In a vibrant display of rhythm and joy, over 50 dancers recently filled the stage at the Lila Cockrell Theatre, their synchronized movements and thunderous tap sounds echoing the remarkable 95-year history of Earle Cobb Dance Studio. Students and alumni, spanning generations, came together to celebrate this San Antonio institution during its annual dance revue, showcasing the studio’s lasting impact on the community. The performance, set to the energetic tune “Presto! Let me be a dancin’ fool!”, was a testament to the studio’s enduring spirit and its ability to bring people together through dance.
Founded in 1929 by Earle and Dorothy Cobb, Earle Cobb Dance Studio quickly became a cornerstone of the San Antonio dance scene. Initially renowned for its ballroom dance lessons, the studio catered to young soldiers stationed at local bases and also uniquely served the hearing-impaired community, teaching them to dance by feeling the vibrations of tap rhythms. This inclusive approach and dedication to the art of dance set the stage for decades of success.
The studio’s first dance revue in 1930, advertised as “the best show in town” in the San Antonio Express-News, marked the beginning of a beloved annual tradition. Little did audiences know then that this revue would become one of the city’s longest-running shows, a testament to the studio’s consistent quality and community appeal.
1930 newspaper ad announcing the first annual Earle Cobb Dance Studio revue, highlighting its early presence in San Antonio.
A Family Affair: Organized Chaos and Lasting Bonds
For the 95th annual revue, a special reunion number was choreographed by Dena Mabry, the studio’s current owner and granddaughter of Earle and Dorothy Cobb. Mabry, who embodies the studio’s familial atmosphere, described the large reunion performance as “organized chaos,” a sentiment that speaks to the energetic and inclusive environment fostered at Earle Cobb Dance Studio. Despite the complexities of coordinating dozens of dancers, Mabry thrives in this vibrant atmosphere, stating, “A lot of choreographers don’t like big numbers of dancers, but the more the merrier.”
Dena Mabry, owner of Earle Cobb Dance Studio and granddaughter of the founders, guiding students during a rehearsal for the 95th-anniversary show.
The reunion performance featured dancers in matching T-shirts, including mother-daughter pairs and individuals who had grown up dancing together at the studio and later joined the faculty. Alumni traveled from across the country, some even from prestigious dance companies in New York City, to participate in this milestone celebration. Among them was Margaret Mann, one of Earle Cobb’s earliest students, whose presence highlighted the studio’s deep roots in the community.
Mann, who fondly remembers Earle Cobb as “always well-mannered,” later taught baton and ballet at the studio in the 1960s and 70s. Her continued connection to the Cobb family and the studio is a testament to the enduring relationships fostered there. At 82, Mann’s return to the stage was met with enthusiastic support from fellow dancers, showcasing the studio’s welcoming and encouraging spirit. While Mann joked about feeling “a little rusty,” her participation underscored the lifelong passion for dance instilled by Earle Cobb Dance Studio.
Dena Mabry embracing Margaret Mann, an early student and alumna of Earle Cobb Dance Studio, at a rehearsal, showcasing the studio's long-standing community.
From Humble Beginnings to a San Antonio Institution
Earle Cobb Dance Studio began in a modest space above a grocery store at the corner of North Flores Street and Woodlawn Avenue during the Great Depression. Earle Cobb offered lessons in ballroom, tap, acrobatics, and ballet, establishing a diverse curriculum from the outset. Ballroom dancing proved particularly popular in the early years, attracting military officers and their wives from San Antonio’s numerous military bases.
Earle Cobb, the founder of Earle Cobb Dance Studio in 1929, a pioneer in dance education in San Antonio.
Over the decades, Earle Cobb Dance Studio has relocated several times, finally settling at its current, spacious location at 4278 Lockhill Selma Rd. Despite briefly closing during the pandemic after opening in March 2020, the studio has rebounded and now boasts 10,000 square feet and 550 students. The teaching staff has also expanded significantly from just two teachers in its early years to 18 today, reflecting the studio’s growth and popularity.
Earle Cobb Dance Studio students and alumni practicing together for the 95th-anniversary reunion performance, demonstrating the studio's intergenerational appeal.
Dena Mabry recounts her mother’s estimate that by the studio’s 75th anniversary, over 15,000 students had passed through its doors. This longevity and the studio’s continued family ownership make it one of the oldest dance studios in the United States. For many, Earle Cobb Dance Studio is more than just a school; it’s a second home, a place where generations of dancers have built lasting connections.
Dancers at Earle Cobb Dance Studio changing shoes after rehearsal, capturing the behind-the-scenes moments of preparation for their anniversary show.
