BEYOND THE front door of Backstage Performing Arts (BPA) are studios with mirrored walls, barres, balance beams, and music punctuated with instructors’ directions. Little ones tippy-toe twirl while older dancers progress through more highly choreographed routines, their moves snapping into place as the group polishes their steps for upcoming performances.
BPA has been nurturing young dancers for generations. It’s where friendships are forged and self-confidence blossoms. And it’s where students become future instructors dedicated to transforming lives. For Hannah Howell and Allie Groce, it’s a second home where they learned life-enriching skills with every arabesque, pirouette, and fan kick.
“Dance can teach confidence, discipline, and determination that will help you navigate life,” said Groce, whose personal experiences validate dance’s broader benefits. “They always encouraged us to give it our all and strive to improve and better ourselves each performance. They would remind us that we were given the ability to dance and that we could do anything we put our minds to.”
Howell added, “As a student, I focused more on achieving technical perfection rather than enjoying the art of dance. Now that I am a teacher, I realize how big my passion for dance was and still is.”
Their passion is rooted in family — the kind you’re born into and the kind that welcomes you without any strings attached.
Howell’s journey began under the guidance of her aunt, Melvie Myrick, BPA’s founder and current owner, and teacher, Jordan Allen. Dance is a family legacy for Groce. Her mother, Lana Groce, once owned BPA, where both women’s paths intertwined, and they formed a lasting friendship.
Their transition from students to dance teachers wasn’t without challenges as they graduated from high school. Both pursued degrees at the University of Tennessee Southern to enable them to continue to work at BPA. Their degrees add value to all they do at the dance school, helping them overcome the challenges of juggling full-time careers with teaching dance.\Now, in real estate, Howell said, “Setting clear boundaries helps me manage both careers.” Today, Groce’s effort and commitment to completing her college degree continue to influence her BPA work. She said, “I’ve found myself putting forth my best effort in preparation for my dance classes so my students can learn and achieve their goals.”
Now, in real estate, Howell said, “Setting clear boundaries helps me manage both careers.” Today, Groce’s effort and commitment to completing her college degree continue to influence her BPA work. She said, “I’ve found myself putting forth my best effort in preparation for my dance classes so my students can learn and achieve their goals.”
Their teaching philosophy reflects the mentorship they received. Groce found comfort in her instructors’ pre-performance direction, which she passes along to her students today — “Just go out there and have fun. Enjoy your time on the stage.” This approach helps students manage pre-performance stress and find joy in dancing.
Howell is as enthusiastic today as when she taught her first class. “I still get excited on that first day of dance to see all the students and grow with them throughout the year.”
At BPA, Howell and Groce continue the legacy of nurturing young dancers’ potential, passing on the love of dance to the next generation. As Groce said, “Being a student at Backstage means you become a part of a family.”
Welcome home! GN
For more information, follow Backstage Performing Arts on Facebook, visit backstageperformingarts.com, or call (931) 433 4168. The studio is located at 507 College St. W. in Fayetteville.
