Performance dance studio thrives

Music greets you entering the Dancerfli Productions! studio next door to Iron Accents at 117 W. Sisters Park Dr. in the industrial park. Peak through the curtained door and you’ll likely see dancers under the direction of a young woman completely in her element, Sundi McClain.

McClain, who is originally from Roseburg, and her husband Robb were traveling through the area earlier this year, decided Sisters was “the place” and opened the studio August 8.

In short order, McClain has built classes with more than 60 dancers ranging in age from three to adult and has a vision to add to that number and provide at least two community-wide performances a year to showcase them.

The first of those productions is actually already on the calendar for January 21 at Sisters Middle School.

“It’s not going to be just a recital, it’s going to be a show open to the public with up to 15 separate performances,” said McClain.

McClain, who holds a masters degree in Dance Pedagogy from the University of Idaho, is currently teaching fusion, theatre dance, hip-hop and for the more mature set, a class called “Dancing Divas.” She plans to add another women’s class in January during the early afternoon.

“There are moms out there who want to dance, but need to have a time slot during school hours, so I hope this will work out for them,” she said.

Her classes for children are open to both girls and boys.

“I have two boys in the hip-hop class and would really like to add to that number,” she said.

Her style of fusion melds jazz, hip-hop and modern dance.

“I’m a very eclectic dancer and like to create new combinations,” she said.

Her introductory class for three-to-five year olds is called “The Beat Under My Feet” which helps her youngest students learn to move to the music.

McClain, 35, insists she has been dancing “since birth” thanks to her mother’s involvement as a director, writer and artist.

“Performing is in my blood and I love being able to pass on my passion for performance to others,” she said. “Plus it keeps me young.”

McClain believes that performance dancing can play a key role in building confidence, stage presence and community.

“When we’re on stage we’re telling a story to the audience by interpreting the music in our own way,” she said. “It takes a lot of practice, poise and self-assurance to pull off a performance and I’m excited to be able to make that happen for people.”

McClain’s husband works as program director for the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Bend. The couple have two children, Kyliann, six, and Chase, two.

For more information call 410-3426.