By Kate Bartlett
Dana Crandall founded Eleve Studio 14 years ago in Salamanca, NY, following her passion for dance and the arts. Originally Salamanca Dance Center, Dana changed the name to Eleve after reopening after Covid in Little Valley 4 years ago. The name ‘Eleve’ is a dance term meaning ‘to rise’, which felt significant to Dana at the time of reopening during such uncertain times.
With over 32 years of experience in dance, Dana brings extensive training to the studio. She started dancing when she was 6 years old, and continued on through her college years at Jamestown Community College. She completed an elite Dance Masters of America Training at the University at Buffalo and is well equipped to teach all levels of various dance classes.
Dana has a passion for the arts, as her mother is an artist. About 4 years ago, she decided to host pop-up art events at the studio in order to support the arts and bring people together. “It’s a great creative outlet. Everyone has a lot of fun at our art classes, kids and adults alike.” She continues to host monthly paint classes for kids and adults.
Guests are provided all supplies and guided through an art class, typically painting on canvas. Dana has hosted a variety of craft/art events, but enjoys canvas the most. “It’s great to watch the artists create. Kids enjoy getting creative, and adults sometimes discover their inner artist. It’s a great time no matter what.”
As a Little Valley resident, Dana was excited to bring the studio back home. “The community has been very welcoming here; it was great to bring the studio closer to my home in Little Valley. The location is convenient for many of our dancers who travel from the surrounding areas including Ellicottville, Salamanca and Gowanda,”
Eleve offers various types of dance including tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop, acro, lyrical and cheer to ages 1-adult. The studio, located at 303B Main Street, currently offers over 1600 square feet with two dance rooms, and is continuously working to best meet the needs of the community. “We’re currently working on renovations to the studio in order to best accommodate our dancers. We currently host night classes 4 days/week, Saturday morning classes, and can hold 2 classes simultaneously with about 10-15 dancers each.”
Eleve dance studio is looking forward to their Spring Dance Recital, and is currently offering a promotion on mini-sessions. “We are offering 2 kids mini-session options, which are 8 week programs. Our Ballet Workshop is for ages 4-6 and our Lyrical Workshop is for ages 7-10. It’s a great opportunity to try out dance and get a taste of what performing is like.” The cost is $125 and includes 8 lessons, a recital dance, costume and 2 tickets to the recital! Workshop classes begin on March 16th.
This Spring, Dana is also offering a hummingbird painting pop-up class on Friday, March 15th with more events to come. For more information follow on Facebook @ Eleve Studio. Dana is also available for private parties (birthday, Bachelorette, reunions etc.) at the studio and in the community. Those interested can email elevestudio716@gmail.com for more information on dance and art classes.