North Bay Woman

S P R I N G | S U M M E R 2 0 2 2 NORTH BAY WOMAN 13 then I started organizing recitals, and I thought; I should open a dance studio." Eighteen years later, Miss D has seen hundreds of girls literally grow up at the studio, often thinking, "What other coach gets to do that? I can't think of anything better; it's an expressive sport and an emotional sport." Perhaps the most emotional moment was when the studio had to shut down when the coronavirus hit. Miss D recalls making the painful decision to cancel the spring re- cital, even though many hours had already been spent on the routines, and the costumes had arrived at the studio. "I just cried. I didn't know what to do." But she persevered and set up virtual classes; some- thing she never imagined, and even led online exercise classes for the dancers and their families, as everyone was on lockdown. Then things got a little better and they were allowed to open for outside classes. "My husband cut pieces of dance flooring to bring out- side. It was grueling; pulling out the mats and barres every day, the cleaning, dealing with rats, rain, heat, then wildfire smoke, it was rough." Then came time for "Nutcracker" roles and rehearsals, but it was 2020, and theaters were still not open. Miss D did not let COVID-19 stop the show. She and Miss Jenna organized filming of the routines. Masks on, no audience, but the dancers got to dance. Then in the spring, when theaters were still not opening their doors, they turned the Just Dance Academy parking lot into an incredible outdoor venue. This time, we all cried. Miss Jenna also grew up at Just Dance Academy, danc- ing with Miss D since she was 7 years old. "I can't even imagine growing up without that second home and that safe space. No matter what was happen- ing at school; whether it was a good day or a bad day, I always looked forward to my time at Just Dance." Now, she is stepping into Miss D's shoes and will take over the studio as the new owner, when Miss D retires after the spring recital. "I am excited to honor the environment that Miss D es- tablished and to continue to make Just Dance a place of growth, discipline, and joy for young, growing dancers." "I see the spark in Jenna and I think; this is the right thing," Miss D says. It's also the right time, she says, because she's leaving the studio to be closer to her aging mom. "She has always been my No. 1 fan. My mom worked full time and still drove me to my dance studio, which was 40 minutes away, six days a week. She was there for every recital, every competition, she even made all of my cos- tumes." Miss D smiles as she shows me the Giselle costume her mom made for her when she was just 16. She is leaving it at the studio where another "Giselle" may wear it one day, just like the Snow Queen crown that was worn by Miss Jenna when she was just 16, and Elaina 16 years later, and every Snow Queen in between. Miss D is moving on, but the traditions will continue. "I feel so lucky and blessed that I have been able to do what I do. I've known for a long time that it's very special." n Left to right: Deanna Masgay, "Miss D," teaches ballet at the Just Dance Academy studio in 2022; rehearsal of "Swan Lake" on the outdoor stage that was created in the Just Dance Academy parking lot because of coronavirus restrictions in May 2021. – Photos by Pam Cook

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