BUSINESS

New Destin studio ‘Envision’ offers diverse dance classes from ballet to hip hop

When Ali Gorman learned that her daughters’ dance studio was closing, she knew she had to act fast to preserve the dance community they loved. Her solution? Open a new studio in the same location.

• Envision Dance Studio, located at 4489 Commons Drive West A/B in Destin (next to HomeGoods), is the result of Gorman’s quick thinking and collaboration with studio and artistic director Tammie Roman. 

The studio, which opened without any downtime after the previous one closed in June, aims to provide a space where dancers of all ages can continue to learn, grow, and express themselves through movement.

“When we found out that it was closing, they were devastated and so was I because this is a really unique and talented community of dancers,” Gorman said. “It was actually a joke with other dance moms, I said, ‘don’t tempt me with a good time.’ And here I am.”

Gorman, a CPA by trade with a background in dance, partnered with Roman, an experienced dance instructor who had been teaching at the previous studio for five years. Their collaboration brings together Gorman’s business acumen and Roman’s dance expertise to create a space that feels both fresh and familiar to returning dancers.

• “From the beginning, the collaboration between myself and the Gormans was just such a natural fit,” Roman said. “I immediately knew that this was going to be the start of something really amazing.”

The transition to the new studio was seamless, with only a couple of hours of downtime between the closing of the old studio and the opening of Envision. The quick turnaround was important to Gorman and Roman, who wanted to ensure that the dancers had a continuous space to practice and grow.

“The beauty of that situation is that we were able to take over the space and the teachers wanted to stay,” Gorman explained. “It still feels like home to a lot of the dancers because the community is able to stay together.”

While the studio’s location remains the same, Envision has made significant improvements to the space. New floors have been installed, featuring a state-of-the-art “Sprung Floor” system with a special foam base and a Marley top layer made of PVC material. This flooring is designed to protect dancers’ bodies while being suitable for multiple dance styles.

Envision Dance Studio offers a wide range of classes for dancers aged 3 through adult. The studio’s offerings include ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop, creative dance, improvisation, and pointe. They also provide specialty classes focused on strength and flexibility, as well as a company prep class designed to help dancers prepare for auditions and competitions.

Roman, who began her dance journey at the age of three, brings a wealth of experience to her role as studio director and artistic director. Her pre-professional training in Albuquerque, New Mexico, inspired her to pursue a serious career in dance and ultimately led her to teaching.

• “As I gained more experience, I recognized how my teachers had inspired a love and passion for dance within me. I wanted to be able to continue that legacy,” Roman said. “I wanted to bring that same gift to the next generation of dancers.”

The studio’s philosophy centers on fostering individual growth and creativity while maintaining a strong sense of community. Roman emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive environment where every dancer feels welcome and supported.

“We’ve worked really hard to create the perfect blend of technical precision in dance education with compassionate and supportive teaching practices,” Roman said. “We believe that kindness in teaching and acceptance and inclusivity are so important, and we love these kids for who they are and they all bring different gifts as individuals.”

Envision Dance Studio caters to a variety of dance interests and skill levels. In addition to their recreational program, they offer an elite competition team that travels to events outside the local area. This provides dancers with the opportunity to experience the competitive aspect of dance and gain valuable stage time.

• The studio also works closely with local school dance teams, offering specialized classes to help these dancers improve their skills. They’ve developed a flexible schedule to accommodate students’ extracurricular activities, ensuring that dancers can participate in both school teams and studio classes.

“It’s incredibly beneficial for anyone on a dance team to come and take additional technical training,” Roman explained. “We’ve developed some special classes to help those dancers improve and we’ve collaborated with them.”

Beyond the physical benefits of dance, Envision Dance Studio emphasizes the cognitive and social advantages of dance education. Their early education dance program, developed in partnership with a school teacher, focuses on more than just dance steps. Young dancers learn balance, coordination, motor skills, and social interaction in a group environment.

• “Studies have shown improvement in memory and in brain function through regular participation in dance classes.  As students learn choreography and practice new skills, they are building healthy brains which positively impacts growth and development,” Roman said.

The studio also places a strong emphasis on building confidence through dance. Annual recitals provide all dancers, not just the competition team, with the opportunity to showcase their skills and growth on stage.

“All of our dancers get an opportunity to dance on stage and to show what they’ve learned,” Roman added. “They get to bloom as a person and be proud of what they’ve worked on throughout the year.”

As Envision Dance Studio prepares for its first full season, Gorman and Roman are focused on spreading the word about their new venture.

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MILITARY

Air Force to build new child development center in Crestview to meet growing demand

The U.S. Air Force announced plans to construct a new child development center (CDC) in Crestview, to address the growing childcare needs of military families north of the Eglin Test and Training Range.

• The facility, scheduled for completion by the end of 2028, will accommodate approximately 250 children from eligible families.
• This expansion is part of a broader effort by the Departments of the Air Force and Army to increase access to childcare for military families near Eglin Air Force Base.

