COMMUNITY ERA

Through our community dance projects, our students learn the value of volunteering, community, and the importance of charities.     Our students inspire friends, family, and neighbors to get involved. We have raised money and are leading awareness campaigns for Kool 2beKind, Breast Cancer Awareness, and the Dove Center.  

Our collective total raised for charity is $340 K. We have supported the following charities: American Heart Association, GLAF, Samantha Funding the Arts, The House of Hope, Cindy’s Fund, Landon’s Library, Broken Road Associates, Garrett Mentors, Garrett County Humane Society, Garrett Trails, I Can Swim and Camp Magic Mountain.

 Autumn Glory is the perfect platform to showcase our charitable campaigns.  Our participation in the Autumn Glory Festival could have been an era if we weren’t limited to picking ten eras. My journey of participation in the parades began as a child; I’m pretty sure the record is mine at 51 years, finally beating out Mr. Clever, the former band director. We have performed at the Autumn Glory Kick-Off dinner four times and were the 2003 Grand Marshals for the Autumn Glory parade.

Our community dances: we danced with balls, hoops, frisbees, noodles, pom poms, scarves, umbrellas, and more…   My favorite part of this endeavor is the weekly classes that teach the dance to people who come into the room with little or no dance experience.  They are nervous and guarded about the choice they made to be there.  It’s watching their confidence grow from mastering the dance to perhaps performing for the first time. It’s when they get so excited that they ask when the next performance is or recruit a friend to share in the fun.  We often will have several mothers and daughters participating.  It is fun to watch them bond through rehearsal and performances.  Speaking of friends, I have made some incredible connections through our dance project.  You need good friends to support a crazy idea and to hustle up money you wish to donate to charity. My dance sisters, Lisa Janoske and Tammy Fridley, are always by my side and have participated in decades of dance projects.  Lisa is a master of fundraising, and I feel confident if anyone in the political world ever knew of her talent, she would be recruited heavily.  Sheri and Justin Hershman always assist with providing us with a dock to decorate for a float, and Justin drives his truck so we can have a sound system in the parades. I love the help and support of all our participants, but at the end of the day, the smiles, the laughter, and the social connection are the real prize.   

We have enjoyed many successful campaigns, but five stand out. In 2009, Get Your Pink Gloves On for Cindy’s Fund created a sea of pink hands everywhere during the Autumn Glory Parade, from the marching people to the crowd waving. We distributed thousands of gloves throughout the county.  Working with Sandy Bell, the creator of Cindy’s Fund, has been rewarding. Her passion and the reach of her charity to help people in Garrett County are beyond inspiring.

In 2014, we embarked on one of our most ambitious projects, Garret County Gives.  The campaign was incorporated into the Deep Creek 2014 International Canoe Kayak Federation Whitewater World Championships.    Eight local charities teamed up with a sponsor and an athlete from the team USA.   Eight different custom-colored bandanas were created for each charity, each depicting its sponsor and athlete.  The bandanas were sold to raise money for charity, show spirit for their athlete, and advertise for the sponsors.    Our dancers performed throughout the area, and the colorful impact of the bandanas was breathtaking.   Each charity raised thousands of dollars, totaling over $30,000. 

There is no dispute about the impact of Weathering Life’s Storms for Cindy’s Fund on the community in 2021, during a global pandemic. Our colorful umbrella display downtown lifted everyone’s spirits. We sold umbrellas and made over $10,000 for Cindy’s Fund.

This past year ranks up there as our CareCrows led the way, performing all around town dressed in creative costumes and sharing the message of caring. We raised $12,600 this past fall for Cindy’s Fund.

Our Thriller dances in 2009 and 2018 were so successful that we featured them in the Creepy Era. Be sure to check that out for all the scary-good details.      

This fall, we will Get on our Feet and SOCK IT TO CANCER for Cindy’s Fund.  Hopefully, after reading the warm fuzzy feelings about our community dance projects, you will consider joining us.

Community means the world to me, and I feel blessed beyond measure to have the support and interaction with the people of Garrett County.   

TRAVEL ERA

Travel experiences have been a fantastic life journey for many of our dancers and their families.  These experiences teach how to navigate airports, hotels, and itineraries as well as meet people and experience different cultures.   Our travels have included Japan, Russia, Mexico, and Argentina.  We have been to California eight times, New York City four times, and multiple trips to Disney World, Disneyland, and Nashville, just to name a few.  Often these trips are funded through passionate fundraising and are only possible through the generosity of our friends, family, and community.  We are grateful for every travel opportunity our students have earned and look forward to many more.

