‘They are all like my daughters’: Donna’s Dance Studio in Lynn closes after 50 years

LYNN, Mass — LYNN, Mass.--It’s the end of an era for a dance studio in Lynn. Donna’s Dance Studio is closing after 50 years in business.

Boston 25 news reporter Brea Douglas spoke to Donna Estes about her journey and to young dancers who say she has made a major impact on their lives.

Music from the “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin plays in the background at Donna’s Dance Studio, but it’s Donna Estes who has reigned for 50 years at her business.

“She is our dance mom. I have been here since I was 2 years old,” says Cara Lane, a dance instructor at Donna’s Dance Studio.

Women who started at Donna’s Dance Studio as children became teachers there.

“It was how Donna made you feel here, you are important, you are family,” says Lane.

Donna’s mother put her in dance class at just 3 years old. When she turned 18, she opened Donna’s Dance Studio in Lynn.

“I started with 44 that September and I had 90 by Christmas and by the following September, I had 180. I kept doubling I was very, very fortunate,” says Donna Estes of Donna’s Dance Studio.

Over the past 5 decades, she estimates 10,000 girls have hit her dance floor.

“They are all like my daughters,” says Estes.

Including Jaidyn Walter who began dancing at 3 years old.

“She made me really enjoy it,” says Walter.

Now after some medical challenges, Estes says it’s time to close her doors. Her legacy will now live on through the next generation of girls.

“Keep dancing and enjoy,” says Estes.

Estes wants to enjoy retirement by doing some travelling.

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