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 It’s time to dance! Dana Prince Willis, the owner/director of the Southern Dance Collective, LLC & The Firm Dance Co. had an open house at the Bainbridge Studio on Sunday afternoon. Li-Bo’s Dance Barre from Dothan, Alabama, joined the studio to help with shoe fitting, dance wear, and other needs. Dancers from The Southern Dance Collective (SDC) and The Firm Dance Co. in Bainbridge and Cairo were invited to join the event.

Dana Willis is an experienced dance director of 33 years.Willis stated that she came to Bainbridge because her husband, Mark Willis, is a resident of Bainbridge so they spend a lot of time here. Also, Willis stated, “I love the arts community. I just wanted to be a part of that and be a part of the way it’s growing in Decatur County, Bainbridge. I prayed about it and here I am.” 

Willis is also an advocate for mental wellness. She wants to incorporate yoga and pilates into the dance studio’s exercises to combat mental health problems. She has partnered with Flourish Bainbridge, a wellness center downtown, to work with her 7-12th graders. 

Willis also has a team of mini, junior, and senior ambassadors to guide future dancers to success: Isabella Bass, Olivia Chasin, Ella James Earnest, Sophia Lee, Alayna Mclendon, Kate Sigman, and Oaklyn Smith. In addition, she has assistant director Garrett Pollock, and 1st and 2nd years teachers Marbella Rich, Ashytn Lanbrum, and Kerry O’ Brien Herring. 

The Southern Dance Collective and The Firm Dance Co. have been open in Bainbridge since last December, but they have a long history in dance, as the two sister companies were established in the 90’s. They have attended regional events in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. They offer different classes of dance like ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, and many more. You can find additional information at southerndancecollective.com.