At Dance Etc. (DE), we're all about fostering a love for dance that lasts a lifetime. Today, we celebrate one of our very own, Emery Williams, who's been gracing our studio for an incredible fifteen years!

Emery's dance journey began at the age of three, with her very first steps in a ballet class. When asked about her earliest dance memory, she reminisces fondly: "Using flower pinwheels across the floor in Studio C during springtime." It's a sweet reminder of the magic that unfolds within our walls, and how even the simplest moments can spark a lifelong passion.

Just like those little ballerinas in Studio C now learning to do their tip toe walks and chassés, Emery was once in their shoes. It's inspiring to think of the potential that unfolds in every new class, and the journeys that may take them as far as Emery's has. Look how precious she was in her very first showcase dance!

Her advice for aspiring ballerinas? "Keep pushing yourself, even when it feels like you can't do it anymore. Find a way to keep going. It's really, really hard sometimes, but the end product is worth it."

This dedication has certainly paid off! This year, Emery takes center stage with her very first solo performance during Show 4 of our Spring Showcases. All the hard work and perseverance has shaped her into the beautiful dancer, friend, and role model she is today.

What makes Dance Etc. special for Emery? "My favorite teacher in the whole world, Carissa," she beams, "and the fact that I've been dancing with the same people since I was seven. Just being able to grow up with them and always dance with them is very special."

Choosing a single funny memory proved a challenge for Emery. "Every week something happens that's funny. But maybe when me and Jane [pictured above with Emery’s Ballet / Lyrical Class] fell in sync on stage, and it was the worst moment of my life, but then I realized that we fell at the same time and it was really funny!"

The lessons learned at DE extend far beyond the dance floor. Emery utilizes her teamwork, rhythm, and love of music in her other activities: theater group, marching band, and even captaining her high school's JV Bowling team! "I have a passion for theater and that all goes hand in hand with my passion for music and dancing," she shares.

As Emery embarks on the next chapter, she plans to take the valuable skills learned at DE into her future as a teacher. "Rhythm is a huge part of my life," she says. "That will really help when I'm a teacher one day and I'm turning all of our study packets into songs. I have a passion for helping people push themselves like my dance teachers pushed me."

We at DE are incredibly proud of Emery and all she has accomplished. Her dedication, talent, and positive spirit are an inspiration to us all. Here's to many more years of dancing and creating beautiful memories!

"My name is Emery Williams and I approve this message."

For the health and safety of our community, we have suspended our studio's operations effective Monday, March 16 for the next three weeks in a proactive response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We would like to emphasize we have no knowledge of the virus in our community at this time and that this is just a proactive action to keep our staff and dance families healthy.

We are currently exploring online options for our dancers. You can expect more information about this closure from us in the next few days.
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Thank you for your understanding.

Greetings -

As a valued member of the Dance Etc. family, I appreciate the trust you place in us and our staff for your child's dance/tumbling education.
 
In the current environment, it’s important for all of us to live smarter and more consciously. That’s why I want to personally update you on the situation with COVID-19 (the coronavirus) and the steps we are taking to ensure your health and safety at Dance Etc.
 
Our highest priority remains the health and wellbeing of our students, their families, and our instructors/staff. While we have always practiced regular studio cleaning, we are increasing the frequency of these efforts and implementing even more attention to detail.
 
We are cleaning and sanitizing mats every night, reworking lesson plans to eliminate hand holding and use of props, encouraging extra hand washing and hand sanitizer use, and urging families to stay home if ANY member of their family is ill.
 
To prevent the spread of illness and to keep yourself and your loved ones in good health, remember to:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• Stay home when you are sick

 
We're pleased to hear that children (our main student base) aren't being affected by COVID-19 as much as other demographics. In order to stay healthy - we also encourage getting regular sleep, eating healthy foods, and staying active.
 
At this time, we are open for regular classes and hope to see your child in their normal dance/tumbling classes this Spring!
 
Thank you for your continued support,
Anne Kramer
Owner & Artistic Director
Dance Etc.

Dance Etc. is NOT participating in the Miami Township Holiday Parade this year, but we will still have classes as regularly scheduled. However, Meijer Dr. (near SR 28) will close at 6:30pm.

Here's how you can still get to the studio:

• Take SR 28. Pass Meijer Drive and the Meijer Store.
• Turn left by the Greenie's (by Home Depot), and you'll see a sign that says "Pebble Brook Apartments."
• Drive past the apartments; keep following this road and it will bring you out to Meijer Drive down by the Miami Township Recreation Center.
• Turn left on Meijer Drive. Dance Etc. will be on your right.
• Just before Dance Etc., you can pull into the little strip mall or Dr. Rinaldi's (the Orthodontist next door) and park there, then walk over to DE.
• Dance Etc.'s driveway will be blocked after 6:30pm.
• You can exit the same way. As SR 28 won't reopen until after the parade is over, at approximately 8:00-8:30pm!

Looking for the perfect gift for your dancer this year? Look no further than our Holiday gift guide! With something perfect for every dancer - you can be sure to put something under the tree to fuel their love of dance!

Our favorite Stocking stuffer:

Ballet Bun Kit
$9.99