Alcorn alumna April Green becomes owner of dance studio
At the age of four, April Green’s mother entered her into a dance contest in which she won the grand prize for her performance. It was in that moment when Green realized that dancing was her passion.
“I have had a love for dancing every since I was four,” said Green, a Vicksburg, Miss. native. “I danced for most of my childhood and even performed during halftime of a few NFL games in my young adult years.”
Green’s love for dancing has resulted in her ownership of the April Green Dance Company in Vicksburg. Located at 1205 Washington St., the Dance Company is an assemblage of 83 young girls ages 3-18 who have a high regard for the art of dance. Green, who earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Alcorn in 2006, teaches dances such as ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary and majorette style marching. Green’s company opened April 13.
Green was destined to be a business owner from birth. Her mother, Ellen Lewis James, caters different events in the Vicksburg area and makes and sells jewelry. Her late father, Michael Gross, owned a printing business in Vicksburg. Because of a supportive circle, Green was able to successfully achieve her dreams.
“I am always blessed with plenty of encouragement and motivation from my husband, attorney Chris Green, and my children, which I am thankful for. I have been a teacher for eight years and I would encounter a lot of young girls who loved to dance, but didn’t have an outlet. Although there were some risks, I built up enough self-confidence to take action. Because of my creative skills as a dancer, I felt equipped to take on this endeavor.”
Although dance is the theme of the daily lessons, Green makes sure to instill critical life lessons that will help the girls’ transition into young, upstanding women.
“It is my goal to establish a high regard for respect, community service and dancing in my students. I wish to instill integrity, character, leadership, professionalism and self-respect through fun and movement.”
For more information on the dance studio, contact the April Green Dance Company at 601-456-0829.