Over the past year, the Air Force has taken several steps to enhance childcare options. These include joining the Florida Apprenticeship Program to boost staffing at the Eglin CDC, opening two additional classrooms, and restoring a CDC on Eglin AFB that will care for more than 118 children.

The service has also more than doubled its certified Family Childcare (FCC) homes, now totaling 17 with a capacity for 102 children. Applications for 13 more FCC homes are in process, which could increase capacity by an additional 72 children.

• The Army is contributing to these efforts by hiring a Parent and Outreach Specialist and initiating a one-year pilot program this fall to provide various childcare support options for up to 100 active-duty Army families, according to Eglin.

Both services are working with Eglin’s Child and Youth Programs to offer extended care hours as needed. They are also collaborating with a local commercial childcare provider planning to open a new facility in Crestview by late 2025.

The Air Force and Army will monitor childcare needs and review the effectiveness of these measures every six months, reporting to leadership to ensure demand is met or to identify if additional resources are required, according to Eglin.

Land acquisition for the new Crestview CDC will follow the completion of the ongoing National Environmental Policy Act process, with the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Record of Decision expected in January 2025.

• A draft EIS is currently open for public comment until Aug. 26, with a public hearing scheduled for Aug. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Warriors Hall in Crestview.

Families seeking childcare can request services through militarychildcare.com, a Department of Defense website providing information on military-operated and military-subsidized childcare options worldwide. Additional resources for childcare assistance include the AF Family Child Care, Army Community Outreach Program Manager, and the Kinderspot app for weekly childcare needs.

GIVING BACK

Injured puppy rescued after being thrown from car window in Okaloosa County

A 6-month-old puppy is fighting for her life after being thrown from a car window in Okaloosa County, according to the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).

The puppy was found injured and neglected on Monday, July 29. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Department and PAWS Animal Control responded to the scene and rushed the animal to an emergency veterinarian, where she received a critical blood transfusion.

PAWS officials say the puppy is still in critical condition and faces a long recovery process. The organization is seeking donations to cover the animal’s medical expenses.

• “This brave pup is still not out of the woods and has a long journey ahead to heal,” PAWS stated in a press release. “She’s in bad shape and urgently needs medical attention to have a fighting chance.”

The animal welfare organization is calling on the public for support, emphasizing that every donation will help provide the puppy with necessary care. PAWS has set up an online donation form for those wishing to contribute to the puppy’s medical fund.

PAWS promises to provide updates on the puppy’s condition as her treatment progresses. Click here to donate.

A MESSAGE FROM CONTRACTORS CONNECT

Contractors Connect invites Building Industry to August networking event

Contractors Connect, a quarterly networking event for the building industry, is set to return on Thursday, Aug. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at AJ’s Grayton Beach. The event, sponsored by Builders FirstSource of the Emerald Coast, aims to bring together contractors, subcontractors and other specialists in the construction field.

• The cost to attend is $20, which includes one free draft beer, light appetizers and the chance to win door prizes. The event provides an opportunity for industry professionals to network, share insights and explore potential collaborations.

John Pugh, Builders FirstSource Emerald Coast sales manager, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming event, citing the success of the previous gathering in May.

“We were incredibly impressed with the turnout at the Contractors Connect event back in May,” Pugh said. “It was inspiring to see so many industry leaders gathered in one place, exchanging ideas and forging new connections.”

Contractors Connect, originally started by The Hive Creative Consulting in 2017, was revived in May 2023 by Beespoke Consulting after a pause during the pandemic. The May event drew more than 100 attendees from various sectors of the building industry, including contractors, designers, realtors, bankers and insurance agents.

Sarah White, principal at Beespoke Consulting, noted the strong demand for such networking opportunities in the area. “We were blown away by the support from the building industry for our May event,” White said. “It’s clear this type of event is needed in our area, and we are excited to continue to expand it with an event in Bay County this October.”

In addition to the August event, Contractors Connect has scheduled two more meetups in South Walton for Nov. 14 and Feb. 6, 2025. A Bay County event is also planned for October.

The August gathering will feature representatives from Contractors Connect Industry Partners, including Savi Flooring & Tile, Framer Jacks and Painter Jacks. Networking Sponsors Dunlap & Shipman, JK Design Workshop and Core Craft will also be present. AJ’s Grayton Beach continues its role as the long-time Venue Sponsor.

• Builders FirstSource will use the event to highlight its charity of choice, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, inviting attendees to contribute to fundraising efforts for those affected by blood cancer.

For more information or to purchase tickets, interested parties can visit www.contractors-connect.com. Additional sponsorship opportunities are also available.

EDUCATION

‘Untapped potential’: Youth Village celebrates 25 years of nurturing Fort Walton Beach’s children

In a schoolhouse building on Anchors Street in the middle of Industrial Park, laughter and learning blend seamlessly as children of all ages engage in activities designed to help them grow. 

• This is Youth Village, a nonprofit childcare center celebrating its 25th anniversary this September, and the realization of founder Nellie Bogar’s vision to provide a safe, fun, and educational space for local youth.

