Enthralled with dance, a 14-year-old girl adopted a new first name, Dancette, and a lifetime love was cemented. In 2007, when Dancette Pratts’ longtime teacher and mentor, Bette White Fernandez (who passed away earlier this year), decided to retire after 54 years, she turned over her dance studio to Pratts, who had begun teaching dance at the precocious age of eight.
It had always been a place where dancers of all ages came, and today, Inspirational Dance Studio in Maplewood, New Jersey, is a space where all are welcome to come, learn, and celebrate the art of movement while finding community. While diverse students were always welcome, under Pratts’ leadership the number of students of color grew exponentially, particularly as students started performing in local shows. A variety of dance styles are taught, from contemporary to ballet, jazz, tap, African, hip hop, Latin, and breakdancing.
“Teachers don’t listen to their kids sometimes, but I listen to them and I hear their ideas,” said Pratts. “I’ve brought in a lot of the Afro beats, Latin — salsa, merengue, bachata — and made it more modernized and not so the old school way. The girls feel welcome, they [are] at home and they feel heard. They feel they can still express their style of dance within the dance community and the structure we have as well.”
Dance competitions are very popular, and Inspirational Dance is on board. There is a team of 16 dancers who perform solos, duos, trios, and small and large groups, performing all different styles. They have won many awards, including a prestigious competition at Disney. This past weekend, Inspirational Dance Company danced at MetLife Field for the New York Jets game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Pratts said at dance competitions, people wonder where these excellent dancers come from. “We’ll come in and they’re like, ‘What are you going to do, hip hop?’” said Pratts. “Then we’re winning tap and contemporary and different styles of dance … The majority of those competitions are white, and we do bring the color in there and the originality of what’s really happening now.”
Pratts, who has danced professionally, and her staff see to it that the girls display meticulous technique in competition. Some students have professional aspirations — including a few who act, sing, and dance — while others just want to express themselves. Some former students have gone into medical fields as nurses and physical therapists.
There are also adult classes in a variety of styles. While some grownups take dance quite seriously, others just enjoy the activity. Her goal is to keep everyone loving dance and to help the young dancers achieve their dreams.
“Keep growing these dancers and see them excel to the next level,” said Pratts. “What I love about Inspirational Dance Company is that I get to know them as not only my students and dancers, but I really get to know them as artists. Seeing them grow to whatever they want to do in their careers and paths, that’s my biggest thing.” For more info, visit inspirationaldance.com.