Love of the Dance
Last Updated on 3/20/2010
Published on 2/1/2009
By Clayton Stairs
cstairs@gtowntimes.com
Envisioning the action and making it happen -- that is how award-winning choreographer Megan Herlong approaches bringing a piece of music to life.
That is also how she has realized her goal of opening her own business, EMpressions dance studio in Pawleys Island.
Teaching dance has been Herlong's passion since she directed her first performance at age 14 -- an upbeat, soulful number titled "Kansas City" from a Broadway musical.
"I remember how easy it felt," Herlong said. "It just came natural to me."
Now, after 10 years and being honored with five dance competition awards, she has opened this studio to share her passion with local children.
"I get to do what I love every day of my life," Herlong said. "This is a dream come true for me."
In a time when many businesses are failing, she is confident that her dream is an investment worth making.
Wayne Gregory, economic point man for Georgetown County, says 2008 has seen less local businesses opening than 2007 and our unemployment rate is now above 10 percent.
Yet small companies like EMpressions could thrive as a niche market, especially because loan interest rates are extremely low, he said.
Good investment
Herlong says although she is taking a chance opening a new business in today's economy, she knows that people are always willing to invest in their children.
She believes dance can be taught using the latest techniques and disciplines, but it can also be fun.
With walls painted bright pink and blue, the children -- ages 3 to 17 -- who enter EMpressions are always welcome.
She offers affordable prices and scholarships to families who have limited funds to pay for tuition.
Classes
Herlong has worked as an instructor with Litchfield Dance Arts Academy and in 2007 she choreographed the Swamp Fox Players' production of "Cabaret."
Those experiences and a love for children have prepared her for teaching students full-time, focussing on jazz and lyrical styles of dance.
Amy Brackett, whose daughter Katie, 15, is a company dancer, says she and other parents trust Herlong to teach their children the latest modern dance moves.
"Megan is nurturing and encouraging, but she is able to push them to reach her high expectations," Brackett said. "This school is going to be part of the community for a long time to provide a place for children who want to dance."
Competitions
As a testament to her skill, she and EMpressions dance company recently won numerous awards at a regional competition in Nashville, Tenn.
Outstanding Dancers Maggie Stephenson, Sarah Hepler, Abigail Earnest, Rachel Bailey, Kaitlin Sweeney and Laura Hoeweler were awarded scholarships to go to the national competition this summer.
Betsy Bailey, mother of Rachel, 11, says Herlong inspires her students to greatness.
"I think the teacher sets the tone for the studio," Bailey said. "Megan is very dedicated to this profession and has the desire to see these young girls succeed."
At the end of May she will hold her first charity showcase locally, which will benefit the Waccamaw High School build for the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate.
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For more information about EMpressions, call the studio at 843-314-3221.
