DANCING TO HONORS: STUDIO MARKS 10TH ANNIVERSARY WITH EXPANSION

Gaymarie Tomlinson has received the American Dance Achievement Award for 1992.

"I've been involved in dancing for 20 years," said Tomlinson, owner and instructor of the Royale Ballet and School of Performing Arts in downtown Cape Girardeau. "This award means a lot. It is presented each year to an outstanding instructor."

Tomlinson, who performed for a dance company in Orlando, Fla., before moving to Southeast Missouri, opened the Royale Ballet and School of Performing Arts a decade ago.

"We're observing our 10th anniversary here this month," she said. "We offer about 40 classes each week in the performing arts with an emphasis on dance and ballet. Our enrollment ranges between 225 and 250."

Tomlinson said she is looking toward expansion.

"We have two floors in our building here," she said. "Most of our classes are being taught on the ground-level floor, but we're looking to expand to the second floor."

The studio is at 15 N. Main.

"We have about 5,000 square feet on each floor," said Tomlinson. "Our main studio on the first floor is about 80 feet long. The studio upstairs will be about 50 feet long."

This could result in a significant enrollment increase, said Tomlinson. "We'll have facilities for more than 400 students."

Many of the students at the school take about three classes a week, said Tomlinson.

Also new this year will be a mini ballet company, said Tomlinson.

"We're adding the mini company, which will include ballet, tap and jazz, for young dancers between the ages of 6 and 7."

The studio has sponsored the Ballet Royale Midwest Performing Co. for a number of years for juniors, seniors and elite students.

"This group about 30 to 35 students has performed locally and nationally," said Tomlinson. "The group has appeared in competition from New York to California and from north to south.

"We've been fortunate," said Tomlinson. "We have some quality students here, and we have received many trophies in the competitions."

The mini group will also perform locally and regionally.

"We'll stay on a regional basis St. Louis to Memphis with the younger group," said Tomlinson.

"The studio's intent is to develop the students from the first lesson and give them professional training, whether they are studying for a career in dance or just for pleasure," said Tomlinson. "Some of our students receive dance scholarships to certain colleges and others hope to be dance performers or instructors."

Leigh Lindley, a former student, is assistant director and an instructor at the school.

"I've been involved in dancing since I was very young," said Lindley. "I've been in this school nine years and was involved in competitions until the past year."

"I also hope to utilize some of my students or former students as instructors when we expand," said Tomlinson. "We already have six people who serve as part-time instructors."

They are Jennifer Jones, Christy Wong, Davique Dumars, Emily Bolton, Tara Heisserer and Laine Lindley.

The school is a member of the Dance Masters of America Inc.

"This organization is not something you just join," said Tomlinson. "Instructors have to complete continuing education every year. This includes three days of testing."

When Tomlinson first opened her studio in 1982, she rented space at 45 N. Main.

"Our enrollment grew quickly," she said. "We had more than 150 students shortly after opening."

The studio moved to its present address in 1985.

"Voice and drama were added to the school's program at that time," said Tomlinson. Instruction includes ballet, tap and jazz, she said.

"Dancing is great for coordination," said Tomlinson. "Many of our students are gymnasts, ice skaters and cheerleaders. And dancing is not limited to girls; we have several boys in the classes."