Danceworks: Continuing a legacy

Danceworks, a dance studio for 2- to 18-year-olds located at 101 S. College St. in downtown Waxahachie, is devoted to bringing light to the world through dance and to training their dancers to become leaders.

Summer Stevens, who works as the studio’s social media and graphic design director as well as a dance instructor, said Danceworks still follows the legacy set by her mother and founder, Jennifer Stevens. Jennifer passed away unexpectedly from a heart disease April 29, 2018. Following her passing, Laurie Bass became the owner until 2021 when Julie Grayson took ownership.

Danceworks works hard to continue the vision created by Jennifer. “She wanted it (the studio) to feel like home,” Summer said. “There are some dance studios that are really focused on competition, but my mom never wanted to do that. She wanted each dancer to feel welcomed, not judged, and for dance to be a place where they can let go with everything that’s going on outside.”

Her mom always knew she wanted to own a dance studio, Summer said.

Jennifer grew up in Duncanville, Texas, and began taking dance lessons at age 4. She received a business management degree with a minor in dance from the University of North Texas. After teaching at Sara’s Dance Studio for more than 14 years, she opened Danceworks in 2000 on the courthouse square at its original location at 112 S. Rogers St. She was trained in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and lyrical.

Summer grew up attending classes at Danceworks and learning to dance just like her mom.

“I just have the best memories of being at the studio all the time and watching the older girls and going to my own classes,” she said. “It was fun to have her as a teacher and to get to experience the joy of dance together.” Beyond and within the studio, Jennifer was committed to giving back to the community. At Danceworks, she created the Movers and Shakers Dance Company to give dancers the chance to perform more and to serve the community. This year’s group consists of about 30 dancers who perform at nursing homes and a variety of events in the community like the Ellis County Dancing with the Stars hosted by the Texas Baptist Home for Children and give back through fundraising and volunteering.

Jennifer was the choreographer for the Waxahachie High School Theater Department for 12 years, worked with the Ellis County Children’s Theater’s camps and summer musicals and served as the movement and music director at First United Methodist Church Funday School.

Following her mom’s footsteps, Summer is the choreographer for the Waxahachie High School Theater Department and is currently teaching students choreography that includes tap dancing for their winter musical, “Crazy for You,” which shows from Jan. 19-22.

“I loved being in musicals growing up, and it’s been super great to experience what my mom did,” Summer said. “I have all of these memories of my mom coming up to the school, and now I’m saying the same things.”

It wasn’t always Summer’s plan to teach dance like her mom. After graduating college, she worked in the events department at a hotel. Following her mom’s passing, she was asked to teach a few classes. Because her work and dance schedules had no conflict, Summer said yes. She now serves as an event planner in Dallas and teaches tap, jazz and hip hop.

“I like getting to see the kids grow up in the studio,” she said. “I loved dance growing up and getting to see them experience that same joy is amazing. They’re so kind to me and to each other, seeing them lift each other up and encourage one another, it’s been super awesome.”

A scholarship was started in Jennifer Stevens’ name through the Waxahachie High School Theater Department. The stage at the WHS Performing Arts Center was named in her honor.

For more information about Danceworks, visit https://www.danceworkswax.net/home. Originally published December 11, 2022 - https://www.waxahachiesun.com/business/danceworks-continuing-a-legacy/article_bebe5e1e-79ca-11ed-b805-b36df9b365d4.html