Barbara's School of the Dance Transforms from Clothing Store to Inviting Dance Studio

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at an exciting commercial interior design project I had the honor to work on!

A local marketer/brand manager enlisted my services to join her team and the business owner to breathe life into the new 9,000 sq. ft. venue of Barbara’s School of the Dance (BSOTD). This space, previously occupied by Peter Harris Clothing in Delmar, was entrusted to me to carry out their branding and messaging guidelines by furnishing the studio with the perfect symphony of my passions - art, design, and dance.

As a classically trained ballet dancer who continues to actively participate in ballet and ballroom dance, I found a unique connection to BSOTD. It's more than a dance studio - it's a special place where dancers from ages 2 to 82 find their creative haven. Drawing on my deepest levels of creativity, artistry, and design, I worked with the BSOTD team to echo these core values in every corner of the studio. From hand-painting the BSOTD logo on the wall to threading ribbons throughout the room, each design choice was carefully curated to reflect the therapeutic and expressive nature of dance.

Amid a world of uncertainties, we've crafted a safe haven where dancers can freely express themselves without judgment and fully immerse in the joy of dance.

Caley Dalpe, Studio Owner from Barbara’s School of the Dance, and I reviewing the inspiration board and plans that I created to visualize the space.

Before

Caley originally intended only to occupy half of the building but quickly realized that interest in dance and exercise at all levels was growing rapidly - so she made a smart business design to develop the entire space. Caley intentionally created three of the five studios to mimic the square footage of Proctor’s Theatre stage so recital practices are easier for students.

I worked with the brand manager and studio owner to bring their vision to life: designing a family-friendly, inviting, and inspirational space to accommodate various ages and activities. That included choosing the interior and exterior paint colors that complimented the logo, floor, black chairs, and lighting limitations but also set a calm and uplifting tone for the dancers.

During

As soon as you step into the studio, our creative impact is evident. My hand-drawn ribbons and the dancer from BSOTD's logo not only inspire dancers but also reinforce the studio's brand identity, making a lasting impression right from the entrance.

After

BSOTD’s motto is “It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish.” So we included a TV in the back that plays old recitals so the dancers can be inspired and look back on how far they’ve come. The back right corner features two of Proctor’s original seats with ballet and tap shoes (a few of which were Barbara’s) adorning the walls.

Our redesign boasts a central desk for Caley, ensuring optimal visibility across all hallways and studios. Two welcoming lounge areas serve as spaces for dancers to gather during downtime. A dedicated toddler corner, complete with a cozy table, chairs, books, and toys, caters to our youngest visitors. The space also provides functional seating for parents, siblings, or dancers who wish to catch up on schoolwork, engage in conversations, or simply relax.

Steeped in history and heart, the hand-painted ribbons artistically weave the studio's story, flowing from the founders' photo to the present instructors, many of whom, like Caley, took their first dance steps at BSOTD. The symbolic 'passing of the torch' from Barbara to Caley, both sharing a dance journey that began in toddlerhood, is a cherished chapter in this studio's tale.

The exterior painting has been completed, and while there is still more to do with landscaping and window decor, we’ve come a long way!