Austin's Balance Dance Studios to Open New Black Box Theatre, 1/9

Austin, TX -- Balance Dance Studios, known for its innovative teaching philosophy of healthy mind, body and soul development through dance, is opening a new black box performance space in January. Bravo at Balance is specifically designed for Austin's dance community. The space, which will also be available for performances and special events, is adjacent to the current Balance Dance Studios, located at 4544 S. Lamar Blvd., Bldg. 200, Austin, TX 78745. The unveiling will take place on Friday, January 9th, with a free grand opening, community-wide party at the space from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

With Austin's exploding arts scene gaining national attention, performance space, particularly for dancers, have become scarce. Many local dancers currently find themselves having to rent space incompatible with dancing and performance. Accommodations, such as those with concrete surfaces, can be physically dangerous. Alternatives may involve loading in dancer-specific flooring, which can be costly and inefficient.

Bravo at Balance will help fill this need in the community by providing a safe, beautiful, performance space, for not only dancers, but all performers and those who wish to host unique special events.

"Austin's dance community has grown exponentially and there is a desperate need for performance space. The depth and breadth of talent in this city is staggering, and many dancers are either not able to perform, or left to perform in spaces that are completely inappropriate for dancers," says Kathy Dupuy, co-founder and owner of Balance Dance Studios. "This situation robs both the dancers and the Austin community-at-large of tremendous opportunity to be positively impacted by this art."

The new building is nearly 9,000 square feet, with approximately 5,500 total square feet of dance/performance space. With the Austin Greenbelt as a backdrop, the Bravo at Balance black box space boasts sprung wood floors, specifically suited to dancers and can seat 84. Riser seating can be conveniently removed for rehearsals and special events.

Special amenities include professional venue management and a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system. Bravo at Balance also provides a green room, conveniently placed restrooms, and ample parking. The space was designed and built by Texas-based firms, Runa Architects and Harvey Cleary, builder.

Co-owner Dupuy, a dancer herself and successful entrepreneur, is also the founder and owner of Mom's Best Friend; an agency that provides professional household staff, nannies and senior care. Business partner, Kristin Nicolaisen is a celebrated dancer and performer in her own right, having taught and performed throughout the country.

The duo opened the doors of Balance Dance Studios in June of 2012 with one focus in mind - to create an enhanced dance studio experience for dancers, their families and faculty/staff. This philosophy, as well as the need for community space, drove them to open Bravo at Balance.

"We went into this with a community perspective -- bringing the dance community together as a whole. The space will also allow us the opportunity to add more classes, which in turn serves more people," states Nicolaisen.

The mission to provide exceptional dance instruction by incorporating a balance of mind, body and spirit has proven wildly successful for the Balance team. "We are instructing young dancers who are learning life lessons and finding their way in the world. It is a privilege to expose them to an art which can help them grow athletically and creatively and in doing so, explore who they are and want to be."

Bravo at Balance will be home to monthly showcases for students at Balance Dance Studios and an additional rehearsal space for the studio's resident competition dance company, PUSH.

For more information on Balance Dance Studios and Bravo at Balance, visit www.balancedancestudios.com.

ABOUT BALANCE DANCE STUDIOS - Balance Dance Studios is a place of harmony where work meets fun, and leisure meets efficiency. Students are empowered to build strength, stability and awareness of not only their bodies, but their minds and souls. Balance faculty and staff strive to make the studios and environment as comfortable as home, and also reflect the artistic, imaginative nature of this amazing art we share each day. The studio offers a platform of positive momentum, demonstrating how dance affects our community, relationships, families and self - to include charitable programs/events, scholarships and classes for special needs children. Offerings include a wide range of youth and adult fitness and dance classes, both recreational and competitive.

ABOUT KATHY DUPUY - Austinite Kathy Dupuy has successfully pioneered multiple businesses from start up to maturity including Texas' largest nanny/sitter service, Mom's Best Friend, and an assisted living home for seniors, The Collinfield House. Kathy serves on various boards, and her companies have been recognized in various venues for outstanding achievement, as well as a commitment to giving back to the local community. As a dancer herself and mom to four young dancers, Kathy understands the need for a high quality studio environment catering to the needs of both adults and children, thus the inception of Balance Dance Studios. Kathy's business expertise and entrepreneurial spirit, combined with her passion for the art of dance, create the perfect combination for her role as studio owner of Balance Dance Studios. Kathy and her husband Stuart, who is also very involved in the business operations, reside in Southwest Austin and are the proud parents of Grace, 17, Kaitlyn, 13, and James and Jordan, 9.