Momentum Dance Center on tap in Milan

MILAN TWP. — Sydney Shephard took a major life step: teach dance in the exact place where she first learned performing arts. "This really is a lifelong dream and just feels like a totally full-circle moment," Shephard said. The 2015 Edison High School graduate recently moved from Chicago back to her hometown so she could open the Momentum Dance Center. Her new business is in Avery Commerce Park off Milan Road (U.S. 250). The space, formerly known as Broadway Performing Arts Center (BPAC), brings back fond memories for Shephard. "This is where my main training happened," said Shephard, who began dancing when she was 3 and boasts almost 20 years of experience. During her time away, she performed in places like Chicago. "The owner and I became good friends and have a really good relationship," she added. Within the past month, "She called me and said, 'We are selling the studio. Do you want to buy it?' I was like, 'sure.'" "It's awesome to come back to a place where I learned dance and knowing that I'll bring my own personality into it, giving it a whole new feel," she said. Shephard has never before run a dance studio but seems overly qualified to do so. "I went to college for dance and currently have a bachelor's degree of fine arts in dance," said Shephard, who's proficient in and plans to teach contemporary, ballet, jazz and tap dancing at Momentum. "I feel really passionate about being educated when it comes to dance, knowing the history of where your classes come from, and want my students to learn that as well." Shephard realizes many good, long-standing dance studios exist throughout the region. Though she believes her's can both survive and thrive. "What will make Momentum special is that it will be a small number of classes, and you'll be able to just focus on dancing and receive the proper training needed," Shephard said. "I am really going to focus on the dance training, making sure my students have proper technique where they can connect their mind and body." Momentum's classes start Sept. 14. People can visit momentumdanceohio.com or search for the business name on social network sites for additional information.