Bear River’s dance program is leaping into the school year with a new dance studio.

The new studio in Room G9, which serves the dance program at Bear River, was designed by Joyce Gouveia. Mrs. Gouveia was instrumental in designing the new facility.

“It’s really nice to have a place for dance to call our own, ” she said. “Now we have a space.”

Dance students all agreed that the new studio was an outstanding surprise.

“I like how it’s made for dancers to feel welcome,” said Amy Burcham, a sophomore. “In the gym it doesn’t feel very dance friendly. In the dance room everyone has a place in the mirror.”

Ivy Pool, a junior, said it was nice to finally have a dance room.

“I think it’s nice to have floor length mirrors and art on the walls. I wish I could rehearse in there more often.”

An artistic new addition to the studio is an elegant, hand-painted mural of two life-size dancers paused in the midst of a movement. Mrs. Gouveia said that Bear River alumna Anya Stewer painted the mural. Stewer came in over summer to include the painting in the studio.

The dance room will be put to much use by the dance program.

“It’s going to be for rehearsals, after school, and sometimes in the morning,” Mrs. Gouveia said.