Experiencing the world through my students’ eyes has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.  Our students have traveled by car, motor home, charter bus, and plane.  For many of the dancers, our travel could be the first airplane ride, not just for them but often for other family members.   The travels for our sportaerobic teams included so much international influence.  They competed against athletes from all over the world, so the cultural impact and connections they made with these athletes were incredible.  Travel can create chaos; there are many fun stories of events and situations everyone endures or overcomes on their quest to a location.  Undoubtedly, travel has given our small-town girls an opportunity to explore large cities and cultures.  You never really know the seeds that are planted from such experiences.  I have enjoyed the good fortune of traveling abroad four times with dance-related events.  Being in a country where they do not speak English is something everyone should experience.  In Mexico, we came to appreciate all the regulations our government has that keep us safe, like temperature-regulated showers in hotels and street curbs of a stand size.  I remember being scalded in the shower and nearly tripping from the curb size not being that which was of muscle memory to our country's standards.  It’s the little things that you take away from some of these experiences.  My favorite nuance in Mexico was the desserts at the event we attended, which were served in a dixie cup.  Of course, to Americanize that notion, we had to take four cups.  The world keeps changing, and traveling is a great way to enjoy it.  I traveled a lot during the pandemic, most of the time by myself, to go see Morgan.  In doing so, I had come to realize in all my travels just how much I was a follower because I learned a whole lot when it was totally up to me to get to and from point A to point B.  I hope to always have travel as part of our studio features as well as my personal life.

RECITAL ERA

The recital is the core event at Brenda’s Body Shop every year.  Over four decades, students have taken the stage and proudly performed for their families and friends.  The show offers dancers an end goal for their weekly commitment and hard work in their classes throughout the year.  The costumes, music, routines, and performance create anticipation and excitement.  The shows have aged well, always incorporating new methods and technologies but never losing the traditions and connections with our dancers and audience.  Many families have created their traditions around recitals, creating their core memories.

The evolution of the recital has included changing venues like Southern and Northern High School, Garrett College, and Potomac State College.   In 2006, our first year at Meyersdale High School was our first year at the facility, and it has been home to our recital ever since.  The climate control, seating capacity, and technical efficiency are unmatched by any other venue in the area. In the early days, we didn’t have the internet and resources for costuming, so fortunately, we could tap into the talents of Francey Clark and Barb Rush, who made so many of our earliest costumes. 

Our recital is not a typical dance recital and always incorporates a strong storytelling theme.  Our dancers remain throughout the show, and everyone performs in a heartwarming finale.  This concept was important to me as I remember as a child being in a recital, and the audience would not remain for the entire show, so if you were near the end, your performance felt less stimulating with a sparse audience.  Our finale provides a unified feeling and inclusion for each dancer.  The visual impact of the entire cast proudly wearing their recital tee shirt depicting all their names on the back is quite a moment for pause.  After the finale, the older students take the hand of a younger dancer, and they all sit tightly on the front end of the stage, ready to enjoy our year-in-review slide show.   One of my all-time favorite memories of this moment was the year we chose the song “Let It Go” from the movie Frozen.  In a spontaneous reaction, the entire cast joined in and belted out the song until the end.  It was amazing!

I have learned a lot producing 44 shows, and when I look back at my early recitals, I chuckle at the learning curves.  I quickly learned to adhere to a timeline that didn’t exceed 3.5 hours from start to finish.   It’s funny how we implement the values we are taught as children.  You can thank my grandmother for instilling the importance of being punctual.  I take great pride in our shows, which always start on time. I think if they started late, it would cause me to break out in hives. 

In 2008, we introduced senior solos.  They each participate in the process of music and costume selection.  Our seniors are always highlighted somewhere on our set or backdrop.  They all enjoy a professional photo shoot with acclaimed artist Laura Stutzman.  They learn so much, and this process is such a unique experience.  The pride they feel when they see themselves as art is so much fun.  At the recital, we do a slide show tribute and offer a gift to recognize the commitment and dedication of each of our seniors.  We always enjoy the sentimental feeling of their performances, and our younger students are always inspired.   The final perk of this tradition is for their families to receive reserved seats in the front center of the auditorium. 

In 2010, we added one of my most cherished traditions, the ladies' dance.   We decided you do not have to be a child to enjoy dancing and performing.  For two months every spring, a group of women dust off their dance shoes, stretch out their tight muscles, learn choreography, and create their costumes. The journey has so much laughter and joy that the performance is just the cherry on top.  We typically use a character theme to allow for ease in choreography and costuming.  We have danced the Can, Can, Bollywood, Tribal, Tina Turner, performed a 50’s theme, and even a spoof of Weird All to “Like a Surgeon.”  Regardless of the theme, a showstopper always brings the audience much joy.

This year, we added a new tradition called Bloom. This new program allows Grandparents to participate in their grandchildren’s dance education. We don’t want to give away any surprises at this new tradition, so be looking for it in this year’s show. 

On the technical side, instruction, lighting, set, and sound, we have always been blessed with amazing people to assist.  

Since we have found our home at Meyersdale High School, we are fortunate to have Jim Johnson share his talents with us every year in the light and sound booth.  His help is often from students from Meyersdale, whom he recruits and mentors to learn the ropes of production.   

   The other constant for over two decades now is the enjoyment I get from working with the talents of my friend and local artist Laura Stutzman.  We often enjoy lunches together, and the creative sessions and results she creates add to the show’s professionalism.  I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the professional input of our videographer, Greg Honeycut (Commercial Video). Greg has been filming our recital for over three decades.  He captures and records all our performances and hard work so we might have a cherished keepsake.  I look forward to one day taking time and watching each of these works of art.  

