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– W O M E N I N B U S I N E S S –
A D V E R T O R I A L
So many little girls dream of life on stage
under the big lights in beautifully ornate
costumes. Whitney Pace, owner of Studio Sole
Dance made that dream a reality. “Seeing my
best friend’s dance recitals in 2nd grade sealed
the deal for me being a dancer,” she joked.
Growing up in dance, Whitney always had
a passion for the beautiful art form. She
admits, “I always loved dressing up and seeing
my best friend’s recital outfits when I was
young was exciting and I just knew that was
for me.” It wasn’t long before she began
dancing at Dance Unlimited.
After high school, she went on to Holmes
Community College in Ridgeland before
transferring to the University of Southern
Mississippi. There she majored in elementary
education and temporarily minored in dance.
Marrying her high school sweetheart,
Jonathan, and returning to Rankin County,
she became a kindergarten teacher at Steen’s
Creek Elementary in Florence all while still
dancing and teaching dance at a local studio.
Her passion for dance created a fire that
she just couldn’t put out. Having roots in
Florence and knowing so many in the
community already through teaching children
during the day and dancers at night, she knew
her heart truly wanted a place to call her own.
Whitney said, “I called my mom and that was
that. We started looking into the next steps to
make it happen. I never felt like this was
something I couldn’t do on my own.” Studio
Sole opened its doors in 2014.
Studio Sole sets out to not only teach their
students based on their abilities, talents, and
ambitions, but more importantly, Whitney
strives to glorify God in all she does. She hopes
to instill the love of God and all His grace and
honor Him through the artistic expression
and gift of dance.
Whitney said, “I love this area and
community so much and I have loved all the
kids I have been able to teach and work with
through dance. This has definitely been a
blessing to be able to do what I love.” She
added, “You know that saying, if you are able
to do what you love, then you’ll never work a
day in your life? I fully believe that and get to
live it every day.”
Whitney has worked diligently to create a
welcoming space that promotes a positive
family environment. One of Studio Sole’s mission
statements says, “Our goal for every soul
that dances with us is for them to develop and
grow their self-esteem, confidence, and love
for dance, every year.”
After years of working long hours of
teaching in some capacity day and night, she
was faced with a difficult decision whether to
continue teaching her precious students and
operating and teaching at the studio simultaneously.
The 2021-2022 school year is the
first year her students won’t have Mrs. Pace as
their teacher. She decided to teach dance full
time this year.
Whitney said, “It has been a pretty smooth
transition, although sometimes it can get hard.
We just bought land in Richland for a new studio
in the future which we are very excited about.”
Studio Sole offers ballet, tap, jazz, musical
theater, tumble, hip hop, Christian contemporary
and is proud to begin offering baton.
Whitney’s students also have the opportunity
for recreational dance as well as competitive
dance. She said, “These girls work
year-round in the studio, around eight hours
each week.” She has a team of highly qualified
instructors for every area of dance offered.
Her love for all things dance has bled over
into her family who just happen to be her
biggest supporters as well. She and mom,
Tracie Sasser, own a dancewear line together
aptly called Soul to Sole Dancewear. The
collection offers a variety of dancewear and
athleisure styles to choose from.
Whitney said, “Everything from the studio
to the store is a true family affair. When there
are recitals, everyone is there working to do
what needs to be done. You will see them all in
their Soul shirts just getting it done whether
it’s building sets, helping with setup and
breakdown, and pretty much everything else.
It is definitely a team effort and they are there
every step of the way.”
Whitney’s dedication and hard work
recently earned her the prestigious award of
being named one of Rankin County’s Top 40
Under 40 by Hometown Rankin and PriorityOne
Bank. She credits her parents love and
dedication that have helped instill a work
ethic in her that has allowed her to become a
young leader in her own community.
When she is not training dancers or
working in the store, her interests include
spending time with her husband and family
and preparing for a special delivery. The Paces
will welcome their first child, a sweet baby girl
this fall. This blessing comes after the pair
suffered a heartbreaking miscarriage, but the
couple rejoiced in knowing that God had a
perfect plan for their family. Jonathan and
Whitney are eager to welcome their miracle,
Wrenlee Ruth, in a few months.
For more information or to register for classes,
visit www.studiosoledance.com
Hometown RANKIN • 51