Bepi Pinner’s journey to owning Ninth Street Dance was far from conventional, and her initial encounter with ballet was equally unexpected. At thirty, seeking a sustainable exercise routine to inspire her young son, Bepi explored various fitness avenues. Running and yoga failed to ignite her passion, but ballet captivated her, offering both physical and mental strength.
Her ballet initiation began at the Ballet School of Chapel Hill, but she soon found herself drawn to a Durham studio that warmly welcomed adult beginners. Within a month of joining, the studio faced unforeseen circumstances when the owner, recovering from a car accident, could no longer manage it. Bepi, then a childcare provider and afterschool program leader at Carolina Friends School, recognized an opportunity. The dance studio, struggling to find a buyer, sparked an idea: could this be her own venture, merging a career change with her newfound love for ballet? She took the leap, purchasing the studio and securing a one-year lease, while cautiously maintaining her position at Friends School. Now, twenty-five years later, Bepi remains the proud owner of Ninth Street Dance, a testament to her passion and dedication, and she continues to embrace ballet classes three times weekly at her studio.
Ninth Street Dance distinguishes itself by offering a rich tapestry of dance styles that extend far beyond ballet. Bepi, alongside her administrative partner and daughter-in-law, Abby Williamson, has cultivated a studio that celebrates global dance traditions. The curriculum spans modern, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, belly dance, Afro-Caribbean, Bollywood, and flamenco, ensuring a diverse and inclusive dance experience. Complementing these varied dance forms, Ninth Street Dance also provides exercise classes like Pilates and cardio funk, catering to a wide range of fitness interests. This commitment to diversity and inclusivity has solidified Ninth Street Dance’s position as a vibrant and welcoming hub for dance enthusiasts in Durham and beyond.
