After years of sharing rented spaces across the South Side, MSB Dance celebrated a grand opening Saturday at its new home on West 111th Street in Morgan Park. The studio, whose name stands for Movement Strengthens Balance, will serve children ages three to sixteen with classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip‑hop, modern, African lyrical and gospel.
Founder’s Vision Rooted in Community
Brazhal Brewer, the studio’s founder and director, grew up in nearby Auburn Gresham and still lives in the neighborhood. A lifelong dancer, she began training at a young age in South Side studios and at Whitney Young High School. Brewer earned degrees in dance and interdisciplinary health from the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign before spending two years dancing with the Chicago Bulls’ Luvabulls.
“It’s surreal. I love to dance, and I love what I do, and it’s just great because all of the families are like, ‘We have a home now.’ They are excited, so it makes me even more excited,” Brewer said at the opening.
Classes Tailored to Young Learners
MSB Dance offers 30‑ to 45‑minute sessions throughout the day on Sundays, with smaller classes for younger students—typically about 15 participants—to ensure individualized attention. Older, more experienced groups can hold up to 25 dancers. Brewer emphasizes that the studio’s mission goes beyond technique.
“Dance is the balance that these kids need. The movement when they come here balances their everyday life. If they’re stressed at school, they come here, they get that balance. If something’s going on at home, they come here and get that balance,” she explained.
Community Presence and Performance History
Since its inception a decade ago, the program that became MSU Dance has performed in several high‑profile Chicago events, including the Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Arts in the Dark parade, the Magnificent Mile Parade, and halftime shows for both the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Sky. Brewer’s background includes training at Studio One Dance Theater, Ballet Chicago, Gallery 37, Alvin Ailey’s Summer Intensive and Hubbard Street.
In addition to her work with the Chicago Park District, where she once served as a park supervisor and taught dance classes, Brewer has built a network of supportive families who follow her wherever she teaches. “I have been doing my program for over 12 years; everybody has been following me wherever I go, which is a blessing,” she said.
Why This Matters for Morgan Park Families
The new studio gives local parents a reliable, affordable option for quality dance instruction without the need to travel far from home. By providing a stable location, MSB Dance helps strengthen family bonds and offers a constructive outlet for youth development. The studio’s focus on confidence‑building and self‑esteem aligns with broader community goals of nurturing safe, vibrant neighborhoods.
Residents are invited to attend upcoming recitals and community performances, further integrating the studio into Morgan Park’s cultural life. With its doors now open, MSB Dance aims to become a lasting fixture that supports the artistic and personal growth of the area’s children.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
