Out of all the brick buildings on Broad Street, Studio 55 offers something unique: dance and tumbling classes. The studio aims to offer the high quality dance in a friendly, supportive atmosphere.
“We want this to be more like a safe haven for the kids,” office manager Erin Reinker said. “After school they can come and learn a skill that they’re proud of and just have a good, clean environment.”
Studio 55 has almost doubled in size within the last six years. The size of the studio has also increased within the last year with the addition of a new studio next door. The four studios operate throughout the week to teach a variety of classes to kids three and up, and many styles of dance are offered from hip-hop to Scottish Highland dance. Laura Madden, the Scottish Highland dance teacher, won the national Canadian highland dance championship four times and the US championship in 2013.
One of the tenets of Studio 55 is a grounding in Christian morality.
“The morals behind it are Christian based,” said Reinker. “All of our costumes, all of our music, everything is very clean. The atmosphere in the classrooms — we keep that very clean.”
The recitals are based on biblical themes, and this year’s theme is “Be Brave” referencing Joshua 1:9. The mission of Studio 55 has attracted Hillsdale College students with dance experience to work there.
“It’s the best place I’ve ever worked,” senior Sophia Coyne-Kosnak said. “It’s really rewarding because everybody is kind of on the same page about why they’re here, and it’s just a really positive environment to work in. I’m going to be very, very sad when I graduate.”
When asked about his experiences, sophomore Kirk Williams said, “It doesn’t really feel like work. It’s something I get to do. It’s a lot of fun.”
There are five Hillsdale students who work at Studio 55, and the studio is looking for more.
“I would just encourage anyone who really loves to dance and has teaching experience to put themselves here,” Coyne-Kosnak said.
The next recital is May 21 featuring the theme “Be Brave.” The classes will feature different aspects of bravery and how bravery changes over life. There is a Princess Night on March 11 which costs $25 for ages 3-10, and it is open to the community. Those attending should be dressed as princesses and ready for a night of crafts, games and dance. Dinner will be provided.
