Root and Grow Dance Studio is a small studio that provides creative movement exploration to foster self-awareness and ignite curiosity for lifelong learning, enriching the mind, body, and spirit in a welcoming and non-competitive environment. The studio was established in 2022 at 410 4th St, taking over for Expanding Harmony where owner, Dana Geiman, started as a student in 2007. She dearly loves bringing people to the dance experience and couldn’t pass up the business opportunity. “I wanted to take where my dance roots came from and embellish that, to root and grow.”
The studio serves a wide range of clients from ages 4 to 65+. Dana shared, “We are here for any human that finds joy in sharing movement and asking ‘what if’.” Root & Grow is a modern-based studio offering ballet, tap, and jazz. All classes are through a somatic lens, which allows people to physically express their emotions. Uniquely, they offer adult beginner and belly dance classes, as well as a semi-professional dance company where students lead by sharing thoughts, ideas, and art. The studio has lots of natural light and historic wood floors.
Modern and belly dance are Dana’s favorite. “One, I like to roll on the floor. Two, it’s fun to improv with belly dance style.” Dana continued, “I’m not a jumper or a mover, that’s not my style. You don’t need backflips and neon colors to be a dancer. Making interesting and thought-provoking movement has value. We provide an opportunity to create art outside of entertainment.”
It's not all rolling on the floor though. “Personally, I am really bad at marketing myself. I don’t seek out my students, I just hope they find me by word of mouth. I’m a little too humble when it comes to owning a business,” she shared with a laugh. Dana also works full-time outside of the studio which can be challenging.
Dana’s passion for people is clear. “My students bring joy and life. Little ones to adults, I am so proud of what they can do.” Dana especially loves working with people trying something new for the first time. “Those are my kind of people!”