Video by Cooper Slough

 

By JAMES BELL
Hays Post

After five years of operation, Styles Dance Centre is ready to expand, and they are set to do just that in a big way, with work currently occurring on a new studio at 1501 Main.

The building has housed many different business over the years, having been an True Value hardware and most recently a Chinese grocery. But the space – around 9,000 square feet – is an ideal space for a dance studio, said owner Alyssa Dechant. And the upgrade couldn’t come at a better time for Styles, as she has quickly outgrown her current location at 2101 E. 13th.

“We are just out of space,” Dechant said. “We have just outgrown it.”

In the last few years, the number of students in her studio has exploded, something she attributes to the popularity of dance in Hays.

“It’s huge in Hays,” she said. “For as small as (Hays) is, I think it really big. It’s a really popular thing.”

Dechant has 90 competitive students and well over 150 in her recreation program.

While the need to expand is not new – she has been looking for over a year – Dechant said waiting for the right location was more important than moving quickly.

“We weren’t going and seeking it out, but if one came along, we were definitely going to do it,” she said.

The new studio fit the criteria Dechant was looking for with adequate space, good location and a good price.

The new building was purchased for around $250,000, she said, but she believes it is money well spent as many students view the studio as “their second home.”

Remodeling is currently taking place that will convert the open area within the new building into a lobby, break room and four studios.

The 13th Street location had only two studios.

The increase in size will also allow Dechant to expand the number of students, with a plan to hire more instructors as well.

With so many variables in play, Dechant is unsure when the move to the new space will occur, but is hopeful to be moving by Christmas.

For Dechant, dance is more than just a business opportunity, it is a way of life.

“I just loved it my whole life. I’ve danced my whole life since I was 3 years old, and it’s always been a passion of mine,” Dechant said. “Not a whole lot get to live out their dreams, but I’ve been fortunate enough and blessed enough to do that.”