Orlando, FL, July 27, 2012 – On Saturday, July 28, 2012, Studio K, (www.studiokorlando.com) an Orlando-based entertainment studio featuring the largest offering of dance and dance fitness classes for adults in Central Florida, a photography division, and a national public relations agency, will be joining the country to celebrate National Dance Day and to announce their future plans as this will be the final event in this current Orlando location.

National Dance Day was created by the non-profit organization, the Dizzy Feet Foundation (www.dizzyfeetfoundation.org) founded in 2009 by Executive Producer of So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD) and American Idol, Nigel Lythgoe; Film Director, Adam Shankman; Dancing With The Stars Judge, Carrie Ann Inaba; and Actress, Katie Holmes to support, improve, and to increase access to dance education in the United States.

This year, National Dance Day will be held on Saturday, July 28, and the Dizzy Feet Foundation has partnered with The Music Center and Los Angeles County to present the west coast’s largest National Dance Day celebration featuring a Hip-Hop Master Class from SYTYCD All-Star Lauren Gottlieb, and an Everybody Dance routine from Zumba Fitness®, which has teamed up with Dizzy Feet to spread the message of dance and movement.

This is the second year that Studio K, which was founded in October 2010 by Owner and CEO, Kristin Weissman, has accepted the call to participate in National Dance Day and will be honoring the many dance styles the studio features among its 30 including Zumba, Salsa, a cardio/dance inspired workout, and an original dance routine to the music from the hit film, Moulin Rouge. This day will also serve as a milestone event for the Studio K corporation, as it will be the final event in this current location before the company relocates to a new, larger future facility.

Over the last two years, Studio K has become a leader in the dance and fitness industry creating innovative new programs and class styles for adults, welcoming in three Hollywood productions including the casting for both Step Up Revolution in theaters this Friday, as well as the recently released Rock of Ages. In addition, the studio was a shooting location for the successful television series, Dance Moms on the Lifetime Network and has also welcomed former Pussycat Doll, Jessica Sutta, Conrad Pratt of the Ricky Martin World Tour, Anna-Rita Sloss the creator of HOT HULA fitness, the LA-based Powder Blue Productions for the nationally-acclaimed program, Turbo Kick, and has also produced Flash Mobs for companies worldwide including serving as the opening “Footloose” flash mob routine for the Downtown Orlando Concert Series for artist, Kenny Loggins.

The studio also features a national public relations agency and a photography division, and is the first entertainment studio of its kind in the country. Studio K is also currently being considered for a $250,000 grant from Chase Bank and LivingSocial in their Mission Small Business program, which will be announced this September 2012. If awarded, the grant will enable the studio to continue its work by increasing job opportunities in the arts, business, and health and fitness industries within Central Florida, expand its programs to meet a wider demand for local adults, and build a bigger location to accommodate the need and make a stronger positive impact on the community as a whole.

“There is no better day to celebrate Studio K and to honor this first location other than on National Dance Day,” said Weissman. “We are diligently working toward an even brighter future for this company and are so honored to share this day with everyone in the Central Florida community. We are currently seeking a new home and we are exploring every opportunity that we are privileged to receive. National Dance Day is a tremendous force for our country to do something positive by dancing together and promoting a healthier lifestyle. We look forward to all that is to come for Studio K, and are proud to have established as an Orlando small business, that is a part of the national dance community.”

About Studio K Agency Division:

Studio K, Inc. is a national public relations firm and entertainment studio. Based in Orlando, FL agency clients include corporations and individuals in the marketing, technology, fashion, beauty, music, film, consumer product, and non-profit industries. For more information on Studio K, please visit: www.studiokorlando.com.

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On her down time, Kim enjoys taking her two dogs on long walks through Park Central, laying by the pool, and hanging with friends. What you may not know about Kim is that she was a gymnast before taking up competitive dancing, and was trained by her mother who competed professionally for several years!

Congratulations Kim, on being our July Instructor of the Month! We’re so happy to have you as a special part of the Studio K family!

When did you discover your love for dance?

During my first year of college, I decided to try other things and set dance aside for a little bit. After a couple weeks, I was just miserable without it. I knew right then and there that it’s truly my passion.

What inspires your choreography?

Things and events that have happened in my life inspire my choreography. I really reflect on the situations that I’ve been through and made my way out of.

Do you find that dance is a great way to stay in shape and why?

Yes, constantly using your body and keeping it moving is an excellent way to stay in shape. Dance also keeps your body balanced between both flexibility and strength.

