Dance Workshop celebrates 40 years

Monday, June 4, 2012

Dance Workshop will be celebrating 40 years of teaching the youth of Putnam County the joy of dance at their year-end recital this Saturday.

Founded in 1972 by Lita Sandy, Dance Workshop has grown from its humble beginnings in a garage and now resides in the historic Opera House in downtown Greencastle. Her daughter Tara Gardner took over the business in 2000 and is its current owner and lead instructor.

The dance studio specializes in various forms of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, gymnastics, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, cheer, Zumba and Aqua Zumba.

Dance Workshop will compete at the national level in Chicago this July.

Ever active in the Putnam County arts scene, Sandy said she knew the positive attributes dance can bring to a person's life and that was a driving force for the creation of Dance Workshop.

"Dance, and being responsible for being part of a team, teaches commitment, loyalty, friendship, as well as builds character and self esteem," Sandy said. "Everyone deserves a chance to shine."

Gardner echoed Sandy's sentiments and noted that dance touches far deeper than just an activity for a young person to do and can be a building block for a productive and fruitful life.

"Dance is a wonderful form of self expression that can bring even the shyest of people out of their shell, giving them a confidence and inner strength they never knew they had," Gardner said. "It's also great for kids who struggle with academics helping them to learn how to focus, or dealing with hardships at home. Its a great release and the benefits can last a lifetime."

Dance Workshop will host its 40th annual dance recital this Saturday at the Cloverdale High School Cafetorium. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the program will begin at 6 p.m. The cost is a donation at the door.

Sandy and Gardner would like to extend a special invitation to former students and teachers to come and celebrate this milestone.

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