By Eli Ruiz
LIBERTY— August 30, 2005 – Residents of Liberty will soon have a new place to learn dance.
In September, Liberty resident and Washington, Ct. native Ray Smith will be opening De-Da’s Dance Studio in the Liberty Fitness Center at 85 North Main Street in the village.
Smith, 37, who will be making his first foray into the business world, has named his first business after his grandmother who passed away in 1991. He noted that his late grandmother is “the inspiration for all I do in life.”
Smith, who began dancing at the age of 5 in a small theatre in Connecticut moved to New York City a few years back and appeared in some off-Broadway shows. He then moved to Sullivan County and joined the TRIAD Dance Company.
He began working at the New Age Health Spa in Neversink and started to use the Liberty Fitness Center in Liberty for his workouts when he caught the attention of owner Cindy Fracasse.
“I couldn’t help but notice his talent,” Fracasse said.
So Fracasse offered him the opportunity to begin a cabaret class and De-Da’s was born.
“I am very excited to begin working with my talented assistants Kelsie Stoddard, Erin Slaver and Taylor Fracasse,” Smith said.
The school will feature tap dance, jazz, ballroom, beginner ballet, musical theatre, steps and hip-hop.
“All gym staff has been trained and is eager to take registrations for the school,” Cindy Fracasse said.
Smith said that he would like to thank Cindy Fracasse, Kelly Boiling, both his parents, Meghan Scanllon, David Spina and, first and foremost, his “guardian angel,” grandma De-Da.
For more information about De-Da’s Dance Studio, please call 292-0756.