Fresh Attitude

Fresh Attitude Dance Studio was founded in 2001 by Sharnessa Sanden after she returned to her hometown of Longview, Washington, following two years touring with the Christian pop group V*Enna, for which she was co-choreographer. A trial week-long dance clinic drew 40 people instead of the expected 10, and the studio grew from there. Classes are now held at 351 Three Rivers Drive in Kelso, five days a week between 3:30pm and 7:30pm, and the studio has an explicitly faith-based ethos and a modesty-focused dress code. Four styles are taught, each blended with elements of others: hip hop, lyrical, ballet and contemporary. Ballet starts at age 3, hip hop and lyrical at age 5, and contemporary is aimed at intermediate to advanced students aged 12 through adult. Students are placed by age, experience and available space. The main session runs September to May or June and ends with recitals, with tuition at $50 per month plus a $20 registration fee and reduced rates for extra classes or siblings. Dance camp information is also published.