Dance Studio a Dream Come True for Owner

Michelle T. Davy always dreamed of opening her own dance studio.

This month, she finally made that dream a reality by opening in Cape St. Claire. An open house for the academy was held over the weekend, and a second open house event is planned for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

The studio is in the former spot of the Annapolis Dance Studio, and still outfitted with professional sprung floors and wall-length mirrors for dancers of every age.

"I realized what having a dance studio does for a community," she said. "It brings kids together and exposes them to the art form. I really wanted to share that here."

Davy has taught at  for more than a decade, but said opening the studio allows her to broaden her student base and open the door for after-school lessons for anyone ages 3 and up.

Her daughter Jasmine was at the studio on Tuesday, and performed for the camera, showing off her years of training. Davy herself began dancing at an early age, but as soon as she started teaching it, she said she fell in love with sharing the experience with others.

Before becoming involved in educating students on the arts, Davy toured with several dancing troupes, from New York to Washington, DC. But opening her own studio was always there in the back of her mind.

"I was waiting until I was ready to settle down and establish myself, but this was always the goal," she said.

The academy formally begins teaching classes on Aug. 27, with classes ranging from Cecchetti ballet, jazz, tap, modern, a musical theatre workshop, lyrical and hip-hop. There are classes for anyone ages 3 and up, Davy said.

The Davy Dance Academy is located in the Cape St. Claire shopping center, at 1358 Cape St. Claire Rd. For more information, visit the academy's website or visit its Facebook page.