Montezuma couple purchases Be Brave Dance Company

Be Brave Dance Company in Montezuma has a new owner.
         Macy Taylor, a 2013 Montezuma graduate, former dance student and dance coach and her fiancé, Justin, have purchased the business, located at 115 S. 4th St., from Haley Loftin.
         Taylor said she learned about the opportunity in February and she and Justin thought it over and felt it was an amazing opportunity.
         “This will bring a huge change for Justin’s and my life, but we are more than ready for the change,” said Taylor. “We make a great team and he has been extremely supportive through this decision.”
         Taylor will take the reins of the business on June 1. In the early stages, she will work with Loftin in order to finish up business that was put on hold due to COVID-19. They are hopeful to be able to reschedule the dance recital, which was canceled due to the pandemic.
         “In the same time, I will be preparing for a registration date (virtually if need be) for families to sign up their children for the 2020-21 dance season,” she said.
         In the meantime, Taylor has been busy working ahead and planning future choreography ideas for the studio in the fall.
         “Allowing myself to work ahead is going to be beneficial when the time comes (to open the doors) and life gets busy again,” said Taylor.
         Taylor said the studio name will remain the same under her and Justin’s ownership.
         “I like the idea of using “Be Brave Dance” or “Be Brave Dance Co.” to shorten it up, but the name meant a lot to Haley and when taking over the studio, I agreed to keep the name,” said Taylor. “The name is strong and associates great with Montezuma and I plan to continue that strength within the community.”
        Taylor took dance lessons from Miss Traci (Gregory), as she was called, the former owner of the dance studio, until about sixth grade.
         “I loved to dance, but wanted to pursue racing with my brother so I chose that hobby instead,” she said of her early teen years.
         Taylor was involved with the cheer squad through junior high and high school and did one year of Color Guard (flags) with Brian Nolton her senior year at Montezuma.
         “I have always had a passion in dancing, but that passion really grew when I moved to Kentucky,” said Taylor. “While there, I worked together with a friend and did a Zumba (dance fitness) class and together, we would choreograph pieces and teach anybody who joined our classes. It was a great way to exercise and stay busy, but also have fun and for some to step outside their comfort zone a little bit.”
         This past year, Taylor served as co-coach of the Montezuma Dance Team with Vanessa Hilton and she said it was an amazing experience.
         “We had the ability to work with some amazing high school dancers and their passion toward dance really pushed me to take on this studio,” she said.
            Taylor said the community and family support has been unbelievable throughout the process.
“I have very high hopes and expectations for myself as I begin this new journey and plan to make the community proud,” she said. “If anybody has any questions as the ownership changes, do not hesitate to reach out to me on Facebook, Macy Nicole Taylor.”