Taking a new step towards your goals is exactly what Colleen Wagner has decided to do by opening a multi-purpose dance and wellness centre in Invermere.
The new studio will be named Desiderata, which has a special meaning to Wagner as it was the favourite poem of her sister who passed away a number of years ago. “It talks about being good to yourself and doing things you like while living your life,” Wagner said.
The space will be rented from Chisel Peak Holdings, which represents the four doctors in the medical clinic in the same building where the doctors and Pharamasave are currently situated on 10th Avenue.
“We have been looking for about a year around town. There is definitely a need. It will be a multi-focus idea. It will tie in with wellness, dance and movement. It will promote general health and wellness,” said Wagner.
Wagner explained that all of the doctors who have shown their support for the new studio and the space itself made it the perfect combination to start a new chapter in her life. It is also beneficial to be so close to the doctors when the decision was made to go. One of the doctors with the group is Francois Louw, who sees this as a natural progression in the facility.
“It ties in really well with the whole theme of the building. We want to have a one-stop medical centre. The pharmacy, physio and now the wellness centre is perfect for us. There is no one better than Colleen and we are happy to have her here,” he said.
He went on to explain that he sees this as another way to help people get treatment through different ideas. This idea is shared with Wagner, who thinks the space will be more than just a dance studio and act as a health and wellness centre as well.
“This is our space. We will be able to create our own atmosphere. No matter what you want to do. Dance, yoga, zumba and anything that involves the body and the mind is what will be here,” she said.
Wagner will be investing in the new business as there is a great deal of work that has to be completed to make it ready for dance students and all of the other activities that will be happening at the studio. The plan is to hold a number of community events such as a fashion show to help aid in the development of the site so that different groups can use the space to their benefit. For more information on the centre call 250-342-3371 or email wag7@shaw.ca.