“Credit must be given to Samantha Redston for her persistence,” said Mary Hott, MAC’s Executive Director. “From all reports, Samantha has been lobbying for dance space in the Ice House since MAC got the building in 1996. I can attest to all the work she has done recently in preparing the space.”

The dance and movement studio occupies a 32 by 48-foot room equipped with a vinyl composite floor with a wood-like surface used by most professional traveling dance companies. “The floor has several layers of foam insulation to make it flexible,” said MAC vice president Bob Marggraf who along with Gordon Macleod took the lead on preparing the room. “You can do everything from tap to ballroom on this floor.” Thanks to the generous donation of materials from Carl M. Freeman Companies, the room also has wall mirrors, ballet bars, a sound system and lockers.

Among the full range of dance classes offered by local professionals is Redston’s Friday evening ballroom dancing which begins June 1 and includes Latin, waltz, tango, swing and fox trot. “We’ll start the fancies after learning the basic techniques,” said Redston. “But even after one lesson students can go out dancing and have others say ‘wow! Look at them.’” Although Redston describes the class as an elegant celebration, she assures students they need not dress up. She also teaches international folk dance on Wednesdays. “No partner is needed for this class,” she said. Redston has been dancing since age five and taught both these classes for Morgan County Adult Education since 1998.

On Thursdays starting June 7, Pat Marggraf teaches belly dancing for beginners and continuing beginners. “Body shape means nothing,” said Marggraf reassuringly. “Belly dancing is about finding your female spirit. Plus it helps muscle control and firms both the stomach and waist.” Costumes are not required, but dancers are soon searching the catalogs for items to wear. “The first things the dancers do is choose their belly dancing name,” said Marggraf who is Patrima. “They also bond with each other very quickly.”

Marggraf has been dancing for 34 years and is considered an icon in the dance world. “She developed a style appreciated by Middle Eastern women and is often hired by the mother of the bride to dance at their daughter’s wedding,” said her husband Bob.

New to the local dance community is Ray Shaw who is teaching after-work classes from 5 to 6:30pm every night from Monday through Thursday in both Modern Dance and Yogance. Adding basic elements of movement to the classic yoga positions offers a fun and dynamic experience for everyone from beginners to experienced yogis according to Shaw’s description of the Yogance class. His modern dance class is both recreational and challenging with individual dance and group improvisation. “Student have fun while learning to move their body efficiently and expressively,” Shaw said. For more than 20 years, Shaw has worked professionally in the performing arts and taught both dance and theater classes. He holds a Masters of Fine Arts-Dance degree and created an original television show: “Dance in Movies,” broadcast on Cox Cable.

All three of the dance teachers stress both participation and their hopes for developing a vital dance community based at the Ice House. “There’s an old African saying that if you can walk, you can dance,” said Redston who looks forward to expanding the dance program to include weekend workshops. Hott is also anticipating significant use of the dance space. “This is available for anyone to use for classes, rehearsals or even small performances,” she said. “These classes are just the beginning. We are planning youth dance classes as well.”

In spite of the long wait, Redston is pleased with the results. “Dance is an art and the Ice House needed a dance space to be a complete art center,” she said.

To inquire about use of the dance and movement studio, contact the Ice House at 258-2300. Sign up for individual classes with each of the instructors. Both Redston’s and Shaw’s classes allow drop-in attendance. Contact Redston at 258-6424; Marggraf may be contacted at her shop, Portals at 258-5200 or 258- 2989 ; Shaw can be emailed at ray_c_shaw@hotmail.com. The Ice House is located at Independence and Mercer.