After moving to Danville nearly four years ago, with her husband Casey, Whitney Thomas opened Danville Dance Company. Thomas, a
Certified School Psychologist and dancer for over 28 years, always knew she wanted to open a studio and it was the move to Danville that provided her the opportunity.
In August 2016, Danville Dance Company will be embarking on their fourth year of business. When Thomas opened their doors, in 2013, she had hopes of gaining 20 kids who wanted to learn about dance. Thomas was quickly forced to expand her building as they currently have over 140 dancers enrolled ages 3 to 18. The building expansion, also meant expanding her staff, "I have 9 teachers including myself on staff. I am very proud to be able to provide this many positions to increase Danville revenue and better the lives of those in our community."
While the students come to Danville Dance Company to learn proper technique and terminology, Thomas prides herself on the additional opportunities her students are given. Each summer Danville Dance Company holds a summer showcase at Norton Center for the Arts on Centre College's campus. The staff has also created a competitive dance team called Synergy Allstarz that exhibits at local events and competes at both in-state and out-of-state competitions.
One such exhibition has been the unique collaboration between Danville Dance Co. and The Great American Brass Band Festival. For the past two years, the festival has partnered with the studio to be involved with dance performances highlighting brass band music. Beyond this, Thomas has choreographed flash mob routines and "secretly recruited community members to surprise and wow the crowd" during Bayou and Brass. For the 2016 festival, Thomas will be teaching Cajun dance routines and their dance team will perform in the GABBF parade.
"The studio enjoys connecting with local groups and businesses to entertain and better our community," said Thomas. The studio was proud to host their first ever Dance-a-thon this past October; all proceeds went to the Susan G. Komen Foundation to fund breast cancer research. With her connection to the Heart of Danville, the studio was a proud sponsor of the 2015 Lawn Chair Theater movie Paddington. The team also enjoys performing during the downtown Christmas events and at local high school basketball games.
Upcoming Dates:
3rd Annual Danville Dance Company Recital: "The Name Game"
June 11, 2016 at 7:00pm
Norton Center for the Arts, Newlin Hall
Ticket information can be found here.
Summer Class Registration!
Summer classes begin June 23rd and run on Thursdays for 6 weeks through July 28th. There is a $10 registration fee required per dancer. Registration for the summer session begins May 16th. Contact the studio at 859-374-4003, or via email at [email protected]. Here is more information about the summer schedule of classes:
Pre-Dance 3-4 years 4:15-4:45pm $50
Combo Ballet/Gymnastics 4-5 years 4:45-5:30pm $55
Combo Ballet/Tap 4-5 years 5:30-6:15pm $55
Hip Hop 1 6-8 years 6:15-6:45pm $60
Ballet 1 6-8 years 6:45-7:15pm $60
Leaps, Jumps & Turns 2 9-12 years 7:15-8:15pm $85
*There are discounted rates for taking multiple classes or enrolling multiple children. Contact the studio for more information.
Fall Class Registration!
Fall Registration begins July 1st for new students! Classes run August 2016 through the Annual Recital at Norton Center in June 2017. Class spots will fill quickly so don't miss out on your child's chance to have high quality dance instruction and be a part of a professional show! Contact the studio at 859-374-4003, or via email at [email protected].
