By Carmen Rodgers
Elmore Autauga News
Dancing has been Grayson Elijah’s passion for most of her life. Dance is a gift that has taken her to many places and helped her reach her dreams. Now, she hopes to give others that same opportunity through Studio 1 Eleven. The dance studio is located at 2747 Holtville Rd, AKA Hwy.111. And while you may think the name is associated with the address, it has a deeper meaning.
The phone number assigned to the studio also contained two ones, or an eleven, only serving as further affirmation that this dance studio was truly meant to be.
“My mom said, ‘It would be so cool if we could put 11 or One 11 in your phone number.’ I was like, actually, let me look. I didn’t even know what my number was. I looked at it, and I told her, ‘It’s in there’. So, that was the significance behind Studio 111 and it’s more than just our location.”
The phone number is 334-322-0011.
“I looked up one, one, one, to see the significance of it. It talked about being complete and being unified and the grace of God, and how everything’s in His timing. And it just really touched my heart, because this whole process has been one thing after another, a coincidence. But it’s not a coincidence. God’s in control,” Grayson said. “It’s so funny the one, one, one, that number keeps popping up randomly here and there. And I’m like, alright, God.”
Grayson earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Troy University where she was Dance Captain. She was also President of Southern Union’s Dance Program.
“It’s always been my dream to open a dance studio,” Grayson said. “It’s like my second home.”
Grayson graduated from Prattville High School and her parents live in Pine Level. She recently got married. Her husband, Holt, is from Wetumpka. Seeing a need for a competitive dance studio in her husband’s hometown, she decided to open Studio 1 Eleven.
Studio 1 Eleven offers a variety of dance classes and additional services designed to inspire and engage. Their dance classes cater to all ages and skill levels, encouraging creativity and personal growth. Workshops and intensives provide specialized training to help dancers refine their skills and explore new styles. The studio also creates Performance Opportunities, giving dancers the chance to showcase their talents and build confidence on stage. Beyond dance, Studio 1 Eleven hosts community events that celebrate movement and foster connection within the community.
At Studio 1 Eleven, all children are welcome, regardless of skill level. Grayson understands that each child is unique and aims to embrace and foster that individualism.
“Every child has a different journey, and I want to encourage them to take whatever avenue they feel is best for them as a person and encourage them to be well-rounded human beings and be able to be independent and make those decisions for themselves.”
Studio 1 Eleven also offers adult dance classes.
Grayson is deeply passionate about the arts and is dedicated to sharing that enthusiasm. She aims to uplift and motivate others through dance.
“I just really want to be a positive role model for young kids and encourage them to try something in the arts because a lot of times the arts are forgotten about, especially in the South, and it is important because it teaches you a lot about not only how to present yourself in the classroom, but also lifelong skills,” she explained.
Involvement in the arts can enhance students’ critical thinking, boost creativity, and improve academic achievement.
Grayson always dreamed of owning a dance studio. She always knew her dreams would come true, but didn’t know it would be sooner rather than later.
“Everything fell into place perfectly,” she said. “I didn’t think I’d be doing it 23. I thought I would be doing it at 40 years old. But I’m glad it happened the way it did.”
For those who are interested but may have never taken dance lessons, Studio 1 Eleven is hosting a Drop-in class for anyone who is interested in joining the studio but wants to try it out before making a full commitment to join. Drop-in Classes are available throughout May.
“I want to encourage everyone to try it. And it may not be for them, it’s not for everyone. But I want them to come see and try it,” she said.
For more information about Studio 1 Eleven, visit online at https://studio-1-eleven.com/.
