After over 20 years of dance experience and a couple of college degrees, twenty-nine year old Kerry Miotke has finally landed her dream job. She opened her own dance studio.
Miotke, a Lake Orion resident, is owner of the new Kerry’s Dance Stages in downtown Oxford. The new studio is located downstairs at 10 N. Washington St. where Dragon Martial Arts used to be.
Kerry’s Dance Stages will specialize in different forms of dance like Jazz, tap, hip-hop, creative movement, tumbling, Pilates and especially ballet.
‘Ballet is pretty much my favorite style,? she said.
Miotke has her degree in performing arts from Oakland University and an associates degree in liberal arts from Oakland Community College. Her sister in-law, Stephanie, will be helping teach the younger classes.
Miotke’s resume is full of dance experience. She was a ballet mistress at Karolyn’s School of Dance in Bloomfield Hills, a dance instructor and artistic director of the Dancin? Ballet Company of Dancin? Inc. in Auburn Hills, a ballet company director for Dance for Fun in Lake Orion and has choreographed Fiddler on the Roof and Les Miserables for Brandon High School.
Although she’s always dreamed of owning her own dance studio, Miotke said there have been people who thought she couldn’t do it.
‘My parents always said ‘oh, you can never make anything of dance–and look at me now,? she said with a smile.
One thing that will set Mitoke’s dance studio apart from everyone else is that it’s a non-competition dance studio. She is very adamant on staying that way.
‘I don’t believe in pitting kids against each other,? she said. ‘It’s just not a feeling of camaraderie or togetherness.?
Mitoke said her students will be participating in city activities like festivals, parades and holiday shows. Through this, she hopes her business will get more community involvement.
‘I just have a really good feeling about what I do and I think people will respond,? she said.
Kerry’s Dance Stages will host an open house this Saturday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Future students will be able to meet Kerry, enjoy refreshments, games and register for classes. For more information, visit www.kerrysdancestages.com or call (248) 969-2699.