Step by step
By Staff
Local dance studio provides variety of classes
Kim West
Brenda Morissette originally envisioned the small white building behind the Morissette Clinic in Russellville as a suitable place for she and her husband, Dr. Yves Morissette, to practice their newfound hobby of ballroom dancing.
But instead of serving as only a private practice space, the building is now home to a thriving dance studio that offers several classes per week and a dance club that sponsors workshops and group dances.
"The studio has been here for two years, and originally it was just a studio for Yves and I to practice dancing. But then everyone else wanted to come and dance, too," said Morissette, who started ballroom dancing five years ago and now competitively dances in pro-ams and amateur contests along with her husband. "It just kind of happened – we needed a space big enough to practice, and it's blossomed into this, and it just keeps growing."
The 1,500-square foot studio allows Morissette to offer a variety of classes, including the waltz, foxtrot, tango, ramba, cha-cha, swing, hustle, merengue, samba and wedding dance.
"We teach wedding dances to couples, and sometimes they will have me come to their rehearsal and teach the wedding party so everyone will be comfortable," she said.
"We also have group dance lessons on Mondays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays we have workshops or have dances. If we don't have a dance here, we'll go as group and go dancing," said Morisette. "We also have a hip-hop exercise class and hip-hop class on Wednesday nights taught by Jaki Sykes."
In addition to these classes, Morissette plans to offer line dancing and self-defense.
"We will be offering new classes in line dancing, and we're also trying to get classes for self-defense," she said.
She said the biggest advantage of owning the studio is being around people who also love to dance.
"The people in the club – we're like a big family here. I enjoy getting to make friends and we have so much fun here. We have great people that love to dance and come here," Morissette said.
Let's Dance Studio is located at 814 Franklin St. in Russellville. For more information, call 810-3188.
