The music finishes its last few notes, and the group slides off the stage, running to the dressing rooms, flinging their tap heels into their bags and slipping on their jazz shoes for their next dance. Beth’s Dance Center is ready to dive into their competition season.

Additionally, owner Megan Murray highlights the variety of styles Beth’s Dancenter embraces.

“I have been a teacher at Beth’s Dancenter for 11 years and the owner of the studio for 6 years,” said Murray “Our studio offers a variety of styles including Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Tap, Modern, Ballroom, Lyrical, Acrobatics/Tumbling, Musical Theater, Pom, and Irish.”

Murray looks back on her history as a dancer, and the person who inspired her.

“When I was younger, my dance teacher, Beth Thayer, passed away suddenly,” Murray said, “She wasn’t just a teacher; she was a mentor and a source of encouragement in my dance journey. Losing her was a shock, but it also became a powerful motivation for me to continue dancing. Through dance, I feel connected to her and her passion. It’s my way of continuing her legacy and keeping her spirit alive.”

Sophomore Lou Grafelman reflects on his goals for the upcoming season.

“My goal for the competition season is to get at least platinum on my tap dance, because although [my group is] really small this year I think we can still pull through and do really well,” Grafleman said. “Overall, I want to be able to come off the stage after every dance and know that that was my best run, and be proud of what I put on stage.”

Sophomore Willow Rynerson explains a typical competition day schedule.

“[First I] wake up early and get ready, [then I] head to comp to perform and compete, eat, and go back to the hotel to sleep,” Rynerson said, “This is the basic layout but it varies a lot based on schedule and other factors.”

Teacher Peyton Prentice shares her thoughts about the competition season and her hopes for her team.

“I’m looking forward to this competition season because both of my groups are going to an extra competition, so we get another chance to perform and it gives us a better idea overall of how we are doing,” Prentice said, “My lyrical group has had a crazy year so the fact that we’re making it to the finish line is already an accomplishment and I really want to see them perform that on stage with all the emotion they can because there’s a lot of potential for that group.”

Murray explains what competition means to her.

“Competition is more than just winning,” Murray said, “I can’t wait to see [our dancers] learn from the experience and walk away proud of their growth. Watching them grow, both on and off the stage, is what makes competition season so special for me.”

This season will stand out from other seasons because of the changes the studio has gone through. Murray reflects on what the studio has undergone.

“This year stands out because it’s a year of transformation for us—we’ve moved into a new studio, and for the first time, we have a space that truly feels like our own,” Murray said, “Having a place where we can build our vision has been a game changer. This year feels like a fresh start, and I’m looking forward to seeing how we continue to grow and evolve in this new dance home.”

Grafelman untangles his favorite part of the contest.

“I’m looking forward to the final days before our big competition, having done all the nit-picking, getting to work on more character work, and all the facials that bring life to any dance,” Grafelman said, “This year is my first year being in sort of the oldest group at the studio, or the largest group of a certain age you know, so to be at that sort of higher level means I really have to give everything my all.”

Murray notifies her favorite dance memories.

“My favorite dance memory isn’t just one—it’s a recurring experience that happens every time I watch my students achieve their goals and perform on stage,” Murray said, “Seeing them step onto the stage, give it their all, and then walk off stage with happiness is incredibly fulfilling.”

She illustrates her excitement for her students to perform.

“For competition season, I’m most excited about seeing my students step onto the stage and showcase all their hard work and dedication,” Murray said, “It’s such a rewarding experience to watch their confidence grow as they perform routines they’ve worked hard on all year.”