Mini Mania
Dance Intensive

an exciting and innovative program for young dancers ages 7-10 who are seeking future success at their home studio and In francisco gella dance works preprofessional training programs

The Mini Mania Dance Intensive will give young dancers a head start by providing the necessary tools to understand the fundamentals of training from a technical and artistic capacity. By developing important foundational elements, our goal is to prepare our attendees for future success in both their home studio and our training experiences for older preprofessional dancers at future Francisco Gella Dance Works events.

Our organization’s mission is to create opportunities for dancers throughout every stage of their dance journey from age 7 to college so they have the tools they need to succeed. By planting seeds and encouraging young dancers to think for themselves while taking proper care of their bodies, minds and spirits we inspire focused growth guiding dancers and their parents in developing healthy mindsets for their dance journeys!

Creating Opportunities at Every Stage of the Dance Journey. 

Planting Seeds and Encouraging Young Dancers.

Developing Healthy Mindsets for Dancers and Their Parents.

Expert Faculty Mentors Led by Master Teacher Francisco Gella.

Enrollment

General Registration will not be available until after audition notices are sent.

Mini Mania will enroll dancers by audition only for required in-person participation with optional teacher observer passes available. A limited number of teachers and directors are invited to observe classes throughout the weekend. A teacher pass must be purchased in advance. 

After admission decisions are made, those accepted will be required to submit a 50% deposit to claim their space in the program. The remaining amount will be due one month before the program starts. Please note that deposits will require an additional fee of $9.95 for processing the payments.

Audition Deadlines and Admission Decisions

Students and their parents will be notified of admission and scholarship (if applicable) decisions by email no later than four weeks following the submission deadline. 

The Joan Myers Brown
Equity Dance Scholarship Fund

A limited amount of scholarships are available for especially deserving dancers. Scholarships will be allocated according to the combined consideration of both merit and financial need. Decisions on scholarships will be made a few weeks after each deadline. Since a limited amount of scholarship awards will be offered, it is better to apply by the early deadline. Please click below to learn more about this opportunity and to apply.

Mini Mania Schedule

Please Note That the Schedule Is Subject to Change

Class Size

To ensure proper attention is given to each young dancer, class size will be limited to 40 dancers per classroom. Each faculty member will have at least one teaching assistant in their classroom.

About the Mini Mania Dance Intensive

In addition to exploring fundamental technique and artistic capacity, faculty will work closely with dancers to instill confidence, a necessary element of the dance journey. Students will receive support, guidance, and direction on the building blocks of a successful dance path.

We’ve infused a broad variety of classes into our curriculum, as versatility is a vital component for success. Dancers will explore a deep dive into musicality, hip-hop, modern fundamentals, dance history, ballet technique, and more!

We will focus on the following elements:

Teaching Artists & Mentors

Francisco Gella’s distinguished thirty-year career as a compelling dancer, award-winning choreographer, and widely recognized dance educator, began when he took his first formal dance class during his freshman year at the age of nineteen. His innovative choreography and highly effective teaching methods are sought after by professional companies, universities, arts high schools, ballet conservatories, and studios across North America and around the globe.  

In addition to a successful performance and choreographic career, Francisco is a renowned educator, artistic director, and arts entrepreneur. He is the founding co-artistic director of Zeitgeist Dance Theatre launched in January of 2020. He is also the founding artistic director of NUEVO School of Contemporary Dance and COLABO Youth Dance Collective (2008-2015). As Chief Creative Officer of Francisco Gella Dance Works, he has created numerous influential educational programs; Ballet+ (beyond technique) workshops, the Preprofessional Dancer Institute, New Year’s Training Camp, Seattle Dance Advance, the New Century Dance Project (a festival for choreography and performance) and the College Dance and Career Prep program. Additionally, Francisco is the lead ballet and modern faculty member, and adjudicator for the 24 Seven Dance Convention. Born in Bacolod City, Philippines, Francisco now resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Angela Carter is an award-winning choreographer, highly sought out international master teacher, and creative entrepreneur. She is Co-Owner and Director of Tap Into the Network, a touring tap dance intensive alongside Ryan Lohoff. Started by longtime partner Gregg Russell, TITN is now in their 15th season, providing exclusive training experience for both students and teachers. Within Tap Into the Network, Angela created an apprentice mentorship program offering performance and training opportunities, career guidance, and teaching/choreography coaching for students.

She has choreographed for United Nations International Women’s Month, and opening acts for artists such as Mary J. Blige. Her tap sounds were used in Disney’s Princess and the Frog and tap dance legend Al Gilbert’s Graded Technique. She has assisted tap legends Al Gilbert, Pat Rico and Henry LeTang to name a few. Angela is the author and creator of The Genius Guide to College Dance Programs, designed specifically to assist and coach students and parents through the college selection journey. Her intensive event, Breakthrough, will offer students a unique experience of professional training, mentorship, and access to the industry. Most recently, Angela has worked with Francisco Gella Dance Works. She can be heard on The Made with Purpose Podcast as well as Making the Impact Podcast. She is thrilled to join the team at Francisco Gella Dance Works!

Program Location

Lodging

There are not any hotels in direct proximity to the Moss Center. We recommend hotels in Homestead/Florida City or in the Dadeland Mall area. You’ll need ground transportation to and from the hotel/studios.

Audition Process

Audition Submission Deadline: February 15, 2025

Cancellation / Refund Policy

No full refunds will be issued for registered participants. A 50% refund will be issued up to forty-five (45) days prior to the start of the program. An exception will be made for documented medical or health reasons due to an unforeseen injury or illness. For dancers with an injury or illness, 100% of the tuition will be refunded up to thirty (30) days prior to the start of the program. If the illness or injury is reported to the program director under thirty (30) days prior to the start of the program, a 50% refund will be issued no more than five (5) business days after the completion of the program, and the other 50% may be used as a credit for another program in the next twelve (12) months that is produced and owned by Francisco Gella Dance Works. In the case of any injury or illness, a documented note or letter from a licensed physician must be submitted before a refund will be considered.

Feel free to contact us in the chatbox below or email us at minimania@franciscogelladance.com if you have any questions.