A FRESH chapter in Mount Gambier’s artistic expression has been launched with both MJ Dance and Phoenix Music Studios recently joining forces under one roof.
Celebrating their opening Monday evening at their new Keegan Street location, MJ Dance director Maria Slape and Phoenix Music Studios director Jodi Swiggs were excited about the possibilities of their creative hub.
“Kids will move from one studio to the next combining both dance and music,” Ms Slape told The Border Watch on Monday.
“Tonight being our first night, everyone was just buzzing.
“It is exactly what we envisioned.”
Ms Swiggs said the launch had exceeded expectations.
“Tonight was a small celebration and we just invited those that have ventured on the journey with us,” she said.
“Although it has been a lot of hard work we are finally here.”
Ms Slape said the days leading up to the celebration were busy.
“We have completely redesigned the place from lighting to painting and carpeting,” she said.
“One mum said it was like they were at a proper performing arts studio and that is exactly what we were going for.
“Although, we still have much more we have envisioned and we will continue to work on that and are very happy with a lot of our current spaces.”
Ms Slape said she enjoyed leading parents through a tour of the new facilities.
“We want to create different opportunities and the same as what the kids get up in the city,” she said.
“It can really only be a win-win situation.”
Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin, who attended the opening ceremony, congratulated the two leaders on the night.
“We have two talented young ladies here who have nurtured the children and youth of our city,” she said.
“They have both given opportunity for children to express themselves through both music and dance.
“The two genres go together and it makes sense.”
The two studios’ first joint venture will be a school holiday musical occurring in July.
Ms Swiggs said the six-day program will involve students enrolling for five days of rehearsals and one day performing two showcases.
Both Ms Slape and Ms Swiggs have grand plans for the partnership, with MJ Dance introducing several new classes while Phoenix Music Studios recently invited country music performer Matt James and ARIA music teacher of the year award winner Scott Maxwell to its teaching team.
Enrolment is still open for anyone keen to pursue a creativity hobby or lifestyle.
