Ivy Dance studio taking steps to open before long
By Michelle Binker IVN Staff Writer
Dancers and others who need space to move have often found it difficult to find a consistent location in Illinois Valley to take or offer classes and progress in their art.
Some dedicated dancers have been working to make such a place a reality. A years-long undertaking, the opening of Ivy Dance in the former Hazel’s Nutrition Center on Caves Hwy. at Dogwood Lane is expected within the year.
Ruth Highbarger, whose family owns the venerable building, says that the rough exterior gives no hint to how close the facility is to accommodating dancers, aerobics classes, tai chi, African dance or “anything that people might want to bring to the space.”
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A benefit event, to help fund the final push to put down hardwood floors, is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 22. The fund-raiser will be held at 7 p.m. at Selma Center.
“The show will feature ballet and belly dancing, a tai chi demonstration, salsa and clogging,” said Melissa Guion, who’s helping organize the benefit show. “It’s dedicated to the celebration of movement.”
When the studio opens, Ruth and Melissa will offer classes. Ruth, who has taught at Heartland Dance Studio in Grants Pass for several years, wants to make ballet widely available.
“It’s a foundation for other forms of dance,” Ruth said. “No one is stronger than a ballet dancer. It’s even good for athletes.”
Melissa has taught children’s movement classes, but has never had a permanent location within the valley to offer them.
“Kids phone me all the time, asking when classes will start,” she says.
There are many families excited by dance who make the trip to Grants Pass studios, but it can be expensive. Said Diamond Murphy, one of Melissa’s 9-year-old students: “We need a dance studio (in Cave Junction) because I want it,” and “because we need to save gas.”
“Dancing is just such a vital element to people healing and communication with themselves and each other,” said Melissa. “ Dancing has been a part of our history, as people have danced for communion, partnership, celebration and exercise.
“It’s another way to keep our community vibrant and pulsating.”
Said 15-year-old dancer Maelagh Baker, “Dance studios are temples where we can go to honor and give thanks for the beauty in ourselves and others.”
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