One silent hero who has been there since the first recital is my husband, Pete.  He helps and supports hauling props, building props, putting up the set, and tearing down the set.  He takes the tickets to the door and stands in the back of the auditorium with a smile of pride as he witnesses the performances and sees all the ideas he has had to hear about throughout that year. Two other men deserve a shout-out. Dave Taylor donates flowers to our Boundless Energy Dance Team yearly to sell as a fundraiser; his support and generosity are unwavering. Two years ago, we recruited Alissa’s husband, Jeff Gank, to do a lot of our tech work, and he has been brilliant. We are not letting him go ever!

The growth that comes from producing a recital is not just for the performers.   Our staff continues to navigate lesson plans and routines that feature students of all shapes, sizes, and abilities, no easy task.  I’m so lucky to have a team of women who genuinely have a passion for kids and love to dance.  I invite you to read our instructor profiles to learn more about each.  I continue to grow from mentoring younger instructors and constantly raising the bar on creative and technical features.     I never want to lose that feeling of adrenaline and slight fear our students experience on stage, so each year, I make it a point to do a welcome address.  Public speaking is never accessible, and it keeps me humble.   

After four decades of recitals, it is fun to witness former students’ enjoyment as their child embarks on their dance journey.  You can see the pride and nostalgia that often follows.

Each of my children was also part of the recitals growing up.  Morgan learned to be independent backstage at a young age because I was too busy to help her.  She often knew the perks and perils of being the dance teacher's daughter, like taking an accessory from her to give to another student.    But there were perks, like being in every class possible.  My son Pete was super creative and handy in that he built our entire set at age 12, an impressive two-sided fold-out cruise ship.  One side depicted an island, and it opened like a book to transform into a cruise ship. Zak tolerated his time in the boy's gymnastics classes to anxiously transition to sports.  All three of them learned what mom’s job was by participating.  This year has come full circle as my grandson Sawyer will perform in his first recital with the boy's gymnastics class.  My oldest grandson, Alex, who lives in Bridgeport, has made a few cameo appearances when we could creatively figure out how to incorporate a role for him.   Next year, we need to get the middle grandson Levi on stage, who is probably the best showman of the three.      

Our program has grown exponentially over the years, and I hope that the traditions prevail long after my tenure ends.   

SUMMER TIME ERA

About fifteen years ago, Lexi Torrisi, our assistant director, came to me and said we need summer programs. My children need something to do.  At that time, they were quite young and full of energy.  Lexi took on the challenge and created our summer dance and gymnastics camps and our signature program Camp Funshine.   These programs are so much fun, we enjoy lots of creative themes in a casual and relaxed atmosphere.  Summer programs keep children engaged with movement, imagination, and social connection.   It allows children to explore different genres and allows parents to gauge their interest before making a longer commitment to regular classes.    

I love summer programs. There seems to be such a calm and relaxed attitude toward teaching and planning. It is no secret that I love art, and summer is the time to incorporate art with crafts, props, and scenery. Involving the students in a side art project that coordinates with our dance plan is fun. 

Another fun summer tradition has been our overnight boot camps. Our Boundless Energy team brings their sleeping bags and gear, and we embark on a 24-hour cycle of intense training and fun. The boot camps are always productive, and many memories are made.

Many of our students enjoy the challenge of setting new goals and learning more advanced skills through private lessons.  This is the one time of year we can offer such an opportunity, and it benefits those who participate. 

Boundless Energy Dance Team often enjoys one of their Dance the Magic trips in the summer.  Leading up to the event we often hold a pep rally to recognize their effort and for family and friends to enjoy the performance they will give at the event.  This group sometimes ties into our dance camp with a theme that is related to their upcoming adventure.  This greatly benefits our younger students, who may aspire to advance their dance journey one day.  The interactions and role modeling are priceless.

HALF TIME ERA

Who doesn’t love a good halftime show?  Whether you are the entertainer or the one being entertained, halftime performances delight all. 

We have performed at five football halftimes, one Steelers Game, and four Washington Redskin games.  Basketball halftimes include 1 Washington Bullets, 2 Washington Wizards,   1 WVU Men’s, 1 Maryland Women’s and 8 WVU Women’s, and countless Garrett College games. 

One of our most memorable halftimes in 2010   was teaching the WVU Women’s Team our Pink Glove Dance and their media department recording the practice and showing the video at the game on the jumbotron.

In 1996, our second generation of Aerobic Diehards traveled to Capital Center in Washington, DC, to audition for the chance to perform at a Washinton Bullets Game. It felt like a giant talent show, with all types of acts looking to share their talents at halftime of an upcoming game. There was one singer, I’m thinking, probably someone who made it big later, but they were so impressive that at the end of their performance, our entire team was on their feet with applause. I remember joking and telling them to sit down; that was our competition. I will never forget the excitement we felt when our group made the finals, and we were told we would get to perform at an upcoming game.

