Gail thanks recital goers after the conclusion of the 5th Gail’s Academy of Dance Recital. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

On Saturday, May 6, Gail’s Academy of Dance held what was their fifth recital. With beautiful ballet, terrific tap dancing, and jubilant jazz, the recital was an absolute success!

Things went smooth and according to plan, something owner and operator Gail Ridout hasn’t always experienced. Ridout has faced a tremendous amount of adversity from the very start of her dance studio.

“Once the decision was made to tear down the Toledo Community Building that is when Pam decided she was going to retire. That’s when I decided to take over the studio which had been a long time dream for me,” she said.

Taking over for Pam Wood was a monumental task, and Ridout has enormous ballet shoes to fill. Following Pam’s retirement and demolition of the Toledo Community Building, the newly formed Gail’s Academy of Dance was left without studio space for all the dancers enrolled.

“The first year(2017-2018) I relocated to Tama where a floor had to be put in. This was funded by donations from our dance families and the community,” she said. “The installation of the floor was done through volunteers; Shawn Upah, Lonnie Upah, and Matt Zmolek. We also repainted, had signage made and installed, and just the overall setting up of a business.”

Program cover for this years recital.

With proper facilities and branding, Gail was off and dancing with her students. In her second year, Ridout has pregnant with her son Hank. Pregnancy provided some challenges, but the strong willed Ridout pushed through and put on a recital just the same.

Midway through her third season the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the world, like many other small businesses, Gail’s Academy of Dance was forced to shut their doors and cancel that year’s recital.

“I had to shut down the studio in March 2020. We were unable to have a recital that year. It was extremely devastating for our dancers and absolutely heartbreaking for our Seniors that year,” she said.

After a canceled season came the crazy year that was 2021.

“Covid was still very prevalent. I had to find a different location for recital that year because the Meskwaki Bingo and Casino still had a lot of restrictions,” she said. “Therefore we were unable to use our normal venue. That year we had an outdoor recital at the Le Grand City Park.”

The success of managing a recital in the midst of strict regulations and guidelines in events of that size was nothing short of impressive. This would be short lived, as a huge natural disaster — the dreaded derecho — left its path of destruction at the dance studio.

“At the studio I had a huge picture window blow out. I had to replace all of the flooring, walls, trim, and roof with the help of Hardon’s,” she said.

Studio problems continued on into the next season.

“That next spring we got a lot of rain and the temperatures spiked up to the high 80s, maybe even low 90s, while our recital was taking place,” Ridout said. “Once I had returned to the studio, our dance floor had popped, requiring us to replace the floor with the help of Hardon’s once again.”

This year as all previous provided challenges.

“On Wednesday, April 12, our longtime photographer Cory Hall was admitted to the University of Iowa Hospital and put into a medically induced coma. His brain had been attacked by a virus. He pulled through and is now recovering and resting at his home,” she said. “The following day, April 13, our lighting specialist for over 10 years Glen McLean passed away.”

With seemingly unlimited obstacles, Gail Ridout always seems to find a way in preparing for the yearly dance recital. Her and her business have stayed resilient in providing a quality dance education for community youth.

With Ridout’s fifth recital now under her belt, she would like to offer up some thank yous and an upcoming performance opportunity.

“Jim McNamee stepped in to help with lighting after the passing of Glen. He did a fantastic job. Special thanks to my assistant teachers and helpers; Tara Upah, Richelle Werner, Taylor Upah, Sammie Schneider, and Elaina Ridout. I couldn’t do it without them,” Ridout said. “Big shout outs to Cathy Campbell for music, Charlie Borowicz our videographer, my family and friends that help me all year long, and of course all of the parents and guardians that make the day so special for their children. Before we wrap up our season we will be walking/performing during the Lincoln Highway Day Parade at 10 a.m. May 20 followed by a performance in front of the Civic Center from 1-2 p.m.”

While five recitals in six years is an unfortunate statistic, Gail Ridout gladly outdances adversity.