Simsbury Small Business Spotlight: The Dancers Studio

Simsbury Small Business Spotlight is a new weekly feature that will highlight a vital piece of the fabric of any small town—small businesses.

The following is an interview conducted with Wendy Holmes, owner of The Dancers Studio.

This week's spotlight business was recommended by Simsbury Main Street Partnership.

When did your business open? Is it locally-owned?  

It was originally founded in 1981 in Duxbury, MA, relocated to Westfield and then last year moved to Simsbury.  Currently the artistic director, Wendy Holmes lives in Westfield, Mass.

What types of services/products do you offer?

She offers classical ballet, pointe, pilates, contemporary/jazz for ages 3+.  She also offers pliates conditioning for dancers, skaters, gymnasts, athletes, etc. She also offers choreography for dance concerts and competition.

Why did you decide to open your business in Simsbury?  

Wendy starting teaching in Simsbury through the Simsbury Parks & Recreation programs over 10 years ago.  She also used to teach ballet and pointe at Ethel
Walker School. Since most of her students were from the Farmington
Valley, she desired to have her private studio in Simsbury center.

What is your mission/goal as a Simsbury business owner?  

Realize Your Dreams is our motto.  Our mission is:

• to promote the joy of dance in a creative, safe and nurturing environment

• to help realize the dreams of dancers/skaters/gymnasts/athletes through a balanced regimen of conditioning exercises and or dance study

• to manifest a competence within a classical art form that supports each young artist's vision for what is possible.

How did you get your start?  

Wendy Holmes Received her BA in Dance and History from Mills College in Oakland, CA.  She is also an alumna of Walnut Hill School, The Boston Conservatory Dance Division, Boston Ballet, and Harvard's Summer Dance Program in Massachusetts. Ms. Holmes’ extensive career in dance as a performer and educator has given her the opportunity to work with artists from all over the world.   She has trained extensively in the Cecchetti (Italian) and
Vaganova (Russian) traditions of Classical Ballet. Ms. Holmes’
currently teaches Ballet Technique and Ballet History at Springfield College. She has also served on the faculty at the following schools: Pioneer Valley Performing Arts High School, Sacred Heart High School, Ethel Walker School, Bridgewater, and Mt. Holyoke Colleges.   As a professional dancer Ms. Holmes performed with Classical Ballet and Early Dance Companies throughout the U.S.A.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

We offer the first class as a free observation class for any new student.  We also host dance parties in conjunction with the Simsbury Public Library children's
room.  Last month was The Fancy Nancy Dance Party. We will have another in the spring.

BUSINESS INFORMATION

Business:  The Dancers Studio
Owners:  Wendy Holmes, artistic director
Address: 18 Station Street (behind Welden Hardware, overlooking Plan B
Burger Bar)
Phone number:  860-392-9665
Hours:  Various classes throughout the week
Website:  www.the-dancers-studio.com