Dance University fulfills dream, opens in East Manatee

Dance University in Lakewood Ranch is the long-time dream of owner Michele Mercier, who has been a dancer or dance teacher most of her 50 years.

“When I was about 21 or 22 in New York, I would say to my friends, ‘Let’s open a dance studio,’ ” Mercier said.

Now, about two months after officially opening for business, Mercier will celebrate Dance University’s grand opening this weekend.

Pete Gruits, a mentor for SCORE – Service Corps of Retired Executives – lauded Mercier for her determination and willingness to see the project through to opening Dance University.

“She has a real talent and desire to make things happen. It’s been a real adventure for her,” he said. “We at SCORE are very proud of her.”

Dance University, located at 5002 Lena Road, Suite 105, offers classes in a wide variety of dance styles, including hip hop, jazz, tap, ballet, belly dance, cheer, circus and more. Sunday’s grand opening and open house is scheduled to run from 2-6 p.m.

Mercier developed her business plan working with SCORE, and part of her presentation was a performance by her students from Imagine Charter School. The performance, on her 50th birthday, showed SCORE mentors what she could do.

“It was wonderful, and her presentation was on target,” Gruits said.

Working with SCORE, Mercier came up with the name Dance University and a slogan for her new business: “Educate your body ... Inspire your soul!”

Before taking on Dance University, Mercier persevered through another challenge. Two years ago, doctors found that her daughter, Marina, had a golf ball-sized benign brain tumor.

Mercier pulled together a dance competition and showcase benefit for Marina at the Venice Performing Arts Center. The family used proceeds from the showcase to help defray medical bills.

Johanna Krynytzky, who teaches and performs belly dance under the name “Xenobia,” will be among those performing Sunday during the grand opening show at 2:30 p.m.

“If they love to dance, come dance,” Krynytzky said.

Also planned is a free circus demo class at 3:45 p.m. and a free belly dance demo class at 5:15 p.m. Admission to the show is free.

“Anyone can learn to dance, even if they don’t think so,” Mercier said. “All of us who are dancers took classes, and we worked really hard.”

Enrollment in Dance University is open to children and adults. For more information, visit danceufl.com or call 941-374-9589.

This story was originally published August 8, 2017 at 2:14 PM with the headline "Dance University fulfills dream, opens in East Manatee."