We will never forget the crowd’s roar when we were in the tunnel at the Steelers game, waiting to take the field with 300 dancers.  The first time we participated in a Washington Redskins Spirit Explosion was inspired by a former student Bethany (Savage) Hammer, who earned her position as a Washington Redskin Cheerleader.  We were excited to see her in action and be part of the behind-the-scenes excitement.  The dancers took the field in front of 90,000 people.   We had such a great time that we would go on to participate in a total of four Redskin games.  Each group that participated experienced the excitement of a professional football game and the logistics of a big city and stadium, which was quite a life experience for everyone.

Our halftime shows often showcase select dance groups, but it has also been a perfect platform for many of our community dance projects.  We perform at many civic events, but something is extra stimulating about a halftime show. 

  The most rewarding halftime show for me featured our breast cancer awareness campaigns.  In 2010, we took our Pink Glove dance to WVU and the University of Maryland Women’s basketball halftime shows.  The Maryland game was possible with the help of former student Brianne (Meyers) Rowh, who worked at the University Health and Wellness Department.     She assisted me in creating a virtual way to teach and recruit students from the campus.  I had never done anything like this before, and showing up with just one rehearsal to a large group, with whom I had no idea if they had mastered the dance, was a bit overwhelming.  We had about 80 dancers, plenty to fill up the gym floor, and they all stepped up just like young people do with technology, and the dance was fantastic.  This was also a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. 

There was one halftime show that created a full-on proud mom moment. In 2003, after winning the world championships in Miami, our junior sportaerobic team was invited to perform at a WVU Men’s Basketball Game.  It was electrifying.   My daughter Morgan was on that team, so I was nervous and proud.    

One constant about halftime shows: they are always available, and we are always ready to perform.   

FAME ERA

What is Fame?  According to Webster, it is the state of being known or talked about by many people, mainly because of notable achievements.  We chose this as one of our eras because we have encountered people of fame and have been inducted into a few Halls of Fame.  Our travels have allowed us to meet or perform for famous people such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Richard Simmons, Patch Adams, Debbie Reynolds, Alan Thicke, Ellen DeGeneres, Bob Costas, and Donald Trump.   As for our notoriety in 1989, The Aerobic Diehards performed on the New Mickey Mouse Club Show, were presented the coveted Golden Mickey, and were inducted into the Mickey Mouse Club Hall of Fame.   In 2014, I was honored to be inducted into the Garrett County Women’s Hall of Fame.

Competing in the Crystal Light Aerobic Championships would expose us to additional opportunities to meet and be around famous people. In 1986, after winning a regional competition in Pittsburgh with teammates Dawn Panther and Gale Bosley, we traveled to Los Angeles to compete and be part of the television taping of the event. We got just over eight counts of fame on TV! Occasionally, someone will send me a GIF of the show that floats online. It is pretty funny to look back at it now, but it was quite a milestone at that time. We also got to meet Debbie Reynolds and practice at her dance studio. That year’s show host was Alan Thicke, star of Growing Pains. At our hotel, we witnessed a child star named Allison Porter in the lobby at a piano practicing for her upcoming performance on a Star Search; she was unbelievable. Fast forward 25 years later, as I watched The Voice, I heard the familiar name, she would go on to win that season of The Voice. Of course, being near Hollywood, we had to visit the Star Walk of Fame and look for all our favorite celebrity stars.

1987 The Aerobic Diehards were invited by the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports to perform at a banquet at the famed Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.  The team crammed into a motor home, and off we went to the Big Apple.   We arrived at the swanky hotel with marble floors, gold fixtures, and sparkling chandeliers.  The room was full of people, and there was a head table of dignitaries in front of the stage.  While anticipating the girl's performance, we were amazed by the VIPs seated at the head table.  The two that stood out at the time were sports broadcaster Bob Costas and Donald Trump. The girls took the stage and gave an outstanding performance, and the crowd gave them a tremendous round of applause and acknowledgment.  This was quite a resume builder and would open future doors for our Aerobic Diehards.  This group could easily be in the Girl Power Era. Still, we will share their accomplishments in the Fame era because they encountered more famous people than any other group representing Brenda’s Body Shop.  In 1989, The Aerobic Diehards received an all-expense paid trip, and an opportunity to perform at the New Mickey Mouse Club show at Disneyworld.  I will never forget receiving the call to invite us for the opportunity.  The woman on the phone asked me if I could provide five dancers for the Hall of Fame segment of the show.  I was so excited that I talked a mile a minute, trying to explain what had just happened to Pete.  In my processing, I realized I could not choose just five girls; our team had 14.  I was like a big sister to this group and loved them all equally.  I was ready to decline the opportunity.  On the return phone call, I explained the situation. I could tell the person on the phone with me was a little irritated as she replied, “Let me call you back.  About ten minutes later, she called again and confirmed that the producers agreed to take all fourteen girls.   We were given fantastic accommodation in one of Disney’s premier hotels.  The taping of the New Mickey Mouse Club show was incredible.  We saw the Mouseketeers in action and practiced our routine on the set ahead of the taping.  My son Pete was seven then, and only kids were allowed to sit in the audience, so he represented all of us.  I was so proud of him for being brave enough to go alone at such a young age.  The parents and I got to watch the show from the green room.  The girls did what they always do, performing with electrifying energy and precision.  Following the performance, they stood in line and introduced themselves to a live and world audience when the show premiered.  Our group was inducted into the Mickey Mouse Club Hall of Fame.  We were presented with a Golden Mickey, which we proudly display at the studio.  Lexi received it from our group.   This experience created lots of buzz in the community, and it was terrific to share enthusiasm with you when the show aired.  We had a big party and presented each girl with a golden Mickey that Pete helped me make.  This experience still weighs in as one of my top three at BBS. 

