Dance Studio To Celebrate 15th Anniversary At Upcoming Production

The Tiffany Wakeley Academy of Dance is celebrating 15 years in business! The Academy director and choreographer, Tiffany Wakeley Heintzman, graduated from Shenandoah Conservatory with a BFA degree in Music Theater. She worked professionally and was grateful that she had the chance to see much of the country while touring. Tiffany says that when her niece Maddie was born, she decided to return home to remain closer to her family and the wonderful Jamestown community.

Tiffany took over the former Lorraine School of Dance and has not regretted her decision. “I am so blessed to get up in the morning and do something I love; with students I love”.

The Academy’s annual production will take place Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. in the Southwestern School auditorium. This year’s theme is “Live Your Best Life, Work hard, Play Hard.” Representing the career of a Lepidopterist, who studies butterflies, are Eden Heintzman, Eliza Roushey, Sophie Jordan, Lauren Youngberg, Allison Ochocki, Arabella Washer, Amaya Jimenez, Tessa Rounds, Isabella Ballard, Emelie Thor, Natalie Brown, Breanna Horton, Katie Sauder and Graceen Mitchener.

This year is also very special as over 30 alumni are returning to participate in a dance number and will be dressed to portray how they are living their best life. Each year, the Academy collects donations for a cause. This year the money will be given to the Chautauqua County Unsolved Crime Unit. This will help in their efforts to solve the 35 cold cases in the county, including that of Mrs. Tiffany’s Aunt, Patricia Fairbanks, who was murdered at the age of 14.

Tickets for the show are $8 each. Tickets will be sold at the door for the Thursday night performance, but Friday’s show is sold out. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Southwestern Central School Choral Department.

Tiffany would like to thank the dancers, parents and families who have supported her. Cheers to 15 years of dance!