New Ballroom Dance Studio Opens in Downtown Clayton

Ballroom dance has come to Clayton. Dance, Performance & Modeling Studios (DPM Studios) is a new, exciting dance studio opening this week at 468 E. Second Street in downtown Clayton. The studio will feature classes for ballroom, salsa and swing dancing. Additional classes include country western, line dancing and group fitness. Customized dance classes can be scheduled at your request.

“We love to introduce beginners to the fun, health and social benefits of dancing,” said DPM Studio owner, Raquel Williams. She has over 10 years of dance experience with partner dancing. She has 13 years of foundational background and education in ballet, tap and jazz. She also has extensive experience in instruction and choreography of individual, couples, large groups and youth dance instruction. Additionally, she has competed in several professional dance competitions in swing, country western, hustle and American and International rhythm.

“Clayton is developing as a community for the arts and DPM Studio fits right in with a different niche,” said Clayton Downtown Development Coordinator, Bruce Naegelen. When Ms. Williams was contemplating locations, she met with Mr. Naegelen who suggested the location on E Second Street. “Turns out it was the perfect location,” she said. The DPM facility has a 1600 square foot dance floor and a full kitchen for special events and receptions.

DPM Studio will host a social dance every Friday from 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm. “These social dances will give the general public the opportunity to experience the fun of dancing and gives the students an opportunity to practice what they have learned in their group and private lessons each week,” said Ms. Williams. She added, “It’s a great opportunity to meet people who share a common love for dance.” The first visit to the social dance is free, and includes a free dance lesson from 8-8:30.

DPM’s staff is focused on ensuring fun, easy to understand instruction to all ages and levels of experience who wish to learn how to dance. The DPM Studio’s mission is to provide safe, fun instruction and to promote health, fitness and self improvement through dance.

You can contact Ms. Williams at info@dpmstudios.com, 919-655-5346 and visit their website at http://www.dpmstudios.com/

The Clayton Downtown Development Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization formed to coordinate revitalization work in the historic downtown district. The Clayton DDA advocates and provides business improvement services in the commercial downtown district, administers incentives for downtown improvements, and organizes several special events, including the Town Square Concert Series, Millstock Music & Art Faire, Oktoberfest and the Christmas Village & Tree Lighting. For more information on downtown Clayton, visit http://www.downtownclayton.org/ or http://www.townofclaytonnc.org/ and click “for business” and “downtown.”