Month: September 2023

The New Tampa Dance Theatre Is Not Just For Future Professionals

Whether you or your child likes to dance for fun or dreams of a career on stage one day, the New Tampa Dance Theatre (NTDT) offers dancers a world-class, professional experience that is unmatched in the Tampa Bay area.

Located on Cross Creek Blvd. (across from Heritage Isles) in New Tampa, the 7,500-sq.-ft. NTDT is the largest professional dance training facility in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. Owner and artistic director Dyane Elkins IronWing is in her 29th season of creating dance memories and futures for her students, many of whom have gone on to study dance in college and/or dance professionally.

“As always, I’m very proud of our students,” says Elkins IronWing. “Our dancers become excellent college students, with their impressive time-management skills, perseverance and creative thinking. Each season, our hearts burst with excitement creating with our beautiful students again. We plan to continue giving back to our community with the ‘Pay It Forward’ program by offering all new students $25 per month tuition for every class!”

Follow In My Footsteps?

Elkins IronWing says she started dancing at age 5, later trained in New York City and performed with Ballet Metropolitan in Columbus, OH.

She moved to Tampa in 1995 and immediately opened NTDT in the Pebble Creek Collection. In 2002, she purchased the current NTDT property on Cross Creek Blvd, and moved her school to the new building in January 2006.

With the bigger location, Elkins IronWing was off and running, offering smaller class sizes and larger, more varied schedules.

She says NTDT also has a larger pool of students today, with the ongoing explosive growth in Wesley Chapel, as well as in New Tampa.

“Our name might say New Tampa,” she says, “but our location is much closer to Wesley Chapel than one might assume. We are extremely convenient to all the current growth (there). Wesley Chapel families are shocked to discover just how close we are and excited how quickly they can drive to our facility.”

Not Just For Future Pros!

NTDT caters to both the recreational dance lover (even adults, photo left) as well as the devoted pre-professional — and every level in between. The studio’s leveled curriculum offers multiple art forms for students to explore. Through personalized attention and professional expertise, NTDT’s professional faculty strives to provide a positive educational experience.

Children ages 3-4 can participate in the studio’s Early Childhood Program, ages 5-8 can take part in the Children’s Program and ages 9-18 are invited to join NTDT’s Youth Program.

In addition to classical ballet, NTDT offers full programs in creative movement, modern, jazz, tap and hip-hop.

Each program has its own directors and specific syllabuses guiding students in a structured manner through their studies.

The facilities at NTDT are as top notch as the instructors, and include maple flooring for the tap classes, 20-25-ft.-tall mirrored walls, student locker rooms and a large studio space that can accommodate up to 200 people.

Sprung floors provide shock absorption to protect the dancers’ joints and an on-site physical therapist ensures the health of the dancers. NTDT also features a café for a break, meal, or homework.

World-Class Credentials

NTDT has developed a reputation for creating strong, professional dancers with alumni who have moved on to highly respected dance companies, Broadway productions, national tours, and Walt Disney Company.

Because NTDT students learn to be proficient in multiple art forms, these students have an edge in the competitive world of dance and many of them have been accepted into prestigious summer intensive programs, including the School of American Ballet and American Ballet Theater in New York City, The Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton, the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago and the Boston Ballet.

“Reflecting on 28 years in our community, it’s beyond words the gratitude and love for the amazing people who have been a part of our dance programs and family,” says Elkins IronWing.

One local former student certainly agrees with that assessment.

“I credit all of my success as a professional dancer to the foundational training I received at NTDT from ages 6-18,” says Victoria DeRenzo, who today is a professional dancer and choreographer who has toured internationally in 28 countries on four continents, most notably with the renowned Pilobolus Dance Theatre in Washington Depot, CT.

“I loved every second of my experience growing up there,” DeRenzo adds, “but I had no idea how spoiled I was until I graduated. Not many people receive a top-notch dance education in multiple artforms during their lifetimes, let alone at the age of 6.”

