THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 3, 1996 TAG: 9611010253
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LINDA MCNATT, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CARROLLTON LENGTH: 82 lines
AN IDEA FOR a sideline to her successful dance studio came to Carissa Evans when companies specializing in dance costumes began sending letters asking if she thought any of her students might like to model for their catalogs.
``Parents were like, `Oh, yeah. And what else can we do?' '' Evans said. ``I know there are opportunities out there for talented youngsters. And I wanted to do something for my students that wouldn't cost their parents a lot of money.''
She knew, she said, that her efforts could result in some fun and extra money for the youngsters.
That's when Evans decided to begin forming a modeling and talent agency branch of her South of Broadway Dance Studio on Route 17 in Carrollton. Evans, 31, with years of ballet training - teaching since she was 17 - has been operating the studio for nine years.
Earlier, she attended Old Dominion University and was a member of the ODU Ballet. Around the same time, she started doing some professional modeling for a Newport News agency and eventually was first runner-up in a ``Model of the '80s'' competition.
``I'm 5 feet 4 inches tall,'' she said, smiling. ``So I knew I didn't have a real future in professional modeling. I modeled as a petite. But I always enjoyed what I did do, and there is good money in it.''
Evans did runway shows, and she posed for advertisements featuring exercise machines and home appliances.
``I got paid rather well to do something I thought was really fun,'' she said.
Still, she knew that her real dream was always to own her own dance studio.
Today, she has nearly 150 dance and exercise students. She is certified through the Professional Dance Teachers Association. She's also a member of Dance Masters of America and the International Dance/Exercise Association.
Add to all of that a husband and two children - Presley Ann, just turned 3, and Jeffery Scott Evans Jr., 7 months - and Evans stays busy. Still, she's ready to tackle more.
``I decided that somebody needs to promote the talent in this area,'' Evans said. ``I feel this is the time to do it. . . .''
And Evans plans to do things a little differently. Although she teaches a modeling course once a year, there is no requirement in the outline for Evans' new venture for potential clients to sign up for the course.
``I'm trying right now to see who's out there, to see who needs to be promoted, who would like to be promoted,'' she said. ``And I don't like to use the word `career.' I just like to say this is something you can do now. If you succeed - and you choose to do so - go for it.''
All Evans needs is an 8-by-10, black and white, glossy photo. From there, she'll take the photos around to different agencies who are hiring for printed advertisements and commercials. There is no charge initially, no requirement to take classes at South of Broadway.
``A lot of people, when they first try something like this, can get involved in the gimmicks that are out there,'' she said. ``Before you know it, you've invested a lot of money in classes and photo shoots. This isn't a gimmick. It's something I want to do.''
Evans also plans to promote her clients through fashion shows at area shopping malls, department stores, fundraisers for charities. Chesapeake Square Mall already has expressed an interest in her idea, Evans said, as has Patrick Henry Mall in Newport News. Restaurants are another possibility, she said.
``My students already have done several shows at Smithfield Station,'' she said. ``And malls are always looking for dancers and fashion shows to bring in the crowds. You never know who might be sitting out there saying: `I want that little girl to be on the cover of - whatever.' ''
The South of Broadway talent and modeling agency, Evans said, is designed to offer preliminary advice and professional guidance at no cost. Eventually, if her client finds success, Evans plans to negotiate an agent's contract. The fee, she said, will depend on the job and how much effort she has to put into acquiring it.
``I want to be very up-front in the beginning,'' she said. ``I'd like to help people avoid the gimmicks that are out there. And I do feel that this will also help me by promoting growth in my studio.'' MEMO: Linda McNatt writes a regular feature about local businesses for
The Sun. If you have ideas, fax them to her at 934-7515 or call her at
934-7561. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY III
Carissa Evans has about 150 dance and exercise students at her
studio. by CNB