When Danyele Gardner started the South Carolina Dance Company (SCDC), she did so with the goal of training students in the art that she loved. “In my late twenties, I felt God was calling me to do more, and I wanted to open a business in Lexington, my hometown of 40 years. I had very little money in my bank account and said, ‘I’m going to open this dance studio.’ When you get a conviction, you have to act on it,” Gardner shared.
Two decades later SCDC has grown to two locations, hundreds of students, and approximately 30 staff members. “Dance has always been my passion. I started dancing as a young child, competed in dance competitions and pageants, and then started performing and teaching professionally,” Gardner said.
She continued, “I taught for studios and had many mentors who helped me develop my love for dance. I had people I truly looked up to, and I still look up to this day, who put the love of dance in my heart. And that’s what I want to do for these kids. For the kids who love ballet, we are going to guide you to become a ballerina. Or if they want to be a Rockette, we want to help them accomplish that – whatever their dream is.”
SCDC offers a variety of dance classes – including jazz, acro, tumbling, contemporary, hip hop, lyrical, tap, all boys hip hop, ballet, and pointe. Classes start for students as young as toddlers. “We have classes for all ages and abilities and a wide variety and range of disciplines. Maybe you started dancing when you were younger. Maybe you didn’t start until you were a teenager, or maybe you’re an adult now wanting to learn how to dance. There are opportunities for all ages,” Gardner explained.
Gardner credits her amazing staff, students, and family for SCDC’s twenty years of success. Regarding her family, Gardner’s mother, late father, and husband have been there from the beginning. “My mom and dad have always been the backbone of my career and my life. They knew my opening a dance studio and having a family was going to be hard, but they were always there to help me. And my husband is a great father and supports me one hundred percent. I could not have done this without him … It takes a village to make this great studio run,” she shared.
A part of that village is her dedicated staff – some of whom have been with SCDC for fifteen years. “I have the best staff, some of them I’ve trained as students here,” she said. “They are the best staff and friends a woman could have. I couldn’t do this without them.” Gardner beamed, “My students are so amazing. They work so hard, and they deserve all the praise. That’s why we’re here – because of their goals and dreams.”