THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, January 12, 1996 TAG: 9601100161
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ERIC FEBER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 80 lines
The dance torch has been passed on.
The well-known and successful Academy of Classical and Contemporary Dance in Chesapeake is now in different hands. But the school's curriculum and the high standards it has set for Chesapeake dance instruction will remain the same.
The school, which was started by Lori Buckley McCaffrey in the Greenbrier area 10 years ago, is now under the leadership of Lynne O. Economou, 25.
McCaffrey handed the school's keys over the Economou after learning that her husband, Richard, had been transferred to Dallas in a work-related move.
``I don't think I'm going to go into dance or dance instruction right away,'' McCaffrey said. ``I just plan to enjoy and get used to our new home and area. I'll just hang tight for a little while.''
Economou, who is a 1988 graduate of Great Bridge High School, has been a ballet teacher with McCaffrey for the past two years. Before joining the Academy staff, she taught ballet and jazz dance for the Virginia Beach Recreation Department.
The classically trained dancer earned a degree in theater and dance from Old Dominion University in 1992. She has been studying dance since she was nine and has spent time in New York City taking classes at the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School, the Broadway Dance Center and David Howard's School of Dance.
In addition to dancing, Economou, like her predecessor, brings a rich performing and pageant stage experience to the school. She was chosen Miss Virginia in 1994 and participated in the 1995 Miss Virginia Scholarship Pageant, held annually in Roanoke.
``My forte is classical ballet,'' Economou said. ``But I taught everything at the school including ballet and pointe, tap and modern jazz styles.''
Economou said she inherited a popular school, thanks to McCaffrey's hard work and talent. The school began in 1986 in Greenbrier with a handful of students and has now grown to include a staff of six teachers and 165 students studying jazz, tap and classic ballet styles.
Age ranges for students go from two to 18. The Academy also offers evening sessions for adults.
The Academy's teachers are all experienced and well known in regional dance circles, Economou said. The faculty includes:
Mia Colden, part of the Norfolk State University Dance Theater and 1995 Miss Norfolk State University.
Shari Burt, who graduated from Old Dominion University with a degree in dance.
Susan Boyette, who has had extensive pageant and dance instruction experience. She was one of the teachers who helped train Economou for her pageant bids.
Keri Breedlove, who is recognized throughout the area as an expert in tap dance styles, was one of the Academy's original teachers who left and has now rejoined its staff.
Chris Gedney, who has taken intense dance training at the University of Maryland.
``It was the best opportunity anyone could want,'' Economou said. ``Lori was a great teacher and school director. Everybody loved her and she worked well with everybody. This school has great students, great teachers, great parents supporting us and a great location. You can't go wrong with those combinations.''
To make the transition as smooth as possible, McCaffrey sent a letter to all students and parents explaining her move and the transition at the school. Economou said she also sent a letter to parents and students, making sure they knew the school would operate on the same high standards set by its founder.
``Last year, Lori told me she was going to move out of the area,'' Economou said. ``So after that I tried to learn as much about the school as I could. And in doing all the day-to-day things and in getting to know all the parents I think I have a pretty good handle on what's going on. Plus having been in dance for so long I know what to expect. I'm nervous about it, sure, but I expect a great year.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Lynne O. Economou, 25, Miss Virginia 1994, is a graduate of Great
Bridge High and ODU.
by CNB