How has dance impacted your life?

Dance has provided an outlet for me to constantly express my emotions rather then hold things in when I find them hard to talk about.

What advice do you have to people who are just beginning to dance, whether it is for skill or for fitness?

My advice would be to always keep trying, be fearless and to leave it all on the floor.

What is your favorite class to teach and why?

I like to teach Contemporary or Improvisation because I find it interesting to watch people grow and learn about their body.

What do you like most about being a part of the Studio K Family?

The wonderful people that I have met through the studio are what I like most. They’re a constant reminder of how blessed I am to have the opportunity to be a part of Studio K.

If you could do anything else in the world other than dance, what would it be?

I always took interest in human anatomy, so I would probably want to be a doctor of some sort.

What phrase do you choose to live by?

“Life is short, art is long, opportunity is fleeting, experience is treacherous, and judgment is difficult.”

Originally from Redmond, WA, Jessica moved to Orlando to participate in the Disney College Program. While working in Merchandise, she immediately fell in love with the company and knew that she would never leave. Today, she works for the Park Event Operations and Hard Ticket/Signature Events division at Walt Disney World, where she plans and executes major events such as endurance races, youth events and festivals such as the International Food and Wine, as well as the Flower and Garden.
On her down time, she likes to attend sporting events, hang out with friends and spend time working on her second passion – photography.

Congratulations Jessica, on being our Studio K July Member of the Month!

What is your favorite class at Studio K?

My favorite class is Hip Hop X-treme Cardio with Manny.

Do you find that dance is a great way to stay in shape?

Yes, dance is such a great way to stay in shape because you’re in a group environment, and it’s easier for you to stay motivated. It’s also a total body workout and even works your brain by remembering the choreography and intricate combinations. The best part about it is, you don’t feel like you are working out because you are having so much fun!

What motivational advice can you give someone who is starting a new workout routine?

I would advise them to keep at it! Once you get started, it’s hard to keep it up, but after a while, it becomes a habit. Just remember, you will always feel better if you go.

What do you look for in a workout that will keep you coming back for more?

I really look for a workout that targets my whole body and leaves me with an accomplished and confident feeling afterward.

If you could tell anyone one thing about being a member of Studio K, what would it be?

Studio K is a welcoming place to all, and you immediately feel at home.

If you could be anything at all in this world, what would you be?

I’ve always wanted to be a backup dancer for Justin Timberlake or a performer at Disney. I also used to have a dream to be a Physical Therapist.

What is one motto you choose to live by?

“Someday everything will make perfect sense. So, for now, laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears and keep reminding yourself that everything happens for a reason.”

When: Thursday, July 12
9:00 PM to 10 PM

$15 for all members at the door and RSVP on our Facebook Events Tab at: www.facebook.com/studiokorlando required to hold you spot on the floor!

About Aurelia:

Aurelia Michael was born and raised in the Bronx, New York, where she began her dance training at the Dance Theatre of Harlem. She continued studying dance throughout college at the University of Maryland, College Park, as well as founded the UMD dance company Dynamic. She was a member of Culture Shock Dance Troupe DC for four years, performing nationwide and internationally, and in that time earned the opportunity to perform with the world-renowned Cirque Du Soleil.

Aurelia is a graduate of the Broadway Dance Center Internship program, as well as the Motivating Excellence Mentoring Program under the direction of Rhapsody James. Since her return to New York, Aurelia has performed for Xbox 360, Mattel, Michael Jackson Album Release Party, the Regional Production of Legally Blonde: The Musical, and was recently an assistant to choreographer Neil Schwartz at Escuela D1 studio in Chorillos, Peru.

To see some of Aurelia’s previous work, please visit:

Aurelia is also a representative for Get Out Of The Mirror Apparel and will be bringing down merchandise for sale! If you are interested in ant shirt in particular, contact her at aurelia@gotmapparel.com

Website: www.gotmapparel.com

Orlando, FL, June 18, 2012 –Studio K, (www.studiokorlando.com), an entertainment studio featuring the largest offering of dance and dance fitness classes for adults in Central Florida, a team of leading photographers, and a national public relations agency, has now become eligible for the $250,000 grant award, Mission: Small Business (www.missionsmallbusiness.com), provided by Chase and LivingSocial.

