Studio B Dance & Fitness Supplies: About Us

Suzanne (Bernas) Mall opened Performing Arts Dance Academy in the Spring of 1994. She was the first tenant to move into the newly renovated plaza at 206 Lake Street. Robert Caldwell Photography was the second tenant to move his business into the plaza directly next to the dance studio. When Mr. Caldwell vacated his space in 1995, Performing Arts immediately stepped in to create a second classroom (known as Studio B). It was decided to use the front space to carry basic dancewear in the style and colors used by Performing Arts students. This made great use of space and became a convenient place to purchase dance supplies for parents.

As the community’s awareness of the business continued to grow, so did the need for even more space. In the summer of 2008, 1800 square feet on the opposite side of the dance studio became available. Performing Arts had long outgrown its small dance supply store. Plans were laid to move the store into the newly available space.

The store, known as "Studio B Dance & Fitness Supplies", opened December 13, 2008. A formal ribbon cutting ceremony and open house was held on May 16, 2009. The new store, designed in an art deco style as a vintage movie theater, is now able to carry more of a variety of merchandise that will cater to the entire Southtowns dance and fitness community.

By July of 2009, Studio B was receiving national attention. The store was chosen as the spotlight store for an issue of Dance Retailer News. The trade magazine recognized the unique shopping experience that Studio B owner Suzanne Mall created when she designed the store as a vintage movie theater. The store was again featured in Dance Retailer News in the March 2010 issue for its whimsical spring window display that incorporates a working fountain and tutu garden.