“When it first started out, which was in September 1999, I just wanted to have a safe place,” Bogar reflected. What began as a simple after-school program has blossomed into a comprehensive childcare center serving children from ages 2 to 12, with a particular focus on those from low-income, single-parent households.

Bogar’s journey to founding Youth Village was unexpected. After a career in real estate, she volunteered with a juvenile probation officer, thinking she would work directly with children. When offered office work instead, Bogar voiced her desire to start an after-school program. With guidance and a grant from the Department of Juvenile Justice, Youth Village was born.

“I started out in real estate when I first got here from New Jersey. Then I decided that I didn’t want to show any more houses. I wanted to work with kids,” Bogar recalled. This desire led her to volunteer at her church, where she met Jimmy James, a juvenile probation officer who would later help her secure the initial grant for Youth Village.

The organization’s growth over the past quarter-century mirrors the changing needs of the community it serves. Initially catering to children aged 10-17, Youth Village expanded its age range as the Department of Juvenile Justice noted children were getting into trouble at increasingly younger ages. 

• Today, the center welcomes toddlers as young as 24 months, recognizing the critical importance of early childhood education.

“We prefer to call these young people ‘untapped’ because being untapped signifies the presence of undiscovered invaluable sources of hidden or suppressed strength or knowledge,” Bogar explained, highlighting the organization’s positive approach to working with what some people might label as “at-risk” youth.

Youth Village’s evolution is perhaps best exemplified by its move in November 2020 to a new 5,000-square-foot facility at 644 Anchors Street Northwest in Fort Walton Beach. This expansion allowed for the incorporation of the Youth Village Preschool Academy for children ages 3-5, broadening the center’s impact on early childhood development.

The journey to the new facility was not without challenges. “When I first came in and saw this building, it was a mess,” Bogar shared. However, with the help of community partners, including the Building Industry Association of Okaloosa-Walton Counties and the Red Horse Squadron, the building was transformed into a welcoming space for children and families.

Valerie Bogar, Nellie’s daughter and Youth Village’s director, spearheaded the creation of the Preschool Academy. 

• “We call it the Academy because we’re licensed and have a real curriculum, which is approved by the Florida State of Education,” Nellie Bogar explained. The curriculum focuses not just on academic skills, but also on social, emotional, and cognitive development.

The center’s approach to education is holistic and engaging. “We’re trying to teach the kids that learning is fun,” Bogar said. From reading circles to character development sessions, every activity is designed to nurture the children’s growth. Even the youngest learners are assessed, though they may not realize it as they play and explore.

Youth Village’s impact extends beyond the children to their families. The organization provides food assistance by way of Destin Harvest, hosts events like the annual Friendsgiving lunch, and offers parenting guidance. Bogar often finds herself becoming a mother figure not just to the children, but to their parents as well.

• “I try to teach the parents how important little moments are,” Bogar said, recounting instances where she’s encouraged parents to put down their phones and engage with their children. “Take a moment. I know you’re busy but take a minute to be present. Even while you’re cooking or whatever you’re doing, have your child sit at the table and read to you while you’re cooking.”

This emphasis on family engagement and holistic support sets Youth Village apart. The center isn’t just child care, but a community of support for families who may be struggling. Two stories stick out to Bogar immediately when reflecting on Youth Village’s impact locally.

The first story involves a transformative trip to New York City. In 2012, Youth Village won a grant from Southwest Airlines, receiving 40 round-trip tickets to New York as part of the airline’s 40th anniversary celebration. “Most of these kids hadn’t even left Okaloosa County,” Bogar recalled. 

• She shared a touching moment from the trip: “We had these two little boys, they were brothers ages 7 & 9, and they had never been on a trip anywhere. As we were on the plane going down the runway, the boys started screaming and hollering, they said, ‘we’re flying!’ They were crying and hugging each other. And we were only on the runway, we weren’t even in the air yet.”

The second story demonstrates Youth Village’s commitment to supporting families through difficult times. Bogar recounted a situation involving a father with four children – three girls and an older boy. The family came to Youth Village’s attention when one of the girls had an asthma attack on the school bus. Shortly after, Bogar learned that the children’s mother had recently passed away. 

“About three days later, there was a story in the newspaper. This man with his children. I said, “I know these children,” Bogar said. In response, Youth Village offered free care for all three of the man’s younger children. “I told the father that all three of your children are here free for as long as you want it,” Bogar explained. 

• The family stayed with Youth Village for about six years, receiving much-needed support during a challenging time.

As Youth Village looks to the future, it faces both opportunities and challenges. The center is licensed to serve up to 110 children but currently enrolls about 60 due to staffing limitations. “We need another teacher but we can’t afford another teacher,” Bogar explained, highlighting the ongoing need for financial support.

To address these needs and ensure the organization’s sustainability, Youth Village has launched a capital campaign. The “Help Us Grow Our Village” initiative offers naming rights for classrooms and other spaces within the center. This campaign aims to raise funds for operations, expand services, and potentially open another Youth Village location in the future.

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Youth Village is hosting a Community Circus Event in September….

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