In 1993, The Aerobic Diehards attended another event sponsored by the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.   The highlight came when the team met and photographed Arnold Schwarzenegger.   He was very gracious and charming to our group. 

I also remember when I heard fitness icon Richard Simmons was going to appear at Morgantown Mall. The Diehards came ready with the hopes of an impromptu performance. I seized the right moment to tell him about the group, and he agreed to let them perform on stage. He is quite a showman. I watched him backstage as he transformed into his bigger-than-life persona when he took the stage. 

Some of our fame experiences are personal, like when I was competing at an event in California, and we rehearsed at Debbie Reynold’s dance studio.  She was so kind and generous.  During the TV taping of that competition, Alan Thicke, star of Growing Pains, was the host.  He, too, was terrific.  But, speaking of fame, no one has a bigger story than my daughter Morgan.  Pete loves sports memorabilia and to have it signed by his favorite sports figures. Pete took Morgan and Zak to a celebrity golf tournament in Latrobe, PA.   I was out of town at a sportaerobic workshop in Virginia.   With so much excitement, Pete called me from the event and exclaimed that Morgan was golfing with Michael Jordan!  I was stunned and did not understand the magnitude until hearing the entire story later that evening.  When Michael Jordan came by them, Morgan pleaded with him to sign her jersey.  He explained to her that he only provides autographs at the 18th hole.  She replied with disappointment that she would not be there.  She must have displayed some somber eyes because, at that moment, he invited her to step onto the green and golf with him.  She spent the next two hours riding on his cart.  He let her pull out his golf clubs, gave her a signed golf ball, and signed her jersey.  He asks her, “Do you know who I am?” She was eight years old and replied, “Yes, you're on the movie Space Jam.”  I can only imagine the chuckle that I got from him.  Of course, her dad was beyond excited to have her sharing time with the greatest basketball player on the planet.    Here is the best part… Pete returns to the same event the following year, hoping to see Michael Jordan again.  I tag along, but being a skeptic, I say it won’t happen. That was a one-time thing.  Wrong!   Michael Jordan comes by us, and his security guy recognizes Morgan.  Once again, she gets invited onto the green and walks with the superstar for a couple of holes.  We have a picture of MJ giving Morgan a piggyback ride across a little dip in the course.    We have so many incredible photos, and Morgan has a story to share with new acquaintances that will never get old.  

We can all relate to the excitement that someone famous can bring, but at the end of the day, they are just people who have done something extraordinary that makes us all talk about them.  Our Eras show ideas have come from the immense impact of Taylor Swift, who seems kind, generous, and talented, so we will leave this era crediting her for the inspiration to create and celebrate our eras. 

CREEPY ERA

The Creepy Era was chosen because of the impact our zombies performing the iconic Thriller Dance has had on the community and legacy of our studio.  In 2009, Our Thrill the World campaign raised $33,000 for the House of Hope.  It was one of 300 events held worldwide.  All the dances were performed simultaneously.  We were one of the few events to raise money for charity.  Out of $82,000 raised for all 300 events, we raised $33,000.  Can you imagine if the other events would have understood the connection of community, dance, and philanthropy?  It could have raised millions.  But we are proud to have inspired the many who were watching.

The subsequent zombie invasion occurred in 2018.    The campaign For the Thrill of It raised over $16,000 and was split between Samantha Funding the Arts and the Southern High School Drama Department.  We were fortunate to work with the talents of Mark and Laura Stutzman.  Laura created so much media buzz, photos, and graphics, and Mark created a critically acclaimed short film about our zombies.  They elevated our project to a whole new level. 

Here is the critical review from Short Films Mater:

Mark Stutzman’s short promotional video spotlights Brenda’s Body Shop community-led initiative, which unites dance enthusiasts to recreate Michael Jackson’s iconic ‘Thriller’ dance. Despite being a low-budget production and serving as an advertisement for a past event, the film weaves a compelling narrative featuring a congregation of zombies in a terror-driven storyline.

While operating within budget constraints, the production and costume design achieve a commendable standard, contributing to the overall appeal of the narrative. The film effectively serves its purposes as a marketing campaign, showcasing the success of Brenda Brosnihan’s choreography and instruction in bringing together a diverse group of individuals for the exciting passion of their impactful work across age groups; this short film is a compelling invitation to explore this dance studio's vibrant and inclusive world the impactful work they do across age groups, this short film is a compelling invitation to explore the vibrant and inclusive world of this dance studio. 

