The Green Room “They all grow together,” she said. “I’ve heard from some of the dancers that have since graduated saying that their favorite part of the competitive season was all of the ages practicing together and encouraging each other.” While the students may find support among their fellow dancers, Dannenbring and her studio receive an abundance of support from the parents. “Any challenges that I have, our parents truly help with,” she said. “Any financial or labor challenges I have, the parents are there to fundraise and create. They support me so I can be with the dancers.” Watching her students’ time and dedication pay off each year never ceases to bring Dannenbring joy. “It’s been a wonderful seven years,” she said. The Green Room Though it’s named after a term used to describe an area where performers in a show can relax, it is obvious that the downtown dance studio takes it’s name literally. With most of the walls and furniture bearing a light green shade, as well as some zebra print, the space conveys an aura of fun, which is needed with an activity that can be as grueling as dancing. Owners Robert and Timera Massey purchased the space several years ago, but began a competitive dance team just within the last two years. Timera said the decision to start the team out of the studio - which teaches its students styles such as hip hop and jazz - was largely driven by the dancers. “We were beginning to see a group of students who were really craving more depth in their dance training and knowledge,” she said. The studio, which up until that point had been mainly recreational, became an official company to allow students to pursue their desire for improved dance ability. Though students’ ages range from 3-19, only those 12 and up can be a member of the company dance team, which typically competes in the jazz and lyrical/contemporary categories. The studio also recently began a junior/mini company, with juniors ranging from ages 10-12 and minis ages 6-9. Timera noted that both she and Robert, each trained dancers, knew the benefits that would come with a competitive dance team. “We believe that competition is a healthy push for our students to want to grow and better themselves,” she said. “They can go to these competitions with dancers from different areas and get inspired.” She has already noticed improvements with how her dancers perform. “They have begun to attach feelings to their movements and to dance with purpose,” she said. “Dancing is very athletic, but it’s an art first. Not only do our dancers have to excel in the physical and athletic component, but they have to evoke emotion and tell a story.” She said that the company dancers are doing very well thus far, having earned first, second and third place awards in various divisions and competitions. In addition to competitions, students are encouraged to attend dance conventions. “It is a fantastic opportunity for our dancers to take classes from nationally recognized professionals in the industry,” Timera said. “Oftentimes, these convention teachers will say much of what we already say to our students, but it can take hearing it from someone else they don’t see every day to help it click.” She also thinks getting the students out to these conventions and competitions helps expand their worldviews. “By living in a small town, students can often become sheltered and unaware of the bigger world,” she explained. “It’s good for them to be exposed to what else is out there.” She is eager to see how the students do moving forward. “Their level of dancing has reached new heights and is still climbing,” she said. “As dance teachers, these dancers become like our own children and we bend over backwards to give them everything to help them soar. We are so happy we are able to provide these students with a place to let their souls loose and be free to dance.” n HERVOICEvMARCH/APRIL 2019v13