Now approaching its second year in operation, Studio K is a first-of-its-kind concept and is currently one of the few businesses in the city of Orlando who has passed the essay and voting phases of the requirements to move forward for the final judging period where the grant opportunity will be decided and up to 12 separate awards will be awarded, each in the amount of $250,000.

Chase has designated a maximum of $3 million for this business opportunity. To be considered as a potential grant recipient, small businesses must submit the application, be deemed eligible and receive a minimum of 250 general public votes. The purpose of the grant is to enable a small business to execute a business plan that will result in the expansion and growth of the business, such as opening a new location, purchasing new equipment, and/or establishing an enhanced product or distribution channel.

In addition to the grant, LivingSocial will offer grant recipients the opportunity to meet with its social media and sales executives, and will work with each recipient to design a LivingSocial promotion for the grant recipient’s business entity. LivingSocial will further waive its standard commission for such promotional services.

“To have a grant opportunity such as this for your small business is life changing – not only for the business itself, but for each life it touches,” said Owner and CEO of Studio K, Kristin Weissman. “We are incredibly thankful for the support we have received from the local community, as well as from fellow small businesses nationwide, and we wish each tremendous success as we all move forward to this next phase in the competition.”

Studio K has been consistently enhancing the Orlando arts community, creating new job opportunities in the market, driving new business and projects to Central Florida from across the country, and developing a unique offering for Orlando adults to lead healthier, happier lifestyles. The studio employs more than 35 team members across four business divisions: Dance, Photography, a Public Relations Agency, and a Hotel Fitness Division.

To vote for Studio K, please visit www.missionsmallbusiness.com and log in through Facebook.

About Studio K – Agency Division:

Studio K, Inc. is a national public relations firm and entertainment studio. Based in Orlando, FL agency clients include corporations and individuals in the marketing, technology, fashion, music, film, consumer product, and non-profit industries. For more information on Studio K, please visit: www.studiokorlando.com.

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When she’s not teaching her Sexy Salsa Fusion or Ballroom Fitness classes at Studio K, she works as a paralegal for a local law firm and is also a bartender for a catering company. On her down time, Charissa loves spending time with her two pups, showing off her mad skills in the kitchen and getting a workout by doing some HOT HULA fitness. Some interesting facts about Charissa is that she’s been to six continents and 42 countries, she used to work on several cruise ships, and is one of nine children!

Congratulations Charissa, on being our June Instructor of the Month!

When did you discover your love for dance?

I’ve always loved to dance. My parents tell stories of me dancing around the house or wiggling in my chair as a kid whenever music started to play. We were a big musical family.

What inspires your choreography?

Everything inspires my choreography! From seeing the way people walk, to the way water flows downstream, I’ve even been inspired by people’s voices and inflections. Almost anything can evoke a movement from me.

Do you find that dance is a great way to stay in shape and why?

Yes, dance is a great way to stay in shape! My family tends to run a bit on the bigger side but since I’ve been dancing for most of my life, I’ve managed to avoid that (for the most part).

How has dance impacted your life?

Dance keeps me in shape and in love with life. Whether I’m watching it, performing or even teaching, dance is everything to me. It’s just a vital part of who I am.

What advice do you have to people who are just beginning to dance, whether it is for the skill or for fitness?

My advice is to look in the mirror – a lot! Keep watching yourself so you can see your progress. You will see it before anyone else can and when you totally rock an awesome move, you are going to feel so good about yourself. Also, don’t be afraid to sweat or to feel uncomfortable, just keep going.

What is your favorite class to teach and why?

I love Sexy Salsa Fusion! It’s so much fun to dance and is a combination of my favorite styles: Salsa, Cha Cha, Samba, Jazz, Hip Hop, and a little bit of Modern.

What do you like most about being a part of the Studio K Family?

I love how amazingly supportive everyone is at Studio K! Plus, there is the bonus of complete artistic freedom and to just have fun with your class. It’s such a nice environment, welcoming everyone to dance, hang out, or talk with the students and staff. I’ve worked for several studios and Studio K is by far the best.

If you could do anything else in the world other than dance, what would it be?

Um, dance? I’ve never thought about it. I guess I would still have to be involved in the art world, so maybe singing? That’s if I didn’t sound like a cat in a blender. ☺

What phrase do you choose to live by?

I actually have a few phrases that I live by. “You can sleep when you’re dead,” “Let go and let God,” and “When in doubt, shimmy those shoulders!”