This zombie dance is such a hit that I often get asked when we will be doing it again.  The phenomenon had me scratching my head one day at why it was such a hit.  The song is iconic but just a song; the dance is fun but not the only dance that is fun; the costuming is unique and opens a world of creative expression.  Upon further reflection, I believe it was the creative costuming and the ability to make yourself into a character that can lower the inhibitions for dancing.  Indeed, another character had to check those three boxes of song, dance, costume, and anonymity.  That was the moment the Scarecrow idea was born.  It would allow people to create their costumes; we could pick a fun song, and the dance would reflect that character. The costume would lower inhibitions and provide the necessary anonymity. By choosing Cindy’s Fund as our charity, it was apparent that we should rebrand the Scare to CareCrows.  This campaign was terrific, and everyone loved it when the Carecrows performed.  We appeared all around town leading up to the Autumn Glory Festival.  The CareCrows were invited to provide entertainment for the Autumn Glory Kick-Off Dinner.  CareCrows raised $12,600 for Cindy’s Fund. 

PANDEMIC ERA

The pandemic era belongs to us all.  Everyone had their challenges and struggles, some more than others.  Dance schools across the country took a severe hit and many were not able to recover.  This era was emotional and heartbreaking.   We had to cancel our 2020 recital 8 weeks from the show date.  Everything was ready to go, and the video message I had to create to cancel was one of the hardest things I ever had to do in my career. The following season, we operated at 49% of our average capacity and offered a showcase instead of a recital.  In 2022, we increased it to 55% and offered one recital.  Last year, we were up to 70% of standard enrollment and back to two shows.   The journey back has been slow and steady and the reason for featuring this era is to highlight the gratitude for everyone who supported us through the comeback and kept our doors open.  This era also depicts the resilience of the human spirit and the passion to overcome adversity.

It was Thursday, March 12, and our senior dance class had been in session for about ten minutes.  These high school students came into the room talking about what was going on in the world and how things were shutting down.  We were learning more details through text messages and phone calls. It got to a point where no one could focus on dance.  One of the students asked if we could do yoga.  At that moment, it was the best idea to just breathe and quiet the noise.  I took the class to the other room where we could dim the lights and use the mats to add comfort.  We stretched, and we talked.  I assured them they were safe and that their parents would be informed of the situation and take necessary measures for their well-being.  That class would be the last time I would see my students until mid-September.  The world shut down, and I had to do the unthinkable: cancel our 2020 recital just eight weeks from the show.  We had all our routines completed, all the costumes in place, tickets, programs, and everything ready to go.  I remember making the video announcement; it was one of the most challenging presentations ever. This would be the second time I had to cancel a recital.  In 1984, I gave birth to twin boys prematurely and the recovery would require my full attention. This cancellation was much earlier in the year before we had costumes and all things in place.   

On the home front, when the world shut down, Morgan returned home from Arizona because the clinic she was working at shut down. She worked at the Oakland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Oakland while at home. It was such a remarkable time. I felt like my career was spiraling down the drain, not sure if it would survive, and Pete’s business as a home builder was on fire. He was busier than ever, talking about extremes.

By the summer of 2020, the restrictions were a little clearer and we were able to hold our summer dance camp.  We stayed outside as much as possible, wore masks, and used lots of hand sanitizer.  I made face masks for everyone. This was before commercial masks were available, they were cute and went with our dance camp costumes.   Dance camp would be the only event that we would complete in 2020. The Autumn Glory parades were canceled.  I took advantage of the festival cancellation and took a trip out west with Pete to enjoy hiking and visit Morgan, who had moved back to Arizona.  Autumn Glory always falls over my birthday and anniversary, so it was fun to take a trip to celebrate the milestones.

When we opened our doors again in the fall of 2020, we had about 50% of our regular enrollment. I remember just being happy to be back in the studio and being glad to teach whoever wanted to be there. We strictly followed the advice of the CDC.

In the spring of 2021, we held a showcase at the Elks Club.  We carefully orchestrated a plan that would have one group at a time perform for their families.  Everyone was so cooperative, and the event ran seamlessly.  It was not a recital, but we were thrilled to perform and do what we love.   In the fall of 2021, we decided to plan our community dance project for Cindy’s Fund. It would be called Weathering Life’s Storms. We got permission from the Town of Oakland to create a colorful display of hanging umbrellas in Bankers Alley in downtown Oakland. Pete and his crew took a full day with a scissor lift to hang over 12 dozen umbrellas. The display was fantastic, just like Umbrella Street in France. It was the first activity since COVID started that made me feel whole again. We scheduled performances every Saturday morning and sold umbrellas with Cindy’s Fund logo, coffee, and donuts donated by Glazed and Confused, a donut business owned by instructor Kenzi (Smith) Mousch. It was an excellent attraction that had a cheerful effect on everyone who saw it. Little did I know how much I would need this cheerful place when, one month later, my husband Pete got sick with COVID-19 and was hospitalized for a week in Cumberland. I will never forget the ER doctor telling Pete he would do everything they could to save his life. While in the hospital, I was allowed to visit for one hour a day, which was an improvement over some who never had the chance to see their loved ones. I can’t even imagine that heartache. It was a stressful and concerning time for our family.

