As one chapter closes so another begins at Sarene’s Dance Studio, a landmark in Strand that opened 29 years ago and is now under new ownership, to be known as Step It Up Dance Studio.
The studio was established by Sarene Marais in January 1995, just after she had relocated to Strand from Cape Town.
Having started dancing at the age of seven in various genres and attending the University of Cape Town Ballet School after finishing matric, on moving to the area she noted there were no dance studios in the vicinity and often had to travel to Bellville for dancing.
“When I opened the studio,” Marais said, “the community really embraced it, and over the years hundreds of people have walked through its doors. Some of the highlights include classes given to underprivileged children free of charge, which they took up at various levels.
“We were featured on television a number of times, on a number of shows, and I also performed with the late Bles Bridges, among other memorable moments.”
As a professional dancer and qualified adjudicator and examiner Marais also trained dozens of instructors and qualified them, assisted dancers in obtaining colours, including a matric student, and assisted dancers reach their full potential in competitions.
Now semi-retired, Marais has handed the reins to Chris Meyer Jacobs, who himself has been part of the dance studio since 2007, and has since obtained qualification as a professional competitor and instructor in both ballroom and Latin dancing.
Together with his mum, Annalies Schmultz, who is the line-dance instructor, he hopes to follow in Marais’ footsteps and make the studio experience his own along with his mother.
“I grabbed the opportunity to take Sarene’s Dance Studio over and just make a name for myself with something I am very passionate about and is really my life,” said Jacobs.
“We want to take this studio to new heights and make this venture successful. One of our short-term goals is to take part in competitions as a studio and expand our offerings”
Step It Up also has a branch in Kuils River, where classes are also offered once or twice a week depending on the demand.
“I have learnt a lot from Sarene,” Jacobs said, “and I have so much gratitude for the opportunities she has given me; she’s always given me room to explore, I was never in a box or restricted. She helped me get here and now I get to step in her shoes, which is really an honour.”
The studio, located in Main Road in Strand, is open and welcoming to any dancing enthusiast, young and old, and Jacobs admits its appeal has attracted social dancers, wedding groups, matric-ball students and even senior citizens who appreciate its value in terms of mobility and brain function.
“We’re open to any request and provide custom-made dance classes whatever your dance needs. Give us a visit and get moving!”