Studio K member, Ashley Forbes has always been an avid dancer. Her mom put her in dance classes as soon as she could walk, and she hasn’t stopped dancing since. She loves all styles and can be seen in almost every class offered at Studio K! Some of her favorites include: Hip Hop Xtreme Cardio, Broadway Burn, Sexy Salsa Fusion and many others. She is very dedicated to her weekly workout routine, incorporating both dance and fitness classes into her busy schedule. When she’s not dancing it out on the floor, she works in the Internal Meetings and Events Department at Disney. On her down time, she loves to relax by the pool, hang out with friends, and shop. A few things that you may not know about Ashley is that she is a reality show junkie, a devoted Duke basketball fan, and loves to sing karaoke.

We are so happy to have her as a member! Congratulations Ashley, on being our June Member of the Month!

What is your favorite class at Studio K?

It’s hard to pick just one class that is my favorite. I love each of them for different reasons. I definitely try not to miss Hip Hop Xtreme Cardio, Broadway Burn, Hip Hop, Slow Jamz Strength & Stretch, Sexy Salsa Fusion, or Ballroom Fitness. I also like to change things up by incorporating other classes in as well.

Do you find that dance is a great way to stay in shape?

Yes, dance is definitely a great way to stay in shape! It has helped me to become healthier and to lose weight. I look back on the few years that I wasn’t dancing and didn’t realize how out of shape I was until I started to get back into it.

What motivational advice can you give someone who is starting a new workout routine?

My advice would be to never give up! As hard as it may seem in the moment, you will be much happier in the end, once you’ve made your way through it.

What do you look for in a workout that will keep you coming back for more?

With the classes that I love, it usually comes down to the music. I am constantly entertained while still having a bit of a challenge. The great thing about the classes at Studio K is they are always changing so you can’t get into a rut and you always have the option to challenge yourself more.

If you could tell anyone one thing about being a member of Studio K, what would it be?

Studio K provides a great environment to workout, make friends and have a great time.

If you could be anything at all in this world, what would you be?

I would be a Buyer/ Professional Shopper.

What is one motto you choose to live by?

“Laughter is the best medicine. If you can’t laugh at yourself, who can?”

Orlando, FL, May 27, 2012 – Studio K, (www.studiokorlando.com) an entertainment studio featuring the largest offering of dance and dance fitness classes for adults in Central Florida, a photography division, and a national public relations agency, partnered with health club, Lifestyle Family Fitness (www.lff.com), to produce a surprise flash mob performance of the hit musical single, “Footloose” that was featured at the Kenny Loggins concert on Saturday, May 26, 2012. Studio K Footloose Flash Mob Video Link

Studio K has been internationally producing professional flash mobs for major corporations and special events throughout Central Florida locations, as well as national trade shows and conventions, since its inception in October 2010. Studio K Flash Mobs have included serving as the official rehearsal location for the first flash mob for the city of Orlando, as well as the producer of the flash mob featured before the national tour of the popular television series, “So You Think You Can Dance” held at the Amway Center, and flash mobs held at the Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort, the J.W. Marriott, and more, by Studio K choreographer and instructor, Linda Eve Elchak of NAO Dance (www.naodance.com).

The 98.9 WMMO Downtown Concert Series with Kenny Loggins was presented by Bud Light and was free to the public. The concert was held on Orange Ave and Amelia Street in front of the Courthouse in Downtown Orlando. The event featured live entertainment from the band, “3 Bucksworth,” as well as food, vendors, and an exclusive performance by Kenny Loggins. Loggins is famous for hits such as: “Danger Zone” from the film, Top Gun, “I’m Alright” from the film, Caddyshack, and “This Is It,” which won the Best Male Pop Vocal Grammy in 1980.

“Studio K is proud to be working alongside a musical legend such as Kenny Loggins and Lifestyle Family Fitness to perform this flash mob event for the fans and community of Central Florida,” said Owner and CEO of Studio K, Kristin Weissman. “We look forward to producing more flash mob events throughout the country and sharing all that Studio K has to contribute in dance, photography and business, to the local arts and entertainment industries.”

About Studio K Agency Division:

Studio K, Inc. is a national public relations firm and entertainment studio. Based in Orlando, FL, agency clients include corporations and individuals in the marketing, technology, fashion, music, film, consumer product, and non-profit industries.

In addition to the Agency Division, Studio K also features a Dance Division offering the largest variety of dance and dance fitness classes for adults in Central Florida, and a Photography Division offering a team of leading professional photographers in one complete state-of-the-art setting.