Sandra Mabry, Earle Cobb’s daughter, took over the studio in 1962 after initially returning to teach with her mother in 1952. Her dedication ensured the studio’s survival through periods when profits were slim, a testament to the family’s commitment to dance education. Dena Mabry credits her father, a tennis coach, for supporting the family and allowing the dance studio to thrive even in challenging times.
Sandra Mabry, daughter of Earle Cobb, who took over the studio in 1962 and continued the family legacy in dance education.
Sweet Success and a Love for Dance
When Sandra Mabry passed away in 2011, Dena Mabry stepped into the leadership role, initially hesitant but ultimately embracing her destiny. Growing up in the studio, dance was Dena’s passion. While her sisters pursued different paths, Dena found her calling within the walls of Earle Cobb Dance Studio. She fondly remembers a time when the studio was located near Nadler’s Bakery, making long hours at the studio more enjoyable with the promise of cake. The Nadler family’s children were also students at the studio, further cementing its place in the local community.
A celebratory chocolate cake marking the 95th anniversary of Earle Cobb Dance Studio, symbolizing the sweet success and longevity of the institution.
Dena Mabry’s professional dance career includes studying dance at Oklahoma State University, performing at Opryland, on cruise ships, and even alongside renowned tap dancer Gregory Hines. Her diverse experience enriched her return to Earle Cobb Dance Studio, where she now teaches ballet, tap, and jazz. For 26 years, she also directed the dance program at the Northeast School of the Arts, further contributing to San Antonio’s dance education landscape.
Making Space for Everyone: Inclusivity and Joy
The 95th-anniversary reunion piece was choreographed and rehearsed in just three sessions in the studio’s spacious purple-walled studio. The atmosphere during rehearsals was filled with laughter and camaraderie, quickly transforming into focused rhythmic precision under Mabry’s direction. The joy of dancing together was palpable, and smiles were abundant.
Earle Cobb Dance Studio alumna, Terry Sue Vick, pictured after the 95th-anniversary recital, representing the studio's enduring impact on its students.
Mabry’s inclusive approach extended to the performance itself, as she welcomed additional alumni who hadn’t rehearsed, ensuring everyone felt part of the celebration. Among the dancers were alumni like Alicia Bouardi and her daughter Lauren Bonnema, representing multiple generations connected by Earle Cobb Dance Studio. Bonnema, initially hesitant, was encouraged by her mother to participate, highlighting the supportive relationships fostered at the studio. Having recently returned to San Antonio and enrolled her own daughters at Earle Cobb, Bonnema experienced a full circle moment, with four generations of her family now linked to the studio.
Earle Cobb Dance Studio alumna Briauna Newhouse with her daughter Nalah after the recital, highlighting the multi-generational families connected to the studio.
The reunion also brought together four “Earle Cobb dance moms” who had danced together as children and later became teachers. Now, they watch their own daughters continue the tradition. They emphasized the valuable life lessons dance instills, such as resilience and adaptability, qualities that extend far beyond the dance floor. Briauna Newhouse’s anecdote about a tap shoe mishap during a routine perfectly illustrates this resilience: “the show must go on.”
Earle Cobb Dance Studio performers on stage during a rehearsal for the 95th-anniversary reunion, showcasing the scale and energy of the performance.
Fostering a Love for the Performing Arts
Dena Mabry believes Earle Cobb Dance Studio plays a vital role in cultivating an appreciation for the performing arts. Her philosophy centers on fun and enjoyment rather than solely focusing on competition. While Earle Cobb students are successful in competitions, Mabry emphasizes that their happiness and love for dance are what truly shine on stage. This philosophy is reflected in the studio’s trophy policy – awards are sent home with students rather than displayed prominently, keeping the focus on the joy of dance itself.
Nick Fearon, Earle Cobb Dance Studio alumnus and professional dancer, performing at the 95th-anniversary reunion, exemplifying the studio's role in nurturing dance talent.
Alumnus Nick Fearon, now a professional dancer with Parsons Dance, credits Earle Cobb Dance Studio with nurturing his passion. Ariana de Leon, a recent graduate of the North East School of the Arts, experienced her first reunion performance this year and is already looking forward to the 100th-anniversary celebration. Her enthusiasm to return and potentially perform with her mother underscores the deep sense of community and belonging fostered by Earle Cobb Dance Studio.
Earle Cobb Dance Studio’s 95-year legacy is a testament to its enduring commitment to dance education, community, and family. As it looks towards its centennial, the studio continues to inspire new generations of dancers, ensuring that the joy and art of dance thrive in San Antonio for years to come.
