EHS grad and Rams cheerleader prepares to open her own studio
by Julia Biggs
The Intelligencer
August 22, 2013
Edwardsville High School 2006 graduate Chelsea LaBrie is about to make her dreams a reality. The St. Louis Rams Cheerleader is embarking on a career as an entrepreneur by opening Prima Dance and Tumbling in Edwardsville on Sept. 3.
LaBrie said that she has danced since the age of 3. Throughout her childhood she danced and competed at a local dance studio and as a teen taught as an assistant dance teacher at Jam Dance Academy. “I was on EHS dance team for three years,” LaBrie pointed out.
After graduating from EHS in 2006, LaBrie attended Arizona State University for a year where she pursued a double-major in dance and interior design.
She returned to the Midwest attending Southern Illinois University Carbondale where she spent the next three years as a member of the Saluki Shakers Dance Team while she studied business. She also served as the Shakers captain for a year.
A couple of months after graduating from SIUC in 2010 with a degree in business, LaBrie decided that she wasn’t quite ready to hang up her dancing shoes. She tried out and was selected to be a St. Louis Rams Cheerleader and is currently beginning her third year in that role.
On Sept. 3 LaBrie will fulfill her life’s dream when she opens Prima Dance and Tumbling which is located at 2771 Route 66 Business Park Drive in Edwardsville – just west of Route 157 on Chain of Rocks Road.
Prima Dance and Tumbling will offer ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, tumbling, cheer, and Nia Kidz for children age 3 to 18. There’s also a mommy-and-me class for mothers and toddlers. Adult class options include Nia, yoga, tap, jazz and ballet. “All the fitness classes are for adults, and we’ll possibly have ballroom,” LaBrie noted.
LaBrie hopes to create a positive environment for all her students giving them poise, confidence, agility as well as learning the importance of health and fitness to carry with them forever. She also noted that competitive teams will be formed as there is a demand.
Opening her own dance studio was always part of her grand plan. “I knew I always wanted to – that’s why I went for a business degree,” LaBrie said. “I just knew I wanted to, and I just needed the funds to do so. I waited a couple of years and then got it moving.”
While the location of Prima Dance and Tumbling isn’t located in the middle of Edwardsville or Glen Carbon, LaBrie felt the location was perfect since it’s right off the interstate and is easily accessible for neighboring towns.
The 6,000-square-foot facility features two large dance studios and a 1,600-square-foot tumbling gym which LaBrie felt was a unique feature. “Besides the YMCA, this is the only studio in town that has both ballet and tumbling so we wanted to combine both. You can cross train in both and I think they both help each other out in the long run. And it’s just convenient to be in the same building and be able to not have to drive all the way across town to take gymnastics,” LaBrie said. “We saw the demand for that in the area. Also, we have a lot more space than any other studio. We’ll offer a lot more classes than a lot of the other local places.”
While the final touches are currently being completed to Prima Dance and Tumbling, classes are scheduled to begin Sept. 3. A full class schedule can be found at www.primadanceandtumbling.com. Register for classes online or call 656-FAME.
LaBrie is hosting an open house from 3 p.m. To 7 p.m. on Aug. 28 at her new facility where those interested can visit for a tour and also meet the instructors. Anyone interested in seeing the facility who can’t make it to the open house is encouraged to call to schedule a time to stop by for a private tour.
Just days away from her 25th birthday, the young entrepreneur wasn’t the least bit daunted about the endeavor she was about to embark upon.
“I’ve danced since I was 3,” LaBrie said. “I just have always had a passion for it. And the best business venture you could do is something that you’re passionate about. I’ve just always wanted to share it with someone else.”
Visit Prima Dance and Tumbling’s website or Facebook page for additional information. Call 656-FAME or email LaBrie at primadanceandtumbling@gmail.com with any questions.
