Lynnea (Walker) Ferrier, a 2005 Dowagiac Union High School graduate, has been dancing since 3 and teaching for nine years. Classes begin Sept. 13 at 113 Pennsylvania Ave. Her open house Aug. 5 and 6 runs from 6 until 8 p.m. (The Daily News/John Eby)

By JOHN EBY

Dowagiac Daily News

Lynnea Ferrier didn’t decide to dance at 3 — her mom, Linda Walker, made that determination — but she latched onto it with a passion until her life revolved around it six days a week.

Now she’s ready to take it to the next level, opening a dance studio at 113 Pennsylvania Ave. named Let’s Dance and Company.

It will be in the building owned by Mark Allen and Eric Rockafellow where Dowagiac youths once bought records to dance to from Curtis TV.

Ferrier, who had also been a prospect for the Daylight Donuts/pet shop storefronts for which Theresa Savidge and Cass County Council on Aging offered $30,000, just celebrated her first wedding anniversary July 11.

She and Nick Ferrier have known each other since fifth grade.

Lynnea, introducing her business venture during Summer in the City, plans an open house next weekend, Thursday, Aug. 5, and Friday, Aug. 6, to show off the studio.

Classes start Sept. 13.

Prices and schedules will be available at the open house. She will be open Mondays-Thursdays.

The 2005 Dowagiac Union High School graduate studied with Miss Kathy’s School of Dance (MKSOD) and taught there, 2001-2005.

Most recently, 2009-2010, she was dance instructor and competition leader for Michele Winchester’s company.

She has worked as a dance director for the Niles YMCA (2006-2009), taken master classes across the country and worked for Starz Academy, an Edwardsburg daycare facility.

Let’s Dance and Company will offer afternoon and evening classes in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, clogging, hip hop and pointe.

An adult zumba class will be offered for exercise and toning techniques.

“My family, friends and new husband encouraged me,” she said Thursday afternoon. “It’s all about the dancers. Dancing builds them as people and role models.”

A former Encore Dance Company member and a founding member of Miss Kathy’s Positively Dance troupe, Lynnea likewise plans a competition team.

Thanks to her footwork, Lynnea traveled to regional competition in Minnesota, Chicago and Grand Rapids, nationals in Florida, Las Vegas and New York and spent three weeks in Australia.

Call (269) 423-2233 or visit her Web site at www.letsdanceandcompany.vpweb.com.