Popular Dance Studio Moving in Maplewood

Local business owner Erin "Lindi" McDonald first dreamed of launching her own dance studio when she was just 14 years old.

After dedicating more than 15 years to the art of dance and music, she achieved that dream in 2008 with the opening of Studio Forté, a studio with dance classes ranging from age 3 to adult. 

But McDonald said her success has meant that she's outgrown her old space on Manchester Road; she is moving the studio to the 2907-2911 block on Sutton Boulevard, across the street from the .

McDonald offers ballet, tap, hip-hop and jazz classes, but looks forward to expanding her repertoire in the brand new location, which is triple the space.

"I'm excited to start a 'Mommy and Me' class and a wedding dance prep class for couples wanting to learn a special dance," McDonald said. "There's enough space here to do that now."

McDonald chose to stay in Maplewood because of her loyal client base.

"Sixty percent of my kids are from the Maplewood community," said McDonald. She describes the community as "tight knit" and exactly what she was looking for when she moved here eight years ago.

The sole teacher of 130 students, McDonald works hard, but said the pay-off is more than worth it.

"You get to know the kids almost like they are your own," McDonald said, who has been in the business long enough to see some children grow from toddlers to teenagers. McDonald also teaches private piano lessons to children and adults of all ages and abilities.

"I love what I do, and this is a complete dream come true," McDonald said. "I can't sleep at night because I'm so excited."

The studio is being renovated and is scheduled to open the third week of January, McDonald said.

She has received approval for a conditional use permit from the Maplewood City Council twice and is waiting for a third and final approval at the Jan. 10 council meeting before she opens her doors.