Debbie Buckeye fell in love with dancing at the age of three. By age 15, she was teaching dance to others and dreaming of one day owning her own studio. Since then, dance has remained an integral part of her life. For the last 14 years, Debbie has run her own business, Buckeye Dance Steps.

With the goal of ensuring continued success, Debbie enrolled in the Business Management program at Brown Mackie College – Akron. She graduated in 2007 with an Associates of Applied Business degree. “I am impressed with the detail and dedication the faculty and staff hold toward students. They truly want us to succeed,” she said. Debbie currently attends Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio, and expects to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management in 2009.

“Every teacher inspired me to grow. I would have to say my favorite teacher is Leland VonArch, Brown Mackie College – Akron faculty member who teaches professional development. He encouraged and inspired me during class and as an advisor for the Alpha Beta Kappa National Honor Society,” she said.

The many different dance styles Debbie teaches include tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, baton, and tumbling. She holds classes in pointe, a form of ballet where students wear toe shoes. She also holds lyrical dancing classes, a stylized form of modern dance that encompasses acting. A staff of two instructors, several assistants, and friends of dance help Debbie manage the 100+ students currently enrolled.

Debbie’s husband, David, performs maintenance work on the studio, and her mother serves as receptionist, greeting everyone who walks through the doors. Debbie now rents to own the building that houses her dance school. “I have utilized all the skills and knowledge that I acquired at Brown Mackie College towards my business to help it grow,” he said.

Personal Attention, Professional Growth
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