for the fall season, which starts in August. She said that’s for staff to see just where to place students. While the training will be rigorous, Grecchi said she wants everyone to feel comfortable and supported.
“Everyone can be taught … as long as you work hard,” she said.
Grecchi and her Epic team of choreographers Anna-Maria Guida, Alessandra Masi and recreational teachers Olivia Trivisonno and Olivia Masi, are all on the same page. As they grow together, the teachers will learn from each other, constantly raising the bar.
The atmosphere at Epic will not only build skills, but self-confidence. From her experience, Grecchi noted they will evolve into one big family.
Epic will be the place where you leave your everyday stress at the door, let loose and feel good about yourself.
Following the opening week-long workshops, Epic will offer various summer camp options.
Potential dancers and parents are more than welcome to come and check the place out, ask questions and get a feel for the studio. There will be lounges for both dancers and parents to sit, relax and enjoy the excitement.
This really will be epic!
For more, visit www.epicdancecompany.ca, call 905-939-4070 or email Grecchi at info@epicdancecompany.com.