Mount Vernon News

MOUNT VERNON — Stephanie Stute and Katie Delozier are proof that the seeds of inspiration can keep for years, until the time is right. Both are former students of longtime Mount Vernon dance instructor Carole Ogg, now retired and living in Florida. Ogg served not merely as teacher but as role model and inspiration for the women as they grew up, instilling a deep passion in them for the art of the dance.

Now the two have a chance to emulate their mentor by opening The Spotlight, a performing arts center focused on dancing that they hope will provide not only technical instruction, but also guidance and inspiration to a new generation of young dancers in Knox County. Stute said the goal will be to establish groups of eight to 10 students, small enough to give each dancer personal attention. Delozier added that such groups are, on the other hand, large enough for the students to experience a range of different personalities and interests, helping them develop socially.

“We like to think that we teach more than dance,” Stute said.

“We teach confidence, being respectful and teamwork,” Delozier added.

To celebrate the opening of The Spotlight, there will be an open house Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. at the studio, which is at 300 Tilden Ave., Suite No. 5. The studio will also have a booth at the Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival this weekend. Registration for classes will take place next week. Classes, starting the last week in August, will be available for toddlers on up through adults, and special workshops will be scheduled periodically as well. Hours will vary based on class schedules. Call 39DANCE (393-2623) for more information.

Delozier, who will be heading up the instruction in tap dance and jazz dance, has danced with the Columbus Youth Ballet and the Strike Time Dance Company in Holland, Mich. She majored in dance education at Hope College and holds certification in K-12 creative movement and dance. She teaches first grade at St. Vincent de Paul School.

Stute, who will be teaching ballet and gymnastics, has been teaching those areas for more than 16 years. Describing herself as a “true ballerina at heart,” Stute has also studied with Jo Rowan, David Howard and Janice Barringer. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University. She lives in Mount Vernon with her husband and two children.

Additional instructors will help The Spotlight cover a greater range of area, as well. Leah Andrews of Mount Vernon will be leading classes in musical theater. Andrews has a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater from Ashland University, and has been involved with many area productions over the years, both on and off stage. She was assistant to the director in the recent Bruce Jacklin and Company productions of “Peter Pan” and “Beauty and the Beast.”

Recent East Knox High School graduate Tayler Holt has been studying dance for 14 years, and loves to share her dancing gift with others. Holt moved to Mount Vernon after studying dance at Desert Shores Dance Academy in Las Vegas, Nev. She is continuing her dance training at BalletMet in Columbus while teaching at The Spotlight.

Michele Snyder will be teaching hip hop dancing and aerobics. Snyder is a former professional cheerleader for the Columbus Horizon Pro IBA Team, a former cheerleader and choreographer for the Mansfield Hawks Pro IBA Team. She has also taught hip hop aerobics for Body Basics in Mount Vernon. Safety certified in cheerleading and gymnastics, Snyder is also a certified personal trainer, and is a dance teacher at River of Life Church in Butler.

The founders of The Spotlight are planning a spring recital to take place in May 2009 at the Memorial Theater. They also hope to have their students dance at nursing homes, churches and local festivals.