From: Grayson Elijah, Owner
Studio 1 Eleven
The auditorium at Wetumpka High School filled with families, friends, and supporters from across the River Region on Sunday, May 17, all there to witness something special. With 500 tickets sold, Studio 1 Eleven, just one year old, took the stage for its very first recital and every single moment made it clear: something truly special has taken root in the River Region.
Ninety-seven dancers hit that stage representing a wide range of ages, skill levels, and dance styles. From the youngest recreational students finding their footing to more seasoned performers owning every step, the show captured exactly what Studio 1 Eleven is about. It is a place where every dancer belongs and every dancer grows. The energy in that auditorium said it all.
And the recital was just the finale of a year packed with wins. Studio 1 Eleven’s company dancers performed at multiple community events throughout the River Region this year, bringing joy to audiences and putting the studio on the map in a major way. They also stepped onto the regional competition stage and came home with awards in year one. That kind of achievement does not happen by accident. It happens because of the culture, the coaching and the belief that was poured into these kids every single day.
The growth has been so real that Studio 1 Eleven recently moved into a larger space at 4886 US-231 in Wetumpka, a fitting next chapter for a studio that has already outgrown its first year in the best possible way.
Behind it all is Grayson Elijah, a dance educator and choreographer who holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Troy University. Elijah serves as an adjunct instructor at Southern Union State Community College, where she previously served as president of the college’s dance program. She brings that same passion and expertise to every student who walks through the Studio 1 Eleven doors.
Elijah also serves as the technical instructor for the Wetumpka High School dance team, Wetumpka Middle School dance team and Redland Middle School dance team, further cementing her commitment to dance education across the River Region.
“Dance has always been about more than just steps to me; it teaches confidence, discipline and resilience,” Elijah said. “I opened Studio 1 Eleven to create a space where dancers feel inspired to grow, push themselves and rise to every occasion. Dance has shaped who I am, and I am so grateful to share that passion with the next generation.”
Reflecting on the studio’s first year, Elijah expressed deep gratitude for the community’s support.
“Honestly, this year has been more than I ever could have dreamed of,” she said. “Opening Studio 1 Eleven was something I always dreamed about growing up, but never truly thought would become real. I am so thankful for every single dancer and family that is walked through our doors. More than anything, I love that this studio has become such a close family and community. That is truly what makes it so special to me.”
For more information, visit https://studio-1-eleven.com.
Studio 1 Eleven is a dance studio serving the River Region, located at 4886 US-231 in Wetumpka, Alabama. Founded in April 2025 by director and choreographer Grayson Elijah, the studio offers a variety of dance styles for recreational and competitive students and is dedicated to building confidence, creativity and a lifelong love of dance. For more information, visit https://studio-1-eleven.com.
