BENNETTSVILLE — Fresh off the heels of the Marlboro Chamber of Commerce recognizing the Ivy Shop’s creative charm when selecting the florist as its business of the month in March, the Chamber shifted its focus in April to highlighting the dynamic Elevate Dance Academy, a thriving area business in Bennettsville since 2019.
The academy is owned and operated by professional dancer Courtney Barrington and located at 600 Broad Street.
“This is my first year being a member of the Chamber and we are super grateful for this honor,” Barrington said, adding that her business joined the Chamber last December.
Barrington said Elevate Dance Academy offers a range of competitive and recreational dances, including jazz, tap, ballet and hip-hop for ages 2 to 18.
Every year Elevate Dance Academy offers two showcase performances, typically hosted by the Marlboro Civic Center, and Barrington says their upcoming spring performance will also be held there.
“Its home to us,” said Barrington, who also grew up dancing on the Civic Center’s hallowed stage. “We hold most of our recitals and shows there — we really enjoy being there.”
The Academy’s spring performance — “Elevate Dance Academy presents Gatsby 2025-2026 Dance Recital” — will be held at the Marlboro Civic Center May 22 and 23.
Barrington said the Friday night show will feature her company and recreational dancers, and Saturday her company dance students will perform.
In addition to Barrington, the Academy is blessed with four talented instructors in Larah Springs, Brooklyn Woodside, Harley Booth, and Jordan Lowery.
Springs, who has been dancing with Barrington at the Civic Center since childhood, said it is an honor to be chosen by the chamber, recognizing Barrington’s seven years in business.
“I have been with Elevate Dance Academy since 2021 and it’s wonderful to see all the hard work and time Courtney, our instructors, and students, have put in paying off,” Springs said.
Chamber Director Gage Speight also said he was thrilled to bring publicity to such a beloved area business.
“As Director of the Board for the Marlboro Chamber of Commerce, I am proud to recognize Elevate Dance Academy as our business of the month. Since opening, Elevate Dance Academy has inspired countless students with a love for the arts, helping them build creativity, confidence, and discipline. Under Courtney’s leadership, the Academy has become a true cornerstone of our community, known for its excellence, and the positive impact it has on everyone who walks through its doors. We are honored to celebrate a business that truly elevates our community,” Speight said.