The arrival of autumn also ushered in a new local business.  A new dance studio, On Pointe Dance and Movement, took a leap of faith when investing in a location in Eaton. 

On Pointe Dance and Movement is owned and operated by Melissa Jacobson, who said she recently moved to Eaton and fell in love with what Eaton had to offer. “It’s a perfect community because it is family based, and being a mom of three, it is super important to me. It seems undeserved because there is a lot of talent and interest along with a lot of people who could benefit from dance, movement, yoga, and overall health,” Jacobson said. 

Jacobson’s dance background is primarily classical ballet, but she also has experience in styles of modern, jazz, hip hop, B-girling, and most recently, yoga. She began training in classical ballet in 1986, and opened her first studio in Modesto, California in 2005. Since then she has continued to share her passion and knowledge of dance and movement with communities where she has lived. 

After exploring the town, Jacobson is hoping to become more involved in the Eaton community by getting involved with the school district. She said kids have a “super duper special place in my heart,” so she hopes to enhance the lives of the younger generations. Her vision is to teach mindfulness, yoga, and inner peace to children. 

She would love to work with everyone who is involved with movement, music, or theatre. “I can make the prom queen stand a little prettier, I can make the cheerleader jump a little higher, and I can make the band stand a little taller,” Jacobson said. Her studio motto is “Healing hearts through arts”, so she hopes to fulfill this statement by reaching out to every community member.

On Pointe Dance and Movement hopes to create a welcoming environment for the Eaton community. “I want to give them an opportunity to explore life through the eyes of an artist through a studio environment. I want them to feel safe to try something new and to hopefully have a place for families to bond. I want a place for parents to dance with kids, couples to dance together, and a place for siblings to dance together,” Jacobson said. She believes that not only the dancing and teaching sets her studio apart, but also the people that she teaches. She personalizes her classes to the needs of her clients.

 Her class offerings include ballet, pointe, hip hop, graceful movement, creative dance, rhythm and movement, baby and me, adaptive movement, and private lessons. She prides herself on teaching a variety of ages ranging from newborn to adult. All ages and abilities are welcome at On Pointe Dance and Movement to learn the art of dance. 

On Pointe Dance and Movement will be holding open enrollment on November 1. To contact Jacobson for information, visit her Facebook page On Pointe Dance and Movement or email at [email protected]