by: Joe Tremaine

Being there!

Being in the mix!

Persistence!

People often ask me where I get my Choreographers, Teachers and Staff Members who have worked for me over the years.  My stock answer, “I raise them!” 

In thinking back, I realize that most of these people came to me repeatedly from city to city and thereby grew up attending Tremaine Dance Conventions, Intensives, Classes, etc. 

There are many, many young, talented individuals who come through “our doors,” but the question is – Who makes it?  Who are the ones that stand our and why? 

I see and notice the ones who are there – “in my face” consistently, all the while striving to be better than they were a moment ago.  Inhaling all the knowledge I’m giving them and immediately using it to push themselves further.  Certainly these performers must have Talent and Potential and a “Burning Desire” that bursts forth, but their persistence is what leads to their recognition.

One of my first assistants, Marcea Lane, was a young lady who was always there when I walked on stage to teach.  She was front and center – eager, excited and ‘turned out’! After many cities I finally said to her, “What the heck!? You’re always here! The next city why don’t you assist me?”  She did assist me for years, then taught for me and danced professionally for me.  She went on to have a great performing career including Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”  She is now the Owner/CEO/Designer of her own hugely successful costume and activewear company – Marcea Activewear.  I’m so proud of her.