Dance Arts Center celebrates 40 years

By Ashley Luthans

A long-standing St. Joseph dance studio celebrated its birthday Tuesday by inviting community members to check out what it has to offer.

The Dance Arts Center (DAC) turns 40 years old this year, and owner Marla Heeler shared that being at the studio has been a special experience for her.

“You know, I have an amazing staff and I have amazing families who’ve supported us, even during difficult times,” Heeler said. “And just being a part of so many families’ lives for so many years is a unique perspective that only dance teachers get.”

Heeler has owned DAC for 20 years, also working as a dance teacher.

Dancers from the studio had nothing but positive things to say.

“I absolutely love it here,” Hadley Dewey said. “The community is great, everybody is just so kind and they have really something for everyone.”

“I’m here more than I’m with any of the people at school,” Meredith Fite said. “And building bonds here has been different than my bonds at school because I feel like we’re just so much closer as a group. And I just think it’s wonderful. I have my best friends here.”

DAC has many events lined up for the next year.