Chances are, you've likely heard or seen the saying "Tulare, We've Got It" while driving along Highway 99.
This can take on many meanings-- from movie theatres, to shopping, and great restaurants.
But the saying rings true when it comes to talent, too!
Just ask Kimberly Parson, AKA Miss Kim, owner and operator of STEPS Dance Studio.
"Our Competition Teams compete at a regional and national level every year and we attend at least 5 competitons per year!" she says. Dancers with STEPS recently qualified for the National SHOWSTOPPERS competition."Our dancers are always asked to perform at all local events and charity events."
The school-- which has been around since July of 2009-- offers a wide range of classes: Mommy & Me, Creative Movement, Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Modern, Cheerleading, Gymnastics and Theater. Some students are as young as one year old!
One of the biggest draws is Miss Kim herself! She has been dancing for more than 24 years, "studying from the best I could find!" she says. She also headed East, to attend an Instructors Institute in New York City. But she always had the goal in mind to stay in the South Valley. "The best part is to be involved in the community where I was raised," says Miss Kim. "I still get to see all my friends and teachers from school! I also love being in a small town where everyone knows everyone and I get to see my dancers and parents on a daily basis!" Miss Kim also prides herself on running a family-friendly operation. "They are age appropriate costumes and music-- very tasteful and never inappropriate!" she says. This also includes keeping parents in the loop at all times. "We have a website and a facebook that is updated multiple times during the day... we are always there to answer any questions or concerns during or even after studio hours."
STEPS is in Tulare, but draws students from Visalia, Lindsey, Porterville, Hanford and Lemoore.
"[We] continue to add students to the roll sheets weekly," says Miss Kim. "I guess you could say good news travels fast."
For More Information on STEPS Dance Studio, you can view the website or stop by the location at 1515 E. Tulare Avenue.
You can also call (559)688-STEP.
