Fostering passion and creativity

(From left rear) Lauryn Fernandez, Asia Star, and Gabbie Lagutang, (from left middle), Seci Unpingco, Brian Esperon, Nathan Lizama, and Lizah Camacho and (from left front) Kiana Lujan, Francine Esplana, Teri Knapp, Michelle Esperon, and Jean Miller.

Photos courtesy Teri Knapp, director of SKIP Entertainment Dance Company

By Althea Engman

SKIP Entertainment Dance Company, previously known as the Sunshine Kids in Production, skipped into Guam’s dance scene in 1984 as a project of Children’s Productions Inc.

With a mission to provide opportunities to the kids on the island of Guam, Teri Knapp, director for SKIP says, “We have always provided the best training available by bringing top choreographers from Los Angeles, New York City and other international cities.”

SKIP dancers started touring in 1985, participating in dance competitions and performances in throughout the United States mainland, Canada, Europe, and Australia.

Knapp says some of the company’s notable achievements include appearing twice on Star Search, a talent search show, being featured on the cover of the national publication Performer’s Edge and winning the 1996 Jazz Dance World Congress in Washington DC. SKIP has also been named as one of the top 50 dance studios in the United States by Dance Teacher magazine.

“Choreographers from the US mainland continue to come to Guam; however most of our day-to-day teachers were previous SKIP Dance Company Members,” Knapp said.

SKIP is celebrating its 40th year anniversary this year. Marking the occasion was a gala at the Dusit Thani Grand Ballroom that included special performances by Masashi Action Machine, a prominent dance company from Nagoya Japan, and Heather Makalani, a dancer who was raised in Guam and can now be seen in Moulin Route on Broadway. SKIP dancers also took to the stage, wowing the audience.

Knapp said while dancing is what the troupe does, the primary focus is to “provide a positive influence on the youth of Guam.”

“Students have an opportunity to develop life-long values including commitment, self-discipline, timeliness, meeting deadlines, taking on challenges, living a healthy lifestyle, working towards individual potential, teamwork building and enjoying life,” she said.

Knapp’s goal is for SKIP participants to have the courage to “reach for the stars,” whether it be in dance, sports, academics or in the corporate boardroom.

For more information, visit SKIP’s Instagram page @skipentcoguam, check out the website at skipentertainment.com, call (671) 777-7547, or email [email protected]. – Oyaol Ngirairikl contributed to this story.

GBM: What should our readers know about SKIP?

Knapp: SKIP is much more than a dance company. It is an organization dedicated to assisting in raising responsible happy adults. Although we train through dance, we teach lifelong skills.

Dancers with the SKIP Entertainment Dance Company perform ‘Halftime’ at the National Dance Finals in Las Vegas.
Photos courtesy Teri Knapp, director of SKIP Entertainment Dance Company

GBM: Could you summarize what SKIP has to offer to the dance community?

Knapp: We offer the best training possible for those interested in dance. Most of our teachers are from Guam and have been raised in the studio. However, they have gone on to train in various locations around the world. We offer a safe space to learn to dance and to learn to recover from mistakes.

GBM: What is SKIP’s mission/goal?

Knapp: The mission/goal of SKIP is for every student to be the best they can be. We offer opportunities for students to receive the best training and to see the world through numerous competitions and international performances. We hope to be a part of raising the most amazing adults who will contribute in a positive way to our world and to create happy surroundings.

GBM: Since SKIPS’ start, when did you see the most change in operations, competition, members, etc.?

Knapp: The biggest change has been how important female sports have become on Guam. When we first started in 1984, there were very few offerings for sports for females. Now our very talented kids are trying to balance dance and being on sports teams. Our kids are super talented in dance and in sports and academics.

GBM: Like many businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic affected operations. How was SKIP affected and how did SKIP handle those challenges?

Knapp: We have continued to fight through the effects of COVID. We stayed open the entire time and held two outdoor concerts during the COVID period. We felt it was [of the] utmost importance to keep activities for our kids as normal as possible with so many changes going on. Our students and teachers are back on track winning national championships.

GBM: What inspires most of the team’s choreography?

Knapp: Our choreography is developed by our very own homegrown YouTube star, Brian Esperon. His inspiration comes from various musicals and being a part of the dance scene when he is in Los Angeles, California.

Award winning SKIP Entertainment Dance Company take to the stage in competition.

Photos courtesy Teri Knapp, director of SKIP Entertainment Dance Company

GBM: What advice do you have for people interested in getting into dance?

Knapp: Being a part of the dance world is one of the best decisions for kids and adults alike. Besides the great physical exercise, the mind works just as hard. Dance teaches discipline which extends to many areas of life. And dance is fun.

GBM: Are there any plans for SKIP, especially after the 40th anniversary?

Knapp: We are in the process of opening an after school visual and performing arts program for all kids. We believe that the arts are an integral part of the education of our kids.

Oyaol Ngirairikl contributed to this story.