By Laurel Droz
Staff Writer
Goodrich- Laurie Simms wants to get people dancing.
And with the opening of her new business, Le Studio School of Dance, 10248 Hegel Road, residents will have a new place to learn how to tap, plie and boogie.
With classes available for ages 3 to adult, Simms said Le Studio was born from her daughter’s love of dance.
‘It’s her passion, and it kind of became my passion with her,? said Simms of daughter Paige, 9.
Having shuttled her daughter to dance class since Paige was a small child, Simms says she is deeply aware of how difficult having children in dance can be for parents.
‘My whole goal is to make life easier for these parents that have to work,? says Simms. ‘We will do extra stuff that working parents don’t have time to do.? Simms said that ‘extra stuff? includes everything from helping parents by ordering dance tights to providing a waiting area where kids can work on homework or relax, to having an on-site seamstress available at recital time.
‘I’m trying to take the stress away from the parents,? says Simms. ‘I want the kids to have fun and enjoy it.?
Le Studio employs four dance instructors and offers classes in tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop and Hawaiian dancing. Additionally, there will be a class for adults focused on increasing flexibility.
While classes for kids and teens will be more technique oriented, Simms says classes for adults will be designed more for exercise and flexibility.
‘It’s a unique studio,? said Simms, adding classes at Le Studio are 45 minutes to an hour long, as opposed to the half-hour blocks most studios offer.
Of her decision for a business location, Simms says ‘it was something that seemed like it was just meant to be,? noting the way she was charmed by the building as soon as she saw it.
‘Everybody has been great around here,? says Simms. ‘It’s just really been a blessing being able to bring in something that I think will be really good for the area and for the kids.?
‘I really love this town,? says Simms, ‘everyone is really friendly. Everybody just kind of pitches in, parent participation is just phenomenal.?
Simms again stresses it is those busy parents she hopes to help.
‘My main goal was to not only give (residents) dance, but to be supportive of the parents.?