by Garrett Wilson, Sumner Newscow — Small towns like Wellington all seem to have one thing in common, small local businesses that have been around for many years. Sometimes we see these businesses change ownership and before too long the business is either completely different or gone all together.

That is a fate that the Turning Pointe School of Dance is trying to avoid.

The Turning Pointe has been around since 1971 when it was known as Lana’s School of Dance. It was owned and operated by Lana Kemp until 1990 when it was taken over by one of Lana’s former students Ginger Wilson.

Wilson was the owner and head instructor at the Turning Pointe for the last 23 years. She has seen it make a move into a bigger building and seen countless dancers achieve success thanks to the school.

Now Wilson is seeing something else — the end. In June, Ginger took part in her very last recital and has sold the business to another Wellington local.

Elizabeth Shimer has been involved with cheerleading and gymnastics her entire life. This is why when Ginger approached her about the studio, Shimer just couldn’t pass it up.

“I always had to drive to Wichita for any gymnastics activity,” Shimer said. “I don’t think people realize what they have here in Wellington.”

Shimer wants people to know that along with top of the line dance facilities. The Turning Pointe is also home to a wide array of gymnastics equipment.

“We have bars, beam, vault… you name it and we got it,” Shimer said.

Now while the studio will be under new management, the instructors will mainly be the same people as in years’ past.

Amy Rogers of Wichita will be teaching ballet to the older students. Rogers has a degree in ballet and has been around some of the best dancers in the world.

Danielle Marrone of Wichita, who was a Classy Cat at Kansas State, will also be teaching some of the older students.

Loryn Zoglmann of Wellington who is a former student of The Turning Pointe will be teaching the intermediate classes.

Jennifer Kinyon, who has been with the Turning Pointe for over 20 years, will continue to teach the young children and beginner classes.

Rylee Wilson, Ginger’s Daughter, will assist with classes as well. Rylee danced for Butler County for a year and has been at the studio since she was born.

That’s just the dance side of the business. Elizabeth said that gymnastics will become a bit more visible in the community.

Elizabeth will be teaching the majority of the classes while Brian Smith of Caldwell will be teaching a boys gymnastics class. Smith was a yell leader at Kansas State.

When asked about the future Shimer said that she wanted to continue the tradition of the Turning Pointe but wanted people to know that students don’t have to compete.

“Students can just come down and have fun learning to dance,” Shimer said.

Shimer also wanted to let the public know the studio will continue to be available to rent for parties and activities of that nature. She also mentioned that once a month will be a kid’s night where parents can drop kids off and let them play around in the gym.

While some businesses find a new leader and struggle. I think it is safe to say that the Turning Pointe will only continue to be a mainstay in Wellington.

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Enrollment Dates for classes are as follows

Summer Session: July 15-19, students can enroll the 15^th for the classes which will run until the 19^th. Enrollment forms are online at http://www.theturningpointe.net/id9.html

Fall Session: First 2 Saturdays in August, 10 am – 2 pm.

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If anyone has any questions they can call the Turning Pointe at 620-326-7821 or visit the Facebook page here.