1 of 3

Isabella Bass, Olivia Chason, Ella James Earnest, Sophia Lee, Alayna Mclendon, Kate Sigman and Oaklyn Smith

It’s time to dance! Dana Prince Willis, Owner/Director of Southern Dance Collective, LLC & The Firm Dance Co., hosted an open house at the Bainbridge Studio on Sunday afternoon. Li-Bo’s Dance Barre of Dothan, Alabama was at the studio to help with shoe fittings, dance wear, and other items. Dancers from Southern Dance Collective (SDC) and The Firm Dance Co. of Bainbridge and Cairo were invited to attend the event.

Dana Willis is a veteran dance director for 33 years. Willis explained that she came to Bainbridge because her husband, Mark Willis, lives in Bainbridge and they spend a lot of time here. Willis also explained, “I love the arts community. I just wanted to be a part of it and be a part of the way it’s growing in Decatur County, Bainbridge. I prayed for this and here I am.”

Willis is also an advocate for mental health. She wants to incorporate yoga and Pilates into the dance studio’s routines to help counter mental health issues. She’s partnering with Flourish Bainbridge, a downtown wellness center, to work with her 7th-12th grade students.

Willis also has a team of mini, junior and senior ambassadors who guide future dancers to success: Isabella Bass, Olivia Chasin, Ella James Earnest, Sophia Lee, Alayna Mclendon, Kate Sigman and Oaklyn Smith. She also has Assistant Principal Garrett Pollock and 1st and 2nd year 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 have a long history in dance, as the two sister companies were founded in the 90’s. They have participated in regional events in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. They offer a variety of dance classes including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop and many more. For more information visit southerndancecollective.com.