A year ago this week (and off and on for the previous 3 years), I started talking to the landlord about “finding additional space” for classes at PineTree.   Yes, I had under-utilized space in the existing studios on the weekends, but for the sake of my teachers’ families and my dance families, I’ve made it a priority to NOT hold ongoing classes on the weekends because I believe family time is important. It’s difficult enough for families to find time to be together during the week.  I don’t need to invade their weekends as well.  It’s just my thing….and, selfishly,  I need time to decompress, too.  So all in all, I’m OK having a little unused space.

That said, with the studio growing year by year, I knew I either needed to add on or move and I didn’t want to move.   And so I began to envision Studio 4.  And I lined up a few trusted friends who skillfully guided me as I made one decision after another (often times wondering if I was getting any of it right).    It took 8 months to come to fruition, but on November 12, 2019 the first classes got to try out Studio 4…all 1,521 square feet!  (Of course, we had an ice storm that night, but whatever.)

And from there, really good, new things started to happen.  In January of 2020, we ran our first baton class in Studio 4 (and I’m not lying when I tell you the thought of batons in there made me queasy at first).   Later in January, we moved some of our acro classes into Studio 4 so they would have room to learn more advanced stunts.  January through April of this year we are inviting local  professional dancers to come share their passion for dance with not only our students but with other students as well.

And one more thing I hadn’t fully realized during the process….having extra space finally made it possible for me to offer  adult classes (currently ballet and tap and coming soon a barre class I hope).   It’s about time we offer some stress-relieving classes for adults!

I envisioned what “could be” if I had extra space, but I never fully grasped it I don’t think.  And I think it’s just beginning.

I could not be more relieved that it is finally up and running.  I could not be more grateful for the people who helped me along the way.   I could not be more thrilled when I see students heading into or out of that space with huge smiles (and a lot of sweat, too).

I’d love for everyone to check it out.  Schedule a tour if you are looking for a dance school.   For now, here are a few pictures!

Photo cred:  Steve Stepanovich and Blair Starr

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