In the fall of 1973, Bonnie Curtis’ mother, Mary Lou Curtis opened the doors of Curtis Studio of Dance (CSD) in Carpinteria for the first time.
“As the owner and artistic director of the Curtis Studio of Dance, fall has always been dedicated to enrolling many students, bringing with it hours of preparation and coordination among the many dancers awaiting to return to the studio to dance,” said Bonnie Curtis.
“As soon as the studio’s enrollments are completed and students settle into their classes, practices begin for the annual December performances of the Nutcracker with props and costumes looked at and refined. Yes, fall is a busy time at the studio,” she said.
This year, however, will be Bonnie’s last autumn at the Curtis Studio as she prepares to take her final bow and retire after 48 years working with thousands of dancers, and turn over the studio.
Curtis has announced that CSD dance instructor Niki Powell will be taking over as the owner of Curtis Studio of Dance to carry on her work and her mother’s legacy.
Powell began her love for dance at CSD where she trained for 13 years. She graduated magna cum laude in May 2013 from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, with a bachelor of fine arts in dance and a bachelor of arts in philosophy. Powell’s other dance studies have included Idyllwild Arts Academy, San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, and numerous workshops.
She has been dancing professionally for the last eight years. She is a passionate dance teacher who has taught in the California area and abroad, Curtis said. Powell has taught at CSD the last five years.
“I am very excited to continue on what Bonnie and her mom have built over the years,” Powell said. :”Curtis Studio of Dance is where I took my first dance class at three years old, and it changed my life forever. My love for dance has taken me on an amazing, fulfilling journey.
“It is an art form that I am so passionate about because it remains interesting, physically and mentally challenging, and continues to reveal new things to me every day. This last year and a half were very hard as a professional dancer, and it made me realize how important the gift of dance is.
“I love teaching and am so grateful for the wonderful students I have been able to watch grow over the years. I am so excited to step into the role of owner and artistic director and share my passion and knowledge of dance with the next generation.”
For more about Curtis Studio of Dance, visit www.curtisdance.com.