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Small Business Spotlight: Studio B Dance Center

Staff Report

15 years have elapsed in a flash. It was August of 2004 when Brooke Rigsby opened Studio B Dance Center in Tallassee.

"It's hard to believe it has been 15 years already," Brooke said. "I am so humbled and honored that Tallassee has supported my business this long. It is so fun to watch all my dancers grow not only in dance, but in life. I am now teaching some dancers whose moms I taught years ago. To share my love of dance with two generations of one family is very humbling."

Brooke's background is in dance. Her mother, Barbara Yates, had her own studio in Alex City.

"I did everything to not be a dance teacher, because I'd grown up in a studio and didn’t really want to follow in my mother’s footsteps, but God had bigger and better plans," Brooke said.

She attended Auburn University, where she was a Tiger Paw dancer and performed at all Auburn football and basketball games. She graduated in 2003 with a degree in Radio, Television and Film. Her first job was at WSFA-TV as a news producer in Montgomery.

When Brooke married Abe Rigsby of Tallassee in 2004, she felt the need to go back to her roots.

"Although the current studio in town was doing a great job, I felt that there was a need for another one so all girls that wanted to take dance could attend."

Studio B was originally located at 1220 Gilmer Avenue, now home to 1220 Cafe. After seven years there, Brooke relocated the studio to downtown at 12 South Ann Avenue, where it remains today.

Brooke offers classes in tap, jazz, ballet, baton, point and tumbling for students from age two through 12th grade. Dancers have gone on to dance on the college level at Auburn University, UAB and Southern Union.

Studio B is also home to the award-winning Company B Dancers, who have performed at Disney World and compete all over the southeast. This year the dancers took first place with the overall high score out of 45 dances at the Inspire National Competition in Montgomery.

Brooke with the Company B Dancers

"Studio B tries to not only instill the love of dance into our students but to also offer a place where girls can come and enjoy being together," Brooke added. "Dance class not only teaches girls how to dance and move to music, it also teaches self-confidence, courage and so much more."

Brooke's philosophy is posted in a quote on the wall of the studio, "Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion."

"I hope that all my dancers believe in themselves a little more after being involved in Studio B. It doesn’t matter if you’re the best dancer in the room, what matters is that you know you are loved."

Brooke has choreographed dances for Auburn University's dance team, as well as the Wetumpka High School and Elmore County High School dance teams. She is currently the choreographer for the Tallassee High School and Southside Middle dance teams.

Participating in the Tallassee High School Homecoming Parade

Brooke also serves on the Mount Vernon Theatre executive board, the Community Development Corporation board and has served on the Tallassee Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

Abe is active too as a member of the Tallassee Kiwanis Club. In addition, he is the commissioner of the Tallassee Dixie Youth Baseball League. Brooke and Abe have three children; Bryson, Braylon and Hamilton.

"Being a part of a town like Tallassee is something special," Brooke added. "The people love each other and support each other in a very special way, that you don't find in bigger cities. I am honored to have my business here and raise my family in it."

Studio B Dance Center will have their annual recital on Saturday, May 18 in the Tallassee High School Auditorium at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Admission is free.