Performing Arts Dance Academy: About Us

Performing Arts Dance Academy was founded as a DBA in the Spring of 1994. To the delight of neighboring residents, two local businessmen had formed a partnership to purchase the former Super Duper Supermarket at the 206 Lake Street location.

Suzanne (Bernas) Mall had recently dissolved a four year partnership as co-director of the Fine Arts Dance Academy and was the first tenant to move into the newly renovated plaza. It was a successful move as classes were filled in the first year.

Robert Caldwell Photography was the second tenant to move his business into the plaza directly next to the dance studio. When Mr. Caldwell vacated his space in 1995, Performing Arts immediately stepped in to create a second classroom (known as Studio B). It was decided to use the front space to carry basic dancewear in the style and colors used by Performing Arts students. This made great use of space and became a convenient place to purchase dance supplies for parents. Even though Mr. Caldwell is now doing business outside of the Lake St. Plaza, the business partnership between the two companies has continued for 15 years. His photos of Performing Arts students over the span of time are proudly displayed throughout the dance studio.

OUR RENAISSANCE

In 2004 when Performing Arts' lease was about to expire, they began looking for available space in the village to build a larger complex. Sufficient space could not be found and expansion in the Lake Street plaza was impossible in any direction. One of the studio parents Glen Christner, an architect, pointed out the immense amount of space above the eight foot dropped ceilings. It was amazing! With his planning and a great team of construction workers, Performing Arts “raised the roof” on their Lake Street home to expose the original ceilings and add two staircases. By adding a partial mezzanine they were able to create a large dressing room with two additional bathrooms, a lounge, storage area and a parent observation area. In 2007 a Music Room was added for private vocal lessons, as well as a shower for the oldest students. Finally there was space everyone could be comfortable in. In 2007 Performing Arts Dance Academy became incorporated as Performing Arts Dance & Supplies LLC.

As the community’s awareness of the business continued to grow, so did the need for even more space. In the summer of 2008, 1800 square feet on the opposite side of the dance studio became available. Performing Arts had long outgrown its small dance supply store, and the lounge area upstairs could not accommodate the many waiting parents during class. Plans were laid to move the store into the newly available space. The store, known as "Studio B Dance & Fitness Supplies" opened December 13, 2008 and is able to carry more of a variety of merchandise that will cater to our entire Southtowns dance and fitness community. At the same time we can provide more space to the parents by renovating the original store into a comfortable lounge, complete with a television, as well as a coffee station and a place to do paperwork. The new parent lounge opened in the Fall of 2009.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE

I am very proud of our company’s growth over the last 15 years. Watching so many students grow from young children into strong beautiful young adults is a privilege few people get to experience.

These last years have also been a time of great personal growth for me as well. I am forever grateful for God's blessings in my life. I have a supportive husband in Tom, and the blessing of three wonderful children. Both daughters Kristen & Kerri have become a permanent part of the business and I have the joy of working with them every day. My oldest is a son Mark, who works for the Town of Hamburg as a 911 dispatch officer and part time as a supervisor for Rural Metro. Mark is also vice president of Newton Abbott Fire Company. He served his country as a Marine in Iraq. No one could make me more proud.

But my greatest gift in life is knowing the Lord Jesus Christ as my mentor & Savior. He is the one who takes care of me. He is the one to whom I turn when in need. He has promised to never leave me or forsake me. No matter what adversity I may face, with Him all things are made possible.

Miss Sue