We were all anticipating the return of Autumn Glory. I had purchased several dozen cool light-up umbrellas for the Fireman’s Parade only to have the parade canceled, staying in the brand for the continuing disappointments the pandemic would create. We ended up using the purple branded umbrellas for the Autumn Glory parade, and you might say it was the perfect year for an umbrella because we had a torrential downpour off and on all day. Our turnout for the event was pretty remarkable, given our enrollment size and the weather. Later that night, we got to enjoy the effects of our light-up umbrellas at the annual band show, which that year was held at Northern High School. It was not a perfect Autumn Glory, and many were conflicted about it being held due to the pandemic, but everyone was trying to have life continue in some small way. Everyone had an array of opinions about the pandemic, adding more challenge and fatigue to the matter. Not a day went by that was dominated by conversations regarding masks, vaccines, and who was right and wrong; it was utterly exhausting.

The fall of 2021 enrollment was about the same as in 2020, at 50%.   I was concerned about the finances, but it might be over if things didn’t improve the following year.  Fortunately, the enrollment increased to 70% in 2022.  This gave way to having the budget to produce one recital.  We returned to the 2020 recital theme, Road Trip, because so much of it was planned, and it was a solid recital.  We rebranded it to be 2022 Road Trip the Detour. It was fantastic to have an actual recital once again.  The pandemic has taught me never to take what I do for granted.   I don’t know when my last recital will be, but if I enjoy each one to its fullest if one day it ends, and I have to stop before a chance to address a recital crowd with a fond farewell speech, I’ll say, that whichever was my last recital was a good one to end on.”

LEGACY ERA

I was once asked, “What do you want your legacy to be?”.  My life work has always been about connection with my students and their families, inspiring the love of movement, instilling a sense of pride in their community, and creating a place where people of all ages and abilities feel welcome and can explore the many benefits of dance. 

After completing their dance journey at BBS, I hope they can look back and value the confidence they may have gained from learning new skills and performing and the knowledge and value of being physically fit. The travel opportunities have inspired more curiosity to explore the world and understand the values of diversity and inclusion.

Our performances in this era will highlight the numerous exercise trends we have enjoyed.  My career began as a fitness instructor teaching classes at the armory in front of an audience waiting at the DMV.   At 21 years old, I decided to open a studio.  I remember taking Pete up to the third floor of the McLaughlin building in downtown Oakland.  "The building has served as a home to various things throughout the years, such as Marvin’s Men’s Wear and Helbig Jewelry store, but for our newbies reading this, it is the building where 206 Alder Bistro and Bougie Bottoms Boutique now reside.  My first studio was on the third floor, and the walls needed to be painted, new flooring, a sound system, and mirrors.  The only thing we could not accommodate was the heat, and the radiators did not work.    I took the space anyway and exclaimed that we would be exercising and making our heat.  There was the occasional construction space heater, which, in hindsight, put off way more fumes than we should have been breathing.  Having to go up three flights of steps could only work for an exercise studio because how will you complain?  We just presented it as part of the warmup.   My career started with adult exercise classes.  The first expansion included baton twirling, which I did throughout my childhood, competing and featuring twirling at Frostburg State University.   The next class to be offered was our preschool class, kinder moves.  My good friend Cheryl Henderson took my exercise classes and was a teacher and early childhood specialist.  She assisted me in developing a curriculum and helping with the classes.  I learned from the best. The next layer was dance and gymnastics classes.  The program grew gradually, allowing me time to develop my organizational skills and business knowledge.  The enrollment was enough for me to be working on my second recital. 1984, there would be a personal tragedy and a new career path. At 26 weeks pregnant, I went into premature labor with twin boys, Mark and TJ, who were not able to survive more than one day. My recital was canceled in February and I took time off to heal physically and emotionally. As I got stronger, I needed a goal to focus my energy on. I remember looking through a Shape magazine and seeing an ad for an aerobic dance competition in White Plains, New York. I decided to pursue the event and recruited two of my instructors at the time Tami (Tressler) Rosage and Carol Gregg. We trained, traveled, competed, and won a bronze medal, but that event would have an immersable impact on my career; it would be the start of sportaerobics! You can read in our other areas where this influence had profound effects on travel and opportunity.