If a student doesn’t choose to pursue a career in dance after high school, they can still reach a level of artistry to be accepted into many college dance programs, says Elkins IronWing.

“Believing in yourself, respecting the process of working towards a goal, and having a well-rounded dance education give our students the tools and confidence to continue discovering new passions throughout their lifetimes,” she says.

Participating In Productions

All students have the opportunity to perform in NTDT’s “Spring Production” and — through the studio’s nonprofit partner, the Dance Theatre of Tampa (DTT) — in the winter production of “The Nutcracker,” as well as the “Summer Concert Series,” held in June at the University of South Florida’s Tampa campus.

DTT provides more than 300 free tickets to NTDT’s corporate sponsors, local community supporters, alumni members and students.

New Tampa residents Brian and Trisha Mangan enrolled their daughters Mattie and Mikayla at any early age with NTDT.

“New Tampa Dance Theatre holds a special place in our hearts, as our daughters’ second home since the age of three, guiding them into their teenage years,” Trisha says. “What began as tentative steps has blossomed into a journey of incredible growth, thanks to the dedicated and caring instructors. NTDT has not only shaped them into skilled dancers, but into confident and determined young women embodying the values of hard work and perseverance, attributes that extend far beyond the studio.”

Every holiday season, Elkins IronWing says local residents look forward to the community’s largest and longest-running interpretation of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, “The Nutcracker,” now in its 24th DTT season. This year, it will be held Friday-Sunday, December 15-17, at the USF Tampa College of Arts Theater 1.

Prior to the performances at USF, DTT also will perform “The Nutcracker Suite” Saturday & Sunday, December 2-3, at 6, 7 & 8 p.m., at The Shops at Wiregrass.

“It’s all about the children at NTDT, always has been and always will be,” Elkins IronWing says. “We are a company that enables children to succeed. The key is setting high expectations, all while having fun and building self-confidence. With the new season ahead of us, we would like to thank all of our trusting and loyal families over the years and organizations that continually support our vision. Without their recognition and time, NTDT wouldn’t be the magical place it has become!”

The New Tampa Dance Theatre offers year-round free trial classes for prospective dancers of all ages. To tour the facility or to rent it for a meeting, party or function, visit NTDT at 10701 Cross Creek Blvd. For more information and to check out the exciting lineup of Fall 2023 classes, visit NewTampaDanceTheatre.com, call (813) 994-NTDT (6838). You also can follow NTDT on Facebook and Instagram at “New Tampa Dance Theatre.”

Las Palmas Ready To Reopen By Oct. 12!

Although Jannah and I enjoyed the Las Palmas food truck, we were excited to hear that our friends Ramses and Ana Garcia (photo) were getting close to reopening their Las Palmas Latin Grill in the same brick- &-mortar space as it was previously, at 6431 County Line Rd., off BBD, in the same plaza as LA Fitness and Five Guys.

It’s been nearly two years since a kitchen fire shuttered Las Palmas, prompting Ramses to buy a food truck so he and Ana could still serve at least some of their delicious, award-winning Cuban-style fare to their loyal customer base. The revamped Las Palmas is expected to reopen by Thursday, October 12, or one day after the two-year anniversary of the fire. For more info, visit LasPalmaslatingrill.com

Ana Garcia Cuban Food Las Palmas Las Palmas Latin Grill New Tampa Ramses Garcia Wesley Chapel

For Top-Notch Allergy Care, Visit Drs. Lockey, Glaum, Cho & Pepper!

In addition to the practice’s four Board-certified allergy doctors, the office of Drs. Richard Lockey, Mark Glaum, Seong Cho & Amber Pepper on Bruce B Downs Blvd. also includes this friendly, professional staff. (Photos by Charmaine George)

On the top floor of a busy medical office near Fletcher Ave. and Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., Drs. Richard Lockey, Mark Glaum, Seong Cho and Amber Pepper — all of whom are Board-certified allergists and immunologists — help patients find relief at the group’s flagship practice. The doctors also have a second location in South Tampa.

