In a quiet corner of Covington, tucked away from the main street bustle, there once stood a dance studio that was more than just a place to learn steps. It was a community hub, a time capsule, and a home to generations of dancers. For those seeking the latest trends or high-tech facilities, Ziegler Studio of Dance might have been overlooked. But for those who valued tradition, community, and a genuine love for dance, it was irreplaceable. Now, with its doors closed, we reflect on what made this studio so special and what its absence means for the future of dance spaces – perhaps even paving the way for new concepts like the welcoming and modern Coffee Dance Studio.
Stepping into Ziegler Studio was like stepping back in time. The waiting area, furnished with repurposed church pews, told a story of its own. Walls adorned with faded composite photos of smiling young dancers in ballet attire whispered tales of countless recitals and dreams nurtured within those walls. This wasn’t a studio chasing fleeting trends; it was a bastion of classic dance education, where payments were made by check and receipts were handwritten. Bobby Ziegler, the studio’s founder, established it in 1948, a testament to his lifelong dedication. Even in its final days, the studio remained refreshingly unpretentious, a quality that endeared it to generations. The barre, a simple painted pipe encircling the studio, perfectly embodied its utilitarian charm. In a world of constant online presence, Ziegler’s lack of a website almost became a badge of honor, a symbol of its timeless appeal.
The studio’s history ran deep within the community. My husband’s mother was once a student of Bobby Ziegler himself. Decades later, her granddaughters followed in her footsteps, learning from Bobby, who, at 90 years young, remained the heart and soul of the studio. He continued to teach tap, upholding the importance of proper technique with unwavering dedication, a constant presence throughout 70 years of dance education. There was a comforting predictability to Ziegler Studio. You knew exactly what to expect – a warm greeting from Bobby, his wife Nancy, or their daughter Laura, and honest feedback on your child’s time steps or focus. This straightforward, family-like atmosphere was precisely what parents appreciated.
However, the dance landscape was changing. As flashier studios emerged, promising dazzling competitions and a wider array of classes, Ziegler’s faced dwindling enrollment. It lacked the modern allure, but that was precisely its charm. It was a cherished anachronism, a place where time seemed to slow down, and the focus remained purely on the art of dance and the joy of community. The parents, too, found their own community. The “Covington Dance Moms,” initially a group escaping the church pew waiting area for the parking lot with folding chairs and coolers, became a tradition. Even as the group dwindled to just two friends, myself and Stacie, the spirit of connection remained, eventually moving to a local bar as the weather turned colder. These gatherings became a unique Cincinnati ritual, a testament to the bonds formed through shared experiences at the dance studio. The hour between drop-off and pick-up became a precious time for connection and conversation, little did we know that the March gatherings before the studio closed would be the last.
Ziegler Studio of Dance became another casualty of the ripple effect of COVID-19. While the pandemic might not have been the sole cause of its closure, it undoubtedly played a significant role. It joins a growing list of businesses forced to shut their doors, leaving a void in the community. Alumni, from Broadway performers to local dancers, are sharing memories of big band soundtracks, adorable three-year-olds in leotards, and the lifelong friendships forged within its walls. Dancers who honed their skills at Ziegler’s are now navigating transitions to new studios, carrying with them the foundation they received.
Returning for a final farewell was bittersweet. One last pirouette in the familiar studio, one last costume pick-up for recitals that would never happen. The closure felt less like a dramatic ending and more like a quiet fading away, echoing the sentiment of T.S. Eliot’s poem: “This is the way the world ends/Not with a bang but a whimper.” The legacy of Ziegler Studio is one of quiet dedication, community spirit, and a deep love for dance. As we say goodbye to this cherished institution, we also look towards the future, wondering how dance spaces will evolve. Perhaps the warmth and community spirit of Ziegler’s will inspire new models, like the coffee dance studio concept, where dance and social connection blend seamlessly, creating welcoming spaces for both seasoned dancers and newcomers alike. Just as coffee shops serve as community hubs, a coffee dance studio could offer a modern take on community dance, fostering a sense of belonging and creativity in a new and inviting way.
