Stage I Dance Academy began in 1962 under the direction of Beverly Smithey when she was just 15 years old. Stage I’s home was Ms. Beverly’s parents' basement. Once she married her husband, Bill, they moved the studio to their home. The studio continued to grow and outgrew their basement, so the studio was moved to 135, just south of County Line Rd. in Greenwood. We called that location home for 35 years until we moved to our current location in May 2013.

Stage I is blessed with a brilliant faculty composed of current dance professionals, Stage I alumni, retired professional dancers, college professors, and a previous gymnastics gym owner. Our front desk staff members are dance mom alumni and current dance moms.

We find age-appropriate costuming, attire and music of utmost importance. That’s why you’ll never find your child dressed in a costume showing their midriff and we always wear tights. Also, you will never need to worry about the music played in class. Most of our music comes from a production company in Los Angeles, California that produces music specifically for dance studios.

We hope that you feel welcome as you join our Stage I Family. We truly strive to make our studio a place where you want to spend time for many years to come. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for allowing us to play a small role in your child’s development. We are honored and blessed! Looking forward to getting to know you!