In 1984, Dr. Lockey established the practice under the name Academic Associates in Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Fast forward almost 40 years, and he still remains an active practitioner, joined by a dedicated team of Board-certified professionals whose shared commitment to exceptional patient care is unwavering.

Dr. Lockey earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the Temple University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA, and later became a Professor of Medicine at the University of South Florida (USF) Morsani College of Medicine. He is a past president of the World Allergy Organization and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).

Dr. Glaum earned his M.D. degree from Hahnemann University School of Medicine (now Drexel University College of Medicine) in Philadelphia, and completed an allergy and clinical immunology fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, also in Philadelphia. He focuses on understanding allergic responses and advancing diagnostic methods, such as rhinoscopies (examinations of the nasal passages).

Dr. Cho, an otolaryngologist, received his M.D. degree from Kyung Hee University School of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea. He honed his allergy and immunology expertise at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, IL.

Dr. Pepper earned her M.D. degree from USF in 2013 and concluded her internal medicine residency and allergy & immunology fellowship through USF’s Division of Allergy & Immunology in 2016.

These four experts are deeply involved in education, teaching residents and medical students at USF while leading a renowned program for training upcoming allergists and immunologists. The doctors all actively engage in clinical research, significantly contributing to the continuous progress in allergy and immunology. Their extensive experience spans decades, centered at the nearby USF Division of Allergy & Immunology Clinical Research Unit. They also are all active AAAAI members.

Dr. Glaum explains, “We continue to be instrumental in performing clinical research, which brings new products to the market to help individuals. Currently, we have ongoing studies in food allergies, chronic sinusitis, a condition called hereditary angioedema (recurrent attacks of severe swelling), and urticaria (hives). In the case of hereditary angioedema, there were no products on the market that were FDA-approved when I arrived here in 2004; now, there are almost a dozen products. Most of those have come to market due to the research done here in the division, among other places.”

The practice manages a variety of disorders related to allergies, asthma and immunology, including food allergies, rhinitis (hay fever), chronic cough, sinusitis, venom hypersensitivity (insect stings), headaches, rashes, dermatitis, urticaria and immune deficiencies.

The doctors are among the pioneering doctors in Florida to use the advanced food desensitization method, known as oral immunotherapy, to assist patients dealing with severe food allergies.

“We’ve been instrumental in getting oral immunotherapy for peanut allergies approved in the U.S. and we’re continuing to work on other projects related to food allergies,” Dr. Glaum says. “We’re one of the clinical sites that looked at ways of desensitizing children and adults who were peanut-allergic to the point where they can tolerate a few peanuts and continue to ingest them on a daily basis, decrease their risk of having accidental exposure and a severe allergic reaction.”

Dr. Glaum recommends seeking a Board-certified immunologist for anyone undiagnosed or suspecting allergies. “University-associated practices are usually the ones most up-to-date on current conditions,” he says.

Through continuing research and university experience, the doctors also adopt a scientific approach to patient treatment. Whether a new consultation or follow-up appointment, patients will never see a physician’s assistant and always the physicians.

Dr. Glaum (photo left) references a challenging case where his research skills and immunology expertise changed a patient’s life. “I did see a person who came in primarily for hives, an itchy skin condition. But, upon further questioning, he also had a debilitating problem where his muscles would spasm and tense up to the point where he couldn’t move or function at work. (Through) investigation and laboratory studies, he ended up having a condition called Stiff Person Syndrome. This is an autoimmune problem where antibodies activate muscles inappropriately at times, causing debilitation and sometimes even a fracture of the bone if the spasm is so strong.”

In other words, Dr. Glaum adds, “He came in for one problem, and he ended up getting diagnosed with that (other) issue. We referred him to neurology, which has certain treatments they can do to alleviate that condition. Hives can be part of that syndrome, so it’s important as a good immunologist to know the rest of medicine to be able to make those associations.”

