Not the Same Old Song and Dance

If you’re going to pursue a life in the spotlight, you’ve got to take the right steps.

At Panama City Dance Academy (PCDA), owner and director Michelle Williams and her staff of instructors help young hopefuls find their footing on the stage.

PCDA began as the Barbara Strausbaugh Dance Centre, a respectable arts institution for over 30 years under the direction of its namesake. In 2003, Michelle Williams, a student of and staff member under Strausbaugh, took over as owner and director.

After working and teaching alongside Strausbaugh for 13 years, Williams knew she wanted to maintain the reputation and expectations of the studio.

“I call Barbara my mom away from mom,” said Williams. “She comes into the studio often and will even sub sometimes. Her presence still has a lot of impact here.”

Current owner Michelle Williams says community is part of the PCDA culture where friendships flourish and former students often keep in touch. Photo by Mike Fender

The studio offers classes in ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, tap, tumbling, hip-hop, musical theater and specialty technique classes. From preschoolers to high schoolers, dancers can participate for the simple joy of dance or become a part of the company that competes and take a set of core classes.

The competition team travels throughout Florida and neighboring states competing. While they may arrive as an unknown studio, they often leave with everyone knowing their names. They win a lot and win often, yet you won’t find Williams calling the local papers or plastering the studio with trophies.

She prefers quiet wins. What’s most important is that her dancers focus on the craft and find fulfillment in learning, teamwork and discovering their individual confidence.

“I want our dancers to be good at what they do and proud of themselves while knowing life isn’t just about the awards you win,” said Williams. “They should express empathy whether they win or don’t because that creates better, well-rounded people and dancers.”

For Williams, instilling in students creativity and confidence are top priorities. For the PCDA competition team, winning is not the goal but is often the result. Photo courtesy of Panama City Dance Academy

Outside of the company, musical theater classes often bring in new students otherwise removed from dance. These dancers may be actors first and foremost, but the lessons rely heavily on the knowledge of styles such as tap, jazz and ballet to provide poise, rhythm and technique on stage.

“Many theater students come in with no formal dance training, which can be intimidating, but after a few classes, they quickly become comfortable,” said Williams. “Overall, the musical theater classes help with stage presence and confidence. Plus, those with formal dance training tend to stand out more, shine more on stage.”

The classes prove popular among dancers who frequent other PCDA classes, too.

The musical theater classes are rooted in Broadway musical stylings. Past performances have showcased routines choreographed to tracks from hit musicals including Legally Blonde, Chicago, Shucked, Annie, Phantom of the Opera and many Disney favorites like The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast.

Williams has seen many students find big-city success in New York, Los Angeles and even on cruise ships. Some have gone on to open their own studios. But what’s most important to the studio director is that her students carry life lessons found in dance through any career they end up in.

“Some of my proudest moments are when something may go wrong backstage or even on stage and the dancers come together to adapt, change and find a solution without the audience ever knowing,” Williams said. “They could easily throw their arms up and quit, but instead, they are already becoming people who know how to adapt in life.”

While each dancer is responsible for their own movements, they recognize that a minor misstep can have a domino effect on other dancers and the performance as a whole. To be a dancer requires you to work well with others.

As these young dancers perfect routines with their team, they’re also learning the choreography of relationships. Williams and her staff of eight instructors aim to make PCDA a comfortable and safe space for each child to flourish. Hours spent in the studio each week often result in lifelong friendships.

Michelle Williams, owner and director at PCDA. Photo by Mike Fender

In her 21st year owning the studio, Williams has found herself attending weddings and baby showers of former students. There, she often finds the events resembling a dance class reunion.

“It’s really special to know those friendships started all because of dance.”

To get more information on Panama City Dance Academy classes and schedule, go to PanamaCityDanceAcademy.com.