1980’s BURGEONING MOMENTUM
After years of teaching classes in an array of locations around the valley — including the American Legion Hall, Slim Chance Athletic Club, the Yoga Room, and the cabin that has become Nora’s Fish Creek Inn — Dancers’ Workshop opened its doors on its first official studio at 545 N. Cache in 1981. The organization’s enrollment was already so large that the other spaces continued to be utilized for classes as well. Karen Kristin, after being a guest artist for years, was named Dancers’ Workshop’s first Artistic Director, and the first board was assembled. Two years later, in 1983, Kristin founded Dancers’ Workshop’s first repertory company, The Workshop Company. In 1984, Dancers’ Workshop began to strengthen and expand the ballet program, giving local students access to well-rounded dance education. Around 85 students were enrolled in the program. In 1985, the organization moved into the basement of the Pink Garter Plaza and, with the help of a great many volunteers, constructed a dance studio, director’s office, and dressing room. The following year, Lisa Morgan took over as Artistic Director and took to expanding the studio spaces and establishing Three Rivers Dance Company which toured widely and performed at the Wyoming Centennial Celebration in 1990 with the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra. Daria from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet joined the ballet teaching staff and New York City Broadway performer BJ Hanford joined DW as School Director in 1989 and would hold many leadership roles during her 9-years with the organization. She and Children’s School Director Cindy (Myers) Williams expanded DW’s reach to more than 250 students. A work exchange program and numerous scholarships supported the vision to make dance classes accessible to all.
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