Empowering patients to improve and manage their allergies and immunological disorders is always the doctors’ end goal. They also are dedicated to advancing the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions through specialized options like clinical trials.

The practice’s patients can take part in paid clinical research trials, in addition to their medical treatments. For those who can’t afford medication for a condition or haven’t seen success with standard therapies, there might be a chance to access free treatment using products coming to the market for different conditions.

For patients who might be uncertain about their doctor’s Board certification within the practice, Dr. Glaum aims to provide reassurance that they are in skillful hands.

“The most common misconception is that allergists are not Board-certified doctors,” he says. “In fact, allergists have undergone training in internal medicine or pediatrics, are board-certified in that specialty, and then train in allergy and immunology. Any allergist that you see is either an internal medicine doctor or a pediatrician who’s done further specialized training.”

Once a new patient has made an initial appointment, he or she can conveniently complete the registration paperwork online at AllergyTampa.com.

Patients can schedule appointments with Drs. Lockey, Glaum, Cho, or Pepper at their North Tampa office, which is located at 13801 BBD Blvd., Ste. 502, or in the South Tampa office (1906 W. Platt St.). For more info about the practice and the services provided, call (813) 971-9743.

Allergy Care Amber Pepper Dr. Cho Dr. Glaum Dr. Lockey Dr. Pepper Mark Glaum New Tampa Richard Lockey Seong Cho

Realtor® & Military Veteran Kandice Perkins: Passion, Purpose & Legacy!

*Let Realtor® Kandice Perkins of Keller Williams New Tampa help you find a new home with the kitchen of your dreams, too.(Photos provided by Kandice Perkins)*

With six years of dedicated service in the real estate industry, Kandice Perkins stands out as a licensed REALTOR® at Keller Williams New Tampa (located near the AMC movie theater on Highwoods Preserve Pkwy.) who is known for her military discipline, compassion and commitment to excellence. Kandice brings a unique perspective to her role, having spent a decade as an active duty U.S. Air Force veteran and nurse and a devoted military spouse, she focuses on helping families navigate the real estate market in New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and the entire Tampa Bay area.

Kandice says her journey into real estate was inspired by her great-grandfather, who owned properties during her childhood. She reflects, “When I came of age, I became interested in owning property. This might have come from that seed being planted when I was younger. As cliché as it sounds, I believe this is what God told me I should do.”

She compliments the comprehensive training she has received with Keller Williams, emphasizing the importance of understanding the business side of real estate.

“Keller Williams truly teaches you how to operate and run a business,” Kandice says. “For me, it’s about running a real estate business versus just selling houses. Training is important. You have to constantly be a learner of the craft.”

A Texas native, Kandice began her real estate career in Virginia before settling in Florida. She shares her own experience while trying to find her current home online in the Watergrass community in Wesley Chapel during the pandemic. “We found the model home on the internet at the end of July 2020 in the middle of Covid,” she says, “and two days later, we drove down from Virginia to see it in person, wrote a contract on the home, sold our Virginia home and waited eleven months for our home to be completed before we relocated to Wesley Chapel.”

Kandice adds that the home-buying process is an exciting — but also challenging — time for families, and research shows that families like hers spend hours on the internet before ever meeting with a real estate professional.

Although she is active on all social media platforms, she champions old-school, traditional and personal interactions in real estate, like advertising in print publications.

Fondly recalling her upbringing in a small Texas town, she explains, “Being from Nacogdoches, I grew up reading the newspaper. Whenever I go home to Texas, I still read the newspaper at my grandmother’s. When we relocated here, and I received the first issue of the Neighborhood News in our mailbox, it reminded me of that small-town newspaper I grew up reading. I still love traditional marketing, and when I saw the ads, I knew I wanted to run a real estate ad in this Neighborhood News.”

Understanding The Market

Kandice provides insight into the dynamics of the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel real estate markets, and also sheds some light on the impact of interest rates on local real estate trends.

