Murphy School of Dance offers a yearly apprenticeship program for students to gain experience in leadership roles that could help them in the future.
Nestled in the heart of downtown at 281 Tennessee St., Murphy School of Dance is renowned for its dedication to the art. Established in 1988, with a mission to inspire, educate and cultivate talent, the school has long been a beacon for aspiring dancers.
Torie Westmoreland, owner and lead instructor, said the apprenticeship program can be utilized by students who are ages 12 or older to complete volunteer service hours or recommendations for jobs and higher learning.
“The program allows the students to lead in the class setting and prepares students for life skills in the future,” she said. “We equip all of our students with the skills to be well-rounded adults with dedication and accountability, and they are role models for all ages.”
Sydnee Crubaugh, a junior at Murphy High School, is entering her 13th year at Murphy School of Dance and her third year as an apprentice.
“I always adored my apprentices when I was a young dancer,” she said. “I am so lucky to continue the legacy. They inspired me to give my younger dancers the same fun and nurturing environment that they gave me. Getting to teach the younger generation and share the same passion for dance is something incredibly special.”
Crubaugh’s future includes going to college to study clinical psychology, but she hopes to keep her love of dance. She believes the experience she has received so far in the program will help her accomplish her goals.
“This program has taught time management skills, and I’ve learned how to break things down and teach them step by step,” Crubaugh said. “Between being a full-time student, having a job and devoting my extra time to the program, I have little time to spare. This has taught me to always be one step ahead and focus on things right in front of me.”
The success of the Murphy School of Dance Apprenticeship Program is evident in the accomplishments of its alumni. Many former apprentices have gone on to teach dance classes, perform in movie productions and succeed in the workforce. Their achievements underscore the program’s effectiveness in preparing dancers for the demands of a professional career.
Hope Hughes of Burnsville attended Murphy School of Dance for 15 years, until she graduated from Murphy High in 2020.
In 2021, Hughes was casted as an extra for the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, which films in Atlanta. She appeared in season 4, episodes 1 and 6, where she can be found in scenes walking and interacting with people. She has also been an extra for the 2022 show The Peripheral and the Hulu show Candy.
“Murphy School of Dance definitely helped me gain the confidence to do this,” Hughes said about her experience. “I would love to play more roles in the future – like a horror film, that sounds so fun to me.”
Hughes graduated from Mars Hill University in 2023 with a degree in social work. Today, she works with a nursing facility as director of social services.
Details: Visit murphyschoolofdance.com.