A RAD Story
RAD Dance Studio was originally founded in 1991, under the artistic direction of Darryl Retter and Linda Bernabei Retter, and became known as Retter's Academy of Dance.
RAD Dance Studio is now in the caring hands of a new legacy-creating duo. Directed and lead by Nadine Abukhzam Hassen and co-owned and supported by her husband, Ramsey Hassen. They carry on with the same core values, quality, care of service and instruction, along with an expanded vision for the future of the studio.
RAD is so much more than dance. We use the development of skill and expression of dance to inspire and teach our students about fundamental values and life lessons. In our safe and nurturing space, we lead with RAD's 5 Core Values: Self-Worth, Respect, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Leadership.
Our community is here to foster a world of new leaders and citizens who feel good about themselves and others. Through the power of learning, exploring, and creating, students discover their own uniqueness and are celebrated and encouraged for their differences. Together they practice using and embodying our core values.
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Retter’s Academy of Dance was originally founded in 1991, under the Artistic Direction of Darryl Retter and Linda Bernabei Retter. This dynamic duo in dance was known throughout the U.S. and Canada as Master Teachers and Choreographers. Affiliated with the nations leading dance conventions (Tremaine Dance Convention, Adrenaline Dance Convention, DanceMakers, Dance Masters, Hoctors Dance Caravan, Professional Dance Teachers Association and Dance Teacher Connection), Darryl and Linda Retter envisioned a community of not only technically skilled students, but of dancers that would carry on the true traditions of the Dance Arts including creativity, imagination, leadership, humanity, respect, beauty, unity and passion for generations to follow.
As Industry Professionals and Educators, Darryl and Linda Retter desired to create a safe haven in which students would excel, train, develop, learn and grow as artists! Their combined backgrounds in Dance Education and show business was the perfect blend to expose dancers to a meaningful education filled with rich history, experiences, opportunities and artistic expression.
Their “Dance Lessons are Life Lessons” motto encouraged all to dance from their heart, develop a strong work ethic, develop patience, understanding and compassion, and know their is a lesson to be learned in each and every class or performance!
The Retters commitment to the dance arts taught with expertise, enthusiasm and experience, was quickly recognized both locally and nationally. Their teachers were industry professionals with a like-mindedness to teach dance in a positive atmosphere with age appropriate dance, costuming, music and choreography. The dancers flocked to this new and innovative program and parents and families were very supportive of the content and quality of dance instruction taught at RAD.
The studio was proud to teach with “equal emphasis” in all genres, including classical ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, jazz funk, musical theatre, and technique classes to fully enrich their student’s artistic development. Along with their vast curriculum, classes and camps were offered for preschool ages and provided young children with much fun, friendship, education, entertainment and wonder! From Cinderella to Dancing Minions - RAD has ignited the imagination of its youngest dance enthusiasts!
The programs developed at RAD include: The Thoughtfulness Committee, The Assistant/Demonstrator Program, The Dancers Bridge L.A .Program, Rhythm Machine Dance Company and Teacher Training Programs that have educated, elevated, impacted their students and their community in a positive and profound manner.
From Best Dance Instruction in Agoura Hills to national recognitions that includes being one of L.A.’s Top 10 Dance Studios in California. Retters Academy of Dance has been featured on national dance magazine covers and written about in highly respected dance publications. The studio has participated in national events, community events, charity drives and MORE!
The Retters have devoted a lifetime to training up dancers! Their mission continues through their company MusicWorks Unlimited, creating fresh, usable, and cutting edge content for dance studios across the globe!
Thank you, Darryl and Linda for 31 years at Retters Academy of Dance!
“Forever RAD ~ Forever In Our Hearts!”