“It depends on whether you are buying or selling,” she says. “People are still buying and selling homes every day. With rising interest rates, you have some homes that stay on the market longer; however, this is why your representation matters, and it’s important to choose the right Realtor®️who will work with and for you and develop a customized marketing strategy specifically to meet your real estate goals.”

She adds that there is a direct correlation between interest rates and buyers’ purchasing power, and says these fluctuations definitely do affect the housing market.

“Interest rates directly affect most people’s buying power and have knocked some of those buyers who already had challenges out of the market,” Kandice says. “The higher the rate, the lower the home value many people are able to purchase. Increasing rates have created fear in some buyers, too. Some feel like they want to ‘wait until the market crashes,’ but they could potentially be waiting for something that might never happen.”

At the core of Kandice’s philosophy is her commitment to educating her clients, whether buyers or sellers. During her initial consultation with you, she will try to ensure that you understand the market.

“It’s all about educating the clients to make sure they know exactly what the home buying or selling process is about,” she says, “so they can truly make an informed decision. I can educate my clients about the market, my partners and lenders. I get to know each client. The real estate process itself is the same whether you are buying or selling a home.”

Kandice adds, however, that “What will be different will be the client’s understanding of that process. I find out the client’s needs and expectations and tailor my services. I ensure they are informed every step of the way so they can make the right decision for themselves. It always goes back to the education piece.”

With her exemplary track record as a multi-million-dollar real estate producer, Kandice’s work ethic is an extension of the dedication she had to have during her military and nursing careers. She aims to create a seamless real estate experience for clients and has cultivated a nationwide network of reliable referral partners who share her values.

And, unlike Realtors who confine themselves to rigid 9-to-5 schedules, Kandice embraces flexibility and multifaceted involvement. She teases, “I’m a Realtor, but I’m also a counselor, a therapist and a financial advisor. I wear many hats throughout the process. I’m truly here in a support role for whatever level of support my clients need. I care about the client as a whole person, not just as a transaction.”

Still In Service To Others

Kandice’s dedication to her clients extends to the elderly, as she recounts helping an 83-year-old transition to a new chapter in her life — selling the family home and moving in with her child.

“I felt like I gave her the same service and care I would have if I was helping my own grandmother,” she says. “I felt proud because, especially in this day and age where you hear about elderly people getting taken advantage of, I know she had a great experience.”

And, thanks to her client-centered approach, Kandice says, “She wasn’t overwhelmed and felt like she was working with a family member. She trusted me in one of the most vulnerable stages of her life. I was able to provide that service for her with true care and compassion.”

As a senior Air Force veteran, empowering fellow veterans to achieve home ownership is another source of pride for Perkins. “To help a veteran who never thought they could own a home and build a legacy for their family,” she says, “those are really proud moments as well.”

Monique Wyche, a fellow retired Air Force vet, says she is happy to discuss the outstanding service she experienced with Kandice during the purchase of her family’s dream home in Wesley Chapel and the sale of their former residence.

“Kandice’s exceptional dedication, expertise and unwavering commitment as our family’s Realtor truly set her apart,” Monique says. “Not only did she skillfully guide us through the process of purchasing our home, but she also orchestrated the sale of our previous house seamlessly. Her deep knowledge of the market, strategic insights, and excellent communication made every step smooth and stress-free. Kandice went above and beyond by even arranging stunning drone photos that showcased our properties in the most captivating way. Her professionalism, warmth, and genuine care for her clients make her an invaluable partner in any real estate journey…..”

In her personal life, Kandice enjoys reading, traveling, working out and spending quality time with her husband of twenty years, Nor Bryant, their college freshman son at A&M University, and their daughter, who is a junior at Wesley Chapel High.

Kandice maintains an unshakable belief in real estate as a sound investment, rooted in her commitment to empowering clients through education.