I would enjoy my studio downtown for seven years before being told they would turn the space into condos.  198,8 I signed a lease with John Gerolski at the Genus Center.  He had storefronts up top but just an open gravel basement below.  I convinced him and Pete to let me have a studio in the space.  Pete went to work again, but it was a complete renovation.  It was an incredible space, and I enjoyed being there for 18 years.  The Genus Center was sold, and my lease was coming up for renewal.  I had no issues with the new owner, but it made me consider whether I wanted to pay more rent or look for a place to own it.  As luck would have it, Russell Sines was selling the building on Weber Road, where the shop currently resides.  I officially bought the building on my mom’s birthday, April 6, 2006.  Once again, Pete went to work; this time, it was more work than both other studios combined.  It took all summer and lots of sweat and tears, but it was well worth it.  I will never forget a conversation Pete and I had at the end of a long day, and he told me this will be your legacy, this building where you can continue to teach and bring joy to so many more kids and families. I am fortunate to have a talented husband who is a builder and has created each space better than the one before it.   

Having a beautiful space is just part of having a successful dance studio.  The other important component is the instructors.  I have been truly best with the best team of ladies.  Our program is vital due to their passion, knowledge, and professionalism.  Please check out our instructor profiles to learn more about these incredible women and role models.   

 I am nearly halfway into my fifth decade of teaching and often asked when I will retire.  That is an answer for a different time, but I’ll leave you with this: if two old men can run the country at 80, I can certainly hang around the studio for a few more years!

Preparing the Eras Show

Welcome to the Eras Show! We have chosen some inspiration from the world’s most famous pop star, Taylor Swift. We will celebrate ten eras that define Brenda’s Body Shop. My favorite number is 4, so choosing our 44th recital for this journey made sense. You do not have to be a Taylor Swift fan to enjoy our production, but if you are a Swiftie, you will appreciate all the little nuances inspired by her.  We have been planning our show all year and doing some extra fun things on social media to build excitement. We revealed each of our ten eras one at a time by using clues or Easter Eggs as known by Swifties. Once someone guessed the era, we revealed the dancers, the songs, and the costumes for that era.  This game lasted several weeks until we revealed all ten eras.  It took some thought to break down 44 years of dance into ten categories, but we managed to do it. If I were to offer a bonus era, I think it would be called the Danny Era.  A talented dancer, choreographer, and actor Danny Durr began teaching at the shop in 2013.  For five years, he attended weekly classes. When he moved to New York, we insisted he still be part of the studio, so we scheduled weekend choreography jam sessions. The skills the students developed learning at a fast pace enabled so much content to be mastered. Danny elevated our dance program and the choreography he teaches is creative, technical, and fun.  His ideas have been transformative, and the generation he taught and inspired are now top-rate instructors for BBS. Danny is originally from Cumberland and graduated from Fort Hill and Frostburg University with a degree in Dance/Theatre.  He is doing big things in his career, and watching his journey has been amazing; I’m like a proud dance mom.  Danny was introduced to me by Wendy Walker another fine instructor that enjoyed teaching ballet and theatre at BBS for ten years. She was a wonderful teacher and is my go to friend for creative brainstorming.

  Before elaborating on each era, here are some general thoughts about this year’s production.

This is the first year since COVID-19 that our studio is back to 100% operation with complete enrollment.  Our team of instructors has never been better.  The balance of experience, skill, and youthful energy is perfect.     

On the 44th day of the New Year, we revealed a passion project that Laura Stutzman helped me create. One of our college instructors, Arianna Torrisi, did an internship with Laura and was just the extra hand we needed to pull everything together. We recreated the concert logo for Taylor Swift’s Era Tour.  There were 11 spaces in a grid, just the number we needed to feature each instructor.  Each instructor had his/her photoshoot to recreate the look from their Taylor Swift-inspired photo. Laura did an outstanding job; she made us look like Hollywood stars. The artwork is the official logo for the recital and will appear on the backdrop, recital tee shirts, and tickets. Staying with our Taylor Swift theme, it is only appropriate to have merchandise, so the artwork will also be available on coffee mugs, thermos, stickers, shoe bags, and water bottles. The most sentimental memorabilia will be the commemorative book created by Laura Stutzman. She will take tons of priceless photos to put in this one-of-a-kind book. Check out our website for more details on the book and other merchandise.

Another fun tradition is to have a photo shoot for our seniors.  This year, we have one senior, Krista Rinker.  Her photo inspiration was from Taylor Swift’s Time magazine cover.  Krista has her own Time Magazine cover with the caption “Time to Pass the Baton.” Krista has been twirling batons for years, so this was the perfect slogan for her cover shot.  Her banner will be displayed proudly on the side front of the stage.   

 Fourteen days before the recital, I painted my lucky number on each hand and filled my arms with friendship bracelets I had made during Christmas break. I posted the picture on social media to generate some excitement and announce that every performer will receive a friendship bracelet with the show title and one for each of their routines.  Imagine making the whole world feel like they are part of something and a friendship bracelet to remind you that you're unique.  Friendship bracelets and painted nails of every color were certainly an easy nuance to want to duplicate for our era show. 

We are not delusional enough to think that every person will like Taylor Swift, but plenty do. Five of our ten staff members were fortunate enough to see her in concert, and we had a great time sharing our experiences. So, Are You Ready for It? We have some “Fearless” performers “Bejeweled” with “Style” who will make the whole place shimmer!