For more information on Studio K, please visit: www.studiokorlando.com.

Contact:
Chris Jacobs
407-238-0005

Kristin Weissman
407-238-0005
Kristin@studiokorlando.com
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The concept for the company was conceived during the economic struggles of 2008 by Founder and CEO, Osvaldo Silva. Silva’s focus was to assist anyone with the desire of completing their degree in higher education, but who did not have the financial means to do so. Silva’s philanthropic interest developed the first phase of the corporate vision beginning with the $40K scholarship drawing. The program will instantly establish GotChosen’s primary mission of assisting individuals and families to achieve their educational potential and life aspirations, and to introduce the company on a large national scale. Subsequent drawings will enlarge the scope of the company’s endeavors, but will remain focused on the college market.

“An essential element of the core values of GotChosen is a deep-rooted need and desire to give back,” said Silva. “Our team is eager to witness the wonderful things that will be done by the recipients, and to how this scholarship will change their futures. We hope that our donation to their dreams was the difference that made it all possible.”

The amount of student loans acquired in 2011 crossed the $100 billion mark for the first time in history, and total loans outstanding will exceed $1 trillion for the first time this year. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the U.S. Department of Education, and private sources report that Americans now owe more on student loans than on credit cards.

As the cost of higher education continues to increase, the traditional channels for student loans and grants are being limited by ongoing credit tightening, economic weakness, and governmental policies. For some, this situation creates an insurmountable obstacle to a college education, making the $40,000 scholarship from GotChosen a new potential way for students to achieve their goals.

The GotChosen scholarship is open to all: current students, previous students with outstanding loans, or even future college students. It is free and easy to enter, as well as being 100% transferable. In addition, the more individuals recruited to enter the contest on a student’s behalf, the more potential entries will exist to increase the student’s chances of winning.

You may register to enter for your chance to win the GotScholarship: $40K to Give Away Drawing by visiting the GotChosen website at: www.gotchosen.com beginning May 1, 2012 and the contest will close on September 30, 2012.

“This is only the first phase of our efforts,” Silva further added. “We anticipate creating a long line of scholarship recipients who will benefit. It is an exciting time for our young company, and we are hopeful that we will become a powerful creative and economic contributor for many years to come.”

About GotChosen:

GotChosen is an innovative startup in digital media and development headquartered in Orlando, FL. The company’s primary aim is to deliver an unparalleled interactive media and entertainment experience to users by bridging gaps in digital and traditional media. This vision will be implemented on computers, tablets, smartphones and smart TVs in 2013-2014.

For more information about GotChosen, please visit: www.gotchosen.com.

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We’re so happy to have you as part of the Studio K family, Ivan! Congratulations on being our May Instructor of the Month!

When did you discover your love for dance?

Actually, I was in chorus at Parkway Middle School when I realized that it wasn’t for me and that I needed to be dancing instead. After that year, I changed my elective to dance and have been doing it ever since.

What inspires your choreography?

Music inspires my choreography. Also, life and how it relates to a particular piece of music is a big influential factor in how I construct a routine. There’s so much that flows as far as inspiration, sometimes it’s hard to grasp the moment – it’s so beautiful!

Do you find that dance is a great way to stay in shape and why?

I definitely think that dance is a great way to stay in shape. There are so many styles of dance that allow you to move in different ways and help with cardio conditioning. It’s so much better than the gym.

How has dance impacted your life?

Dance has impacted my life in so many different ways. It has helped me to realize many things about myself, to grow as a person and as an artist, and to appreciate, not only the art of it all, but how beautiful life itself can become.

What advice do you have to people who are just beginning to dance, whether it is for the skill or for fitness?

I would encourage them to be open-minded. There’s a great deal out there to learn and being open to it, is the first step to becoming the artist you want to be. It will teach you to appreciate everything you set your mind to.

What is your favorite class to teach and why?

My favorite class is obviously Contemporary – it’s what I teach! ☺ I also love incorporating improvisation into the class. I feel that it’s a good way to start things off. It really gets your mind going and helps everyone to feel comfortable.

What do you like most about being a part of the Studio K Family?

Studio K is the first studio that has given me the opportunity to teach. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. Kristin is such a sweetheart!

If you could do anything else in the world other than dance, what would it be?

When I was younger, I once said that I wanted to be a physician. I’m so glad that I didn’t go down that road. I don’t know what I would do without dance!

What phrase do you choose to live by?

“Some people feel the rain; others just get wet” -Bob Marley