Entrepreneurs take flight in the FP

  • “Funky Monkey” was performed by the Hip Hop 1.5 class, in this year’s June showcase “Dance, Magic, Dance,” choreographed by Crystal Adams. These performers (l-r) are Andrea Calderon, Katie Moserm, Zaria Kimbrough and Valeria Calderon. [photo by Patric Hedlund]

    “Funky Monkey” was performed by the Hip Hop 1.5 class, in this year’s June showcase “Dance, Magic, Dance,” choreographed by Crystal Adams. These performers (l-r) are Andrea Calderon, Katie Moserm, Zaria Kimbrough and Valeria Calderon. [photo by Patric Hedlund]

In the Wings Studio of Dance keeps growing. It started in the VFW Post 9791 in 2010, but outgrew that space quickly and moved to Lake of the Woods, upstairs from what is now J&B’s BBQ and Grill. In early 2011 the studio moved to Frazier Park’s Mt. Pinos Way. Next week, on October 1, the successful dance training operation is expanding for the fourth time in three years, into the former K’$ Discount Depot space to occupy that entire building.

Owners Crystal Adams and Dana Dever have steadily developed their studio through a combination of smart marketing and the raw energy it takes to always be on top of what the community wants in dance education.

Adams also teaches part time at California State University in Northridge; she has a master’s degree in public heath.

Adams says she and Dever are devoted to promoting healthy choices for young people on the mountain. They keep classes affordable, and make scholarships available. Observers are convinced that In the Wings is a jewel in the heart

of the Mountain Community, where young spirits blossom in the art of dance.

Blockbuster annual recitals—such as “Dance, Magic, Dance” in June 2013 that featured 150 dancers—set a standard of quality backed by rigorous training and rehearsals. Dever and Adams put the spotlight on local youth who learn a new way that skilled performance, based on practice and hard work, can be a part of life here on the mountain.

The young entrepreneurs both were raised in the Mountain Communities, and both attended local schools. They are both mothers with young children. Although they started their venture in the bleakest part of the recession, the partners appear to be building a successful business from the art form they grew up loving, mentored by Janis Schmidt’s Dance Studio.

During the week of October 1-7, In the Wings is offering two dozen free classes to new enrollees, from Boyz’ Hip Hop 1 to Jazz and Tap, Adult Hip Hop to Rock Body Conditioning, two nights of Zumba, Country Line Dancing, Ballet, Tot Hop, Mom & Me plus adult dance fitness packages (and ask about studio rentals as well).  Parents who have considered taking the kids to dance class—or who are thinking of taking dance or fitness lessons themselves—should not miss this opportunity.

By Gary Meyer and
Patric Hedlund

Photo captions:

Homegrown entrepreneurs Crystal Adams and Dana Dever at ‘Dance, Magic, Dance’ 2013.

Top, sparkling curtain call for Jazz 2 dancers, in “Runaway Baby,” choreographed by Dana Dever, (l-r) Cesiley Shanklin, Bianca Mechelin, Karlee Rice and Cami Beurer. Above, Cody Johnson  accepts flowers from a fan. He performed a military tribute with the Adult Hip Hop group.

 

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This is part of the September 27, 2013 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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