Growing up in the outskirts of northwest London, Roisin Wittstock played piano and tennis at county level from a young age. “My whole family are musical and sporty but my passion love and obsession was always dance. This has never left me,” says Roisin, whose Irish name is pronounced ROW-sheen.
Some of Roisin’s earliest memories are when her mom used to take her to West End shows, where she would spend the entire time visualizing herself on the stage. “I was determined to make it happen. I danced every day after school from the age of five, and when I was 11, I begged my parents to let me audition for stage school.”
She was thrilled to be accepted to the arts educational school on the dance course with an emphasis very much on classical ballet. “I had a fantastic and tough training learning the importance of technique along with a very dedicated work ethic.”
In 2003, at age 16, Roisin decided to audition for Millennium Performing Arts college in London and was awarded a scholarship. Although she continued her daily ballet and dance training, she was also introduced to the more musical theatre aspects of arts including drama and singing.
“My career began from there. I had wonderful contracts that took me to countries around the world where I learned so much about the industry and myself!”
One of those bookings included a show in Monaco in 2010. “I fell in love with the Principality – and my husband,” grins the mother of two.
For Roisin, choreography has always had a special calling and she created MC Performers in 2015, the same year she got married. “I wanted to be creative again and loved producing and choreographing events for Monaco.”
Her dream was always to open her own dance studio. “MC Dance felt like a natural progression in my dance life and career, and I am so happy I decided to go for it. We opened in September 2023.
“To have a studio to call my own is incredible and to dance and work in that studio every day feels like coming home. I spent years of my life in a dance studio with happy memories and I’m so glad I can now be a part of that again for other people in Monaco.”
Roisin adds that she is “so proud” of the two children’s dance courses –Petites Primas and Petites Performers – which run Monday to Saturday and are instructed by the “wonderful teacher and friend” Jodie Penasa.
Located in La Condamine behind AS Monaco Boutique (down from Starbucks), MC Dance has a selection of dance and fitness classes that will appeal to all music and dance enthusiasts. It is a pay-as-you-go policy and the Monday to Friday timetable “is growing organically on demand”. To-date you can take part in adult ballet, dance fit, yoga, full body burn and, for those who love wearing heels, dance femininity.
“I wanted to create a safe space for women to enjoy movement and music with dance and fitness in a non-judgmental happy place,” says the entrepreneur. “Everyone leaves MC Dance happier, more energised – and sweatier!”
Securing its reputation as a serious training facility, MC Dance also offers one-on-one Gyrotonic sessions using the Ultima Pulley Tower Machine. This stimulates the body’s movement to flow in circular and spiralling patterns to help increase range of motion, improve strength as well as movement efficiency. “Gyrotonic is the perfect workout created specifically for dancers and led by the amazing Emma Wilkinson.”
All MC Dance teachers and instructors are former professional dancers with “incredible experience and qualifications”. The first-floor studio space is modern with natural light.
“Personally, I absolutely love teaching dance fit and giving non-dancers a glimpse into our world. The sense of achievement and confidence I see in these amazing women when they master a choreography is very inspiring to me and it brings infectious energy,” beams Roisin.
Her advice to the unrhythmical or those who feel inhibited about dancing in front of others? “Dance is for everyone. No matter your level, I promise you will be warmly welcomed and encouraged. MC Dance is a happy and positive environment.”
MC Dance is located at Les Jardins d’Apolline, 1 promenade Honoré II. Contact mc.dance.monaco@gmail.com or check out MC Dance on Instagram for more.
Article first published February 14, 2024. All videos and photos copyright Good News Monaco.