It was just three years ago that Studio 6 Ballroom had its grand opening, and a celebration is being planned for Sept. 11 to mark the occasion.

Owners Natasha Thayer and Wes Rogers, along with many of their friends, are excited to show off the gorgeous new makeover they’ve given the studio inside and out. There will be food and beverages, a few performances, a silent auction and lots of varied music to dance and party to. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and must be purchased in advance at www.studio6ballroom.com. Doors open at 7 p.m.

“We’d be so excited to just have people come and celebrate with us, whether you know how to dance or not,” Thayer said.

Over the years Studio 6 has proven to be not only an ideal place for dance instruction (Thayer is the highest level of dance instructor in the area), but also a community center where anyone and everyone is welcome.

“The whole direction of the studio has been about the community,” according to Rogers. “When I started dancing I was just looking for a fun group of people to hang out with regardless of age, background, walk of life – just a bunch of people who come together and enjoy hanging out together.”

When he and Thayer opened Studio 6 in 2007, they finally had such a place to call home. In fact, you’ll feel so comfortable there you won’t want to leave.

“We want people to come in here, whether they’re taking lessons or hanging out, just stopping by,” Rogers said. “We have an open-door policy – feel free to come in and relax on the couch and take a break.”

Studio 6 student Pollie Asplund said she has come to have the utmost respect for Thayer and Rogers.

“Natasha and Wes have such big hearts. I love how much they invest in everyone, especially the children and youth. We are grateful for the opportunities to help Natasha and Wes because we believe in what they are doing. We want to be there for the both of them. It’s a blessing to be a part of something so great, not to mention super fun.”

In addition to helping build community, another business principle Thayer and Rogers adopted is to use their business to help build up other businesses on the block. The pair works hard to incorporate other neighborhood businesses with events at the studio.

“One of the things I pride myself on is being a springboard for other businesses,” Rogers said.

The studio’s Progressive Dinner event is one example, a night of experiencing some of the great food at various 6th Avenue restaurants then dancing to live music back at the ballroom. The next Progressive Dinner will be held Oct. 23, the same night as the Studio 6 annual Halloween party. Music for the party will be provided by Maia Santell and House Blend.

“It’s a great way for new people to learn about the area and meet all kinds of different people,” Thayer said. “It’s great fun traipsing down the street together.”

When Caffé Dei moved in across the street from Studio 6, Thayer was there to greet them.

“When they moved in, we knew we wanted to help them. I’m used to being in Seattle and they’re from Seattle, too. So I wanted to help them get to know the neighborhood and the community.”

“Any business that becomes associated with Studio 6 will see a benefit because we work so hard to network so many different walks of life, and that helps so many people to really help use that as a springboard,” Rogers said. “We’re here to help create a sense of community and fun.”

With Studio 6 Ballroom’s new look, including three elegant new chandeliers, Thayer and Rogers plan to market the space more as a place to rent for weddings, birthday parties or other occasions. They thanked local artist Suni Cook Boucher for her interior-design expertise, and Deidre Perez Norris, who created two amazing mirror murals for inside the studio.

“We have a whole host of family, friends and students of Studio 6 coming in to volunteer their time,” Rogers said about the recent renovations. “It’s a labor of love by a lot of people associated with the studio.”

More future plans for the studio include Sunday art markets to offer locally made arts and crafts, movement instruction for wee little ones, the first ever Tacoma Nia Jam (nia is an expressive form of dance that blends martial arts, yoga and healing arts) and a “date night” package, which will offer an evening of dining at neighborhood restaurants then dancing at the ballroom.

There are many more new things popping up at Studio 6. To learn all about it, visit www.studio6ballroom.com, stop by and meet the owners at 2608 6th Ave., or call (253) 905-5301.

Contact the writer at mnagle@tacomaweekly.com.