Venerable studio grows from humble beginnings

Shortly after opening her dance studio in 1984, Boni Schuetz hung a wooden sign —similar to others displayed throughout the Panther Creek Village Center at the time—outside her business. Since she was being charged by the inch, in a cost-saving measure Schuetz shortened her name, originally Bonnie, to fit on the sign, not knowing the name would stick more than 25 years later.

Now, with more than 1,600 enrolled students, Schuetz owns a 15,000-square-foot facility with seven studios and 50 employees—and her original sign is still displayed on the front porch.

"We've built our school on a personal touch, and it's really all about the kids," she said.

Schuetz began dancing at the age of 8, and started teaching children by the time she turned 16. When she moved to The Woodlands in 1982, Schuetz was working in banking, but began teaching neighborhood children how to dance from her garage.

"In 1984, they began building Panther Creek, and my husband told me if I was going to start a studio that I should do it in the heart of The Woodlands," she said. "I went out on a big limb, and we started with one room in Panther Creek and 100 students."

Terry Lowrance has worked at Boni's since the first week the studio opened. Although she now serves as the administrative director, Lowrance still finds time to teach when needed.

"My favorite thing to do is be in the classroom," she said. "It's always good to start the day with those precious angels."

Boni's starts accepting students at the age of 14 months for a Mommy and Me class, after which they move on to motor development, pre-ballet and various other forms of dance classes such as tap, hip-hop, modern, lyrical and ballroom.

"Anyone can come here and we can take them to the professional level," Schuetz said. "That's what this is all about: getting these kids ready to do whatever they want to do, be it Broadway, a ballet company or a modern company. It's so rewarding to us."

Throughout the years, students from Boni's have gone on to perform with several not- able dance companies around the country and in New York and Canada.

"I think our biggest compliment is when alumni bring back second generation dancers," Schuetz said. "We love that."

Additionally, Schuetz offers her dancers the opportunity to participate in two different dance companies.

"It's an opportunity for those kids to get out and compete and grow their confidence," Schuetz said.

Boni's dcor

Owner Boni Schuetz designed her dance studio by putting thought into live accompaniment and wall decorations.

Woodlands architect Tom Lancaster designed the studio in the early '90s.

Various French words are painted on the walls of the facility since the teachers use the language during classes.

"I have a beautiful antique baby grand piano that we use in our senior ballet classes," Schuetz said. "Live accompaniment is so old school, but so important."

Boni's Dance Studio, 9102 Forest Crossing, The Woodlands, 281-292-6121, www.bonisdance.com