“No matter what changes are happening, real estate is always a great investment,” she says. “People will always need somewhere to live. The most important thing I do is educate the people to make sure that they make an informed decision about the investment. This is their experience and one of the most significant purchases that most people will make in their lives. It’s about serving the people selflessly. It’s never about me. It’s all about them and their experience. It’s about integrity, doing right when no one is around. As it’s changed my life, I love changing other people’s lives through real estate.”

Realtor® Kandice Perkins is based at Keller Williams Realty New Tampa (18302 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy., Suite 110). The office number is (813) 991-1044, but the best way to reach Kandice is by calling (813) 560-5104 or visiting KandicePerkins.kw/com.

Kandice Perkins keller williams New Tampa real estate Wesley Chapel

Recapping The New Tampa Performing Arts Center’s First Fall Festival

*Dancers from the Tampa City Ballet catch some air during the ballet company’s performance at the first-ever Fall Festival at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center Sept. 8-10.* (Photo by Charmaine George and Gary Nager)

If you somehow missed the first-ever Fall Festival at the all-new New Tampa Performing Arts Center (NTPAC), you missed a truly special weekend (Sept. 8-10) of 100% free performances of virtually every kind.

*A spectacular dance performance by the Jansen Dance Company.*

Everything from ballet to modern dance and from Broadway to traditional Indian dance was available to attendees, thousands of whom packed the NTPAC throughout the weekend. NTPAC executive director Keith Arsenault (photo below) was clearly beaming all three days of the Fall Festival.

“We couldn’t be happier with the performances, the attendance and the feedback we’ve received from everyone who visited this weekend,” Arsenault said. “It’s clear that this community has been hungry for more cultural opportunities.”

Although we weren’t able to take pictures at every performance, Neighborhood News photographer Charmaine George and I were proud to be on hand for most of the weekend’s festivities, which also included Arsenault unveiling a plaque of thanks (bottom middle) to Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan (bottom left). Arsenault said that the land for the NTPAC was dedicated 15 years ago, and that it took 15 County Commission votes to make the Center a reality. “We have many people at the county to thank,” Arsenault said, “but we would not be standing here today without the long-standing efforts of Ken Hagan.”

Hagan was clearly moved by the plaque. “Politicians are rarely at a loss for words, but I am blown away by this. Thank you!”

*Among the memorable performances and activities on Friday afternoon and evening at the NTPAC’s Fall Festival were song-&- dance routines by the Freedom High chorus*.

After the impressive and super-fun performances on Friday afternoon and evening, the NTPAC’s Fall Festival didn’t rest on its laurels. To the contrary, it may have even stepped it up to another level on Saturday, as the outstanding Wharton High band (above) first filled the main stage theater and no one left disappointed.

But, as great as the ‘Cats musicians were, the performance by the Tampa City Ballet (above pics) Saturday evening was the first of the weekend to have to turn away people who wanted to check out this professional-level ballet company, as somewhere between 20-30 people had to watch the dancers and the troupe’s incredible backgrounds that were projected onto the cyclorama (cyc) at the back of the NTPAC stage on a TV in the lobby.

There was no let-up on Sunday, either, as the Rudram Dance Company brought a huge number of traditionally-costumed Indian dancers to the NTPAC’s main stage. Then, before two one-act plays (“Co-Workers” and “Sherlock Holmes & Case of the 5-Pound Note”) were presented by winners of the Tampa Bay Theatre Festival, the folk rock acoustic duo of Daisies & Axes performed in Studio 2. There also was a “Fun with Broadway Trivia” game presented by the New Tampa Players, followed by ATLAS Modern Ballet’s contemporary dance performance, but we didn’t get to shoot those because of our deadline. Wow! Can’t wait ‘til next year!—GN

*The Rudram Dance Company ‘s performance filled the Theater’s stage with traditional Indian dance, costumes & pageantry.*

*Daisies & Axes perform acoustic folk rock in Studio 2.*

Keith Arsenault Ken Hagen New Tampa New Tampa Performing Arts Center NTPAC NTPAc Fall Festival