ROSEVILLE, CA - The Dance Gallery 2 off of Baseline Road has been the place where turns are made and performers are created for 21 years; however, if a section of the road isn't widened to make room for a turn lane, the studio will be forced to shut its doors and dancers will be taking their last turns.
Studio owner Miss Lucy McLemore is struggling to cope with the fact that the dance studio, which she and her husband Doug built with blood, sweat and many tears, remains vacant.
"We took our savings, our retirement savings, and built this building that sits empty," McLemore explained.
From the echoing walls, to floor boards still in their packaging, it's a 32,000 square foot dream yet to become reality. That's because before any turns can be made, Placer County is requiring a turn lane be constructed leading into their property to keep traffic flowing on Baseline Road, a project that will cost $100,000.
"I think it's an excellent idea," McLemore said. "We're not against it, it's just above our means to purchase a road and design one and have one built when we're a mom and pop store."
For 21 years, the McLemores have shared their ranch home with thousands of aspiring dancers.
Just a small garage studio, the Dance Gallery 2 is home to big names like Dominique "D-Trix" Sandoval who has been featured on 'Ellen' and the Step Boys from America's Best Dance Crew.
"I've watched all the kids grow up in the dance school," McLemore explained.
Over the last few years, the McLemores found their space wasn't quite big enough. So in October 2011, they built the new studio next door, but dancers have yet to move in.
Placer County Supervisor Robert Weygandt said because of changing ordinances, the turn lane must be built to abide by safety regulations.
"It is a commercial use, and it is driving and adding to traffic flow, so the county cannot ignore the safety impact of those kinds of things," Weygandt said.
If the turn lane isn't built by July 1, the new studio will not be allowed to open, and the original studio will be forced to shut its doors.
"It would be like losing a big piece of my heart," McLemore said. "No one knew we were here 21 years ago, and now years later, we are large enough to expand, large enough to build a road."
In a fundraising effort called "Pave the Way" McLemore asks the community to help save the dance studio. Donations can be made at http://www.dancegallery2.com
News10/KXTV