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Dance studio is stepping forward into new location

NEW LOCATION, SAME SPIRIT — Cathie Provan, owner of the Main Street Dance Company; is celebrating her 50th year in dance instruction with her staff at a new location. Pictured in the dance school’s new studio on the second floor of the Wintersville Post Office at 201 Luray Drive are, from left, seated: Hannah Winkler, Provan and Alli Miller; and standing: Samantha Nicosia, Chrissy Nicosia, Paulette Yacoviello and Heidi Winkler. Andrea Albaugh also is an instructor at the school. -- Contributed

WINTERSVILLE — Cathie Provan has been teaching dance for 50 years and she’s not slowing down, having moved recently into a new location while offering a new summer program for all ages, including adults.

Like many business owners, the owner of the Main Street Dance Company was forced by the pandemic to take some time off last year.

But she and her staff bounced back at a new location — the second floor of the Wintersville Post Office at 201 Luray Drive — and the same drive to share their love of dance with others.

Provan said she started dancing when she was 5 years old and as a young woman, opened her first dance school while continuing to work in her family’s restaurant in New Philadelphia.

Since her husband’s work brought her to Wintersville years ago, she has overseen dance studios at various locations in the village.

“I can’t tell you how many people I’ve taught in this area. We’ve been around,” said Provan, who added former students have grown up to become instructors for her.

“I couldn’t do it without all of the teachers and helpers,” she said.

Provan’s current staff includes instructors Chrissy Nicosia, who also serves as office manager; Hannah Winkler, Alli Miller, Samantha Nicosia, Paulette Yacoviello, Heidi Winkler and Andrea Albaugh.

Asked her favorite dance style, Provan replied, “Tap. There have been a lot of years and a lot of pounding.”

But she said learning ballet provides a good foundation for all dance, while lyrical dance, a form of ballet that involves storytelling, has become very popular with youth in recent years.

In addition to various dance styles, Provan and her staff provide instruction in tumbling, aerobics and other exercise.

“We’ll also have a combo class for the little ones,” she said.

Provan noted her students over the years have ranged in age from 3 to 80 and all skill levels.

And the summer program, to be held from July 5 to Aug. 9, will be available to the same broad age spectrum and include a variety of dance and exercise classes, with more opportunity for one-to-one instruction.

June 15 is the deadline to sign up, and information can be obtained through the dance studio’s Facebook page at Cathie Provan’s Main Street Dance Company or by e-mailing mainstreetdanceco@comcast.net.

Provan said while her students have participated in dance competitions in the past, she has chosen to focus more on instruction in recent years.

But her students have an opportunity to display their talents in local parades and an annual recital.

The school’s next recital will be held June 12 at the Masonic Temple in Steubenville. Reflecting the school’s various dance styles, the theme will be “Anything Goes.”

Provan said she takes pride in presenting an age-appropriate program that everyone can enjoy.

“The dancing is tasteful, professional and fun,” said Chrissy Nicosia, who added the dancers’ costumes are modest and their makeup is minimal.

“We want children to look like children,” added Samantha, her daughter and fellow instructor.

Provan said regardless of a student’s age, dancing can boost confidence and requires concentration, dedication and other skills and traits that can carry over into other aspects of life.

She said she’s seen students’ grades improve after enrolling in her school.

And Provan added dance can be a great stress reliever at any age and pending approval by one’s doctor, can help those with injuries on their road to recovery.

She noted an elevator offers easy access to the school’s second floor studios.

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