Creative Movement Center reopens in new location

by Dan Holland

For Broadview Heights resident Hayley Weiss, owner of Creative Movement Center, moving from her previous locale at 203 E. Royalton Rd. into her new expanded space at 1 Eagle Valley Court was a journey of joy nearly three years in the making. The new 8,100 square-foot location, which features four dance studios, nearly triples the space of the former site.

“We needed the extra space, because we have production numbers we perform with up to 60 kids,” explained Weiss. “We had to take them outside at times to rehearse, as we never had the room in the past. So, I can’t wait to see that many kids together in one room.”

The business, which has grown gradually over the last 15 years, has a staff of 11 for approximately 475 students. Instruction includes training in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, point, ballroom, hip hop, Broadway/theater jazz and voice lessons.

The process of renovating and reconfiguring the building, which formerly housed Peak Performance Center, took approximately six months to complete. Weiss gives credit to her builder, Max & Associates of Strongsville, for enabling her to open on time at the new location.

“Six months’ time isn’t that long considering how much work had to be done in here, and they got it done almost exactly to the day, which is almost unheard of,” said Weiss. “We’ve always opened the day after Labor Day for the last 15 years, so they knew it had to be open on time.”

“I took a leap of faith on moving into this bigger space, but so far so good,” she continued. “When the families first walked in here, the little kids’ eyes got so big, and a lot of people were in tears as they were so emotional about the move and the new space. Many of these families have been with me for 15 years now.”

An official ribbon-cutting event attended by city officials, employees, family members and friends was held Aug. 28.

“Since I opened my studio nearly 16 years ago, everyone in Broadview Heights has looked out for me and helped me along the way, and I feel a strong attachment to the community,” said Weiss. “So, I did not look outside of Broadview Heights. That may be why it took so long to find a new space, but I just really wanted to stay here.”

Weiss opened a second business within the same building complex in late September called Main Street Play & Café, a boutique indoor play space and café for children up to 7 years of age. The Eagle Valley locale has become a one-stop, family-oriented health and wellness destination, she added.

“This whole plaza now has become a health and wellness destination, as there’s dance, tennis, swimming, fitness, a play café – everything you could want in one tucked-away locale. There’s also MetroHealth Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy right next door. It’s a wellness center for families and people of all ages, and I’m proud to be a part of it all.”

A philosophy of meeting each student in his or her own walk has served Weiss well over the years.

“We focus on the whole child and meet each child wherever they are in their life and dance experience through individualized instruction,” said Weiss. “We have inclusive classes for children with special needs, and we meet kids wherever they are. It’s the happiest play ever for families and kids.” ∞