Photos by Carolyn Corcoran
The Winnie, a new art, dance and yoga studio, opened this month with the aim of empowering women and promoting expression.
The space, which is housed on Grand and 15th avenues near Trunk Space and Bikini Lounge, has created an inspirational environment, said Ashley Law, the studio’s owner. She said the name has a history with the neighborhood and references Mitch and Winnie Shaughnessy, the owners of the building in the 1920s.
“So many times, the building is named after the man, and I don’t know if she had the opportunities that I do today,” Law said.
New to the entrepreneurial world, Law said she wanted a space where young women would feel comfortable about their individuality.
“I think one of the most powerful expressions is through movement,” she said. “I think a lot of times dance is misused in commercial ways.”
As a high school dance teacher for the last eight years, she said she found herself frustrated to be a part of the “recital culture” — a culture that Law said focused on students acting the same, wearing the same thing and displaying contrived emotions.
“I felt so drawn to show them that women can do whatever they want in life and have whatever they want,” Law said.
Davina Griego, a local resident, said she believes the studio helps young women feel empowered.
“There is a freedom of self-expression and not feeling inferior,” Griego said. “You don’t have to know how at all.”
In 2012, after years of teaching dance, Law decided to become a certified yoga instructor in Costa Rica. Earlier this month, she was able to open a 1,600-square-foot space for a less-than-$5,000 investment.
“I feel like this studio is a rebirth for me as a dancer, as an artist and as a choreographer,” Law said. “Because I feel I get to redefine who I am as a dancer in this safe environment.”
The space also includes an art gallery with work by local artists Steven Hofberger and an art teacher at Apollo High School, Law said.
“This is my dream in life — to give people a space to express themselves through movement and through the artwork in here,” she said.
Jacqueline Hernandez, a sophomore at Glendale Community College, said she has wanted to go back to dancing for a while and the studio is therapeutic to her.
“It brings out creativity to better yourself,” Hernandez said. “And it gives you peace.”
David Delgado, a bartender at Bikini Lounge next door, said the addition of the business is always helpful.
“There were only like three businesses previously in the area,” Delgado said. “It shows there is growth in the area, and it also brings diversity.”
In the future, Law said she has plans to add more classes and staff to the studio. Law said she is proud of what she has been able to accomplish just in a few months.
“I truly believe when you follow what you want to do, it is pretty impossible to completely fail,” Law said.
Contact the reporter at Brittany.Ducksworth@asu.edu.
