ABOUT US

Our Story:

In May of 2020, following the year end recital and closure of Midwest Dance Synergy, a studio that had given over 15 years of service to the youth of our local area. Grant & Mariah Demke, Residents of Gallatin, MO set out to continue the services needed in this area by establishing Elite Arts Dance Academy. We determined that in order for us to be successful in this endeavor, we would need to combine Mariah’s extensive knowledge in dance and instruction with Grant’s many years of business management. We are making this journey to bring not only dance to the area but many other various styles of the performing arts.

With the tremendous help of Friends and Family, We officially opened Elite Arts Dance Academy in October of 2020. Over the past 5+ years we have been working to improve the dance academy and have added many to our staff who share with us, a love of the performing arts and a desire to expand the opportunities offered in our local area.

We plan to continue growing and adding new talent, programs & opportunities to our community in the future.

“I remember standing in the parking lot after the final MDS recital, waiting for Mariah and our kids when I overheard multiple questions like “What are we going to do now?” or “Where will we go?” from those students. Before that moment, I was disinterested in Dance. I was frustrated from all the long hours and weekends my wife put into her work. Mariah tried to convince me in taking over MDS months prior, but I decided it would be too much work for not much monetary gain. However, when I heard those questions and felt the sadness and fear of the students whose passion was slipping away. It hit me like a bag of tap shoes... I understood that passion, the fear of loss these students had, and I knew right then and there that WE had to "do this." I knew that this service must not end as it is an avenue of expression that would otherwise disappear.

I immediately set out to tell Mariah that I was onboard with the Studio only to learn she didn’t want to at that time. We were about to have our youngest child, and she was scheduled for surgery shortly afterward. I told her I knew it was supposed to be us doing the studio. After a week of me convincing her and us planning, we set out on this incredible journey.”

-Grant Demke

Co-Owner EADA