DanceMakers Inc. Changes Hands New Owner Carries On Tradition
Transitions can be glorious or painful. They can be reasons to celebrate or to mourn. If we're lucky, an ending can be transformed into a new beginning. Very special people can make that happen.
In the fall of 2004 Marjorie Palmer Perry, owner and director of DanceMakers Inc, gathered her faculty and staff for the customary get-together to kick-off the new season. After the usual hugs, kisses and greetings, everyone caught up on each other's activities since their last meeting at DMI's national convention held in Myrtle Beach the previous June. While it may not seem unusual for a company or group that works together to gather socially, this party was anything but usual.
Why? Because it was given by Marjorie and her husband, B.J. Working for them didn't seem like work at all because they truly loved dance, dancers and especially their faculty. In fact, that was the real reason they started DanceMakers; to be surrounded by all of these people, not merely to make money. Of course, a business must make money to survive, but it was not their motivating factor, and anyone who was closely associated could feel it. Faculty was encouraged to bring their families along to conventions, and they were always included in the frequent cocktail and dinner parties. Before anyone could even think of asking for a raise, Marjorie thought of it first. This was not a business in the harsh sense of the word, this was family!
The people attending the convention or entering the competitions could always be sure they would be treated fairly. Marjorie wanted them to enjoy the experience as much as she did. Any dispute could easily be worked out because the owners did not work from ego but rather from a desire to be honest and equitable.
At the get-together for the faculty Marjorie shocked everyone by saying this would be the last year for DanceMakers. She didn't feel her health would allow her to carry on. The faculty and staff were devastated by the news. They couldn't bear the thought of not working for this dear couple. It didn't take long for them to talk Mom and Dad (as some faculty members referred to Marjorie and B. J.) out of this decision. In the winter she agreed to carry on, but, sadly, in June Marjorie died.
B.J. and his family and friends that made up the staff forged ahead for the next season, but his heart was not in it. His wife was not there by his side. The conventions went well, but the usual accompanying uproarious laughter due to her frequent recitations of funny stories, songs, jokes and limericks (which had been committed to memory) was missing. The fun had gone out of it for him. He decided to sell.
How fortunate that Doug Shaffer came along. For the past five years he has been the Director of Tremaine Dance Conventions and Competitions as well as the president of MusicWorks which was formerly Al Gilbert's Stepping Tones. Doug had always admired Al's talent and even learned to tap from him using Al's well-known graded system. Like the close-knit feeling Marjorie engendered in DanceMakers, Al had done the same with his business. Doug loved the whole idea of learning through a positive, friendly atmosphere. He and Darryl Retter (his MusicWorks business partner) made a commitment to Al when he was dying three and a half years ago that they would carry-on his business, and carry-on they did. They have honored Al by fulfilling his wishes and his dreams for the future. There is no doubt when looking at the website (www.musicworksunlimited) or reading any of MusicWorks literature that Al Gilbert was the founder of this workshop that focuses on teaching teachers to teach.
Doug immediately felt that this was a perfect fit! When he saw the family-like atmosphere of DMI and met the people involved, he was smitten. He could keep Marjorie's memory alive just as he has Al's. At last June's National Convention, the announcement was made that he was the new owner of DanceMakers. In his recent letter to studio owners and dance teachers he says, "I am very excited to have the privilege of continuing Marjorie Perry's 'Dream'. Marjorie has left us with an amazing legacy, and it is my intention to continue the drive, dedication, spirit and enthusiasm that she had for helping teachers and students in the world of dance. This truly is an organization that is dedicated to 'family', and it always feels like home. My goals are the same as Marjorie's." To honor her and her memory each weekend there will be a presentation of the Marjorie Perry Spirit Award to a teacher who best exemplifies the love, dedication and enthusiasm that Marjorie had for dance. At the National Convention one of these teachers will be chosen to receive a Spirit Award Scholarship
Doug feels strongly that dance classes encourage commitment, discipline and positive attitudes that are necessary not only for success in the world of dance, but also for success in the world. DMI's classes will emphasize the importance of good technique, and at the same time, help young people build strong self esteem by positive reinforcement. Another of his priorities is for the faculty to teach entire routines which are suitable for recitals.
This new owner's background also includes years of working in education, theatre and television. He has directed many productions and is well-known in the industry as a lighting-genius. While carrying on the traditions of DMI, he has a lot of innovative ideas. Among them will be a new program for pre-schoolers aged 3 to 6 called "Camp Dance Adventure"; also a solo StarMaker competition on Friday nights which will allow an outstanding Mr. and Miss from each age category to receive a full scholarship to Nationals beginning in 2007 in Myrtle Beach. There will also be special Student Recognition Awards, a Studio Appreciation Award, Best of Show/Outstanding Performance award trophies and Outstanding Camper's Award. Recognizing that some people like to perform but don't like to compete, studios may enter their students in a "Show Only" category where they perform for the critique from the judges, but will not be scored. And how's this for a breath of fresh air? All music and routines in classrooms will be age and family appropriate. Profanity, degrading lyrics and suggestive moves are never acceptable.
Of course, there will be ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and lyrical classes, like always, taught by many of the former faculty members associated with DMI. These include Frank Hatchett, Joan Lather, Steven Boyd, Tommy Alexander, Brad Taylor and Janice Barringer. New to the faculty will be Darryl Retter, Becca Retter and Michael Lopez. The StarMakers competition will be held on Saturday afternoon and evening as usual. The tour schedule which includes 16 cities begins in Mobile, Alabama on November 11 and ends in Myrtle Beach for the National Finals June 25-28. Two new stops which have stirred up a lot of interest are New York City over the Thanksgiving weekend and Branson, Missouri on January 6 and 7, 2007.
Log on to DanceMakers new website at www.dancemakersinc.com for more information or call
866-443-5300.
Janice Barringer is a ballet teacher and writer. She is the co-author of both The Pointe Book and En Pointe and has produced numerous instructional DVDs and CDs. She is also a faculty member of both DanceMakers Inc. and MusicWorks.