Nonprofit says community support helped reopen doors after town leaders forced studio’s closure following nearby shooting.
PANTEGO, Texas — Young dancers returned to warm greetings and applause Tuesday as United Performing Arts Company reopened its doors, just one day after a packed town hall meeting where parents and students urged leaders to allow the studio to operate again.
Owner Angie Meister said she was “thrilled” to welcome families back.
The reopening follows days of uncertainty after town leaders suspended the nonprofit’s permits following a shooting reported outside near the business on Feb. 13.
Meister said the gunfire happened in a neighborhood north of the studio and was not connected to her business.
“It was shots fired in a neighborhood north of us.”
Pantego police have released little information about the incident. Despite that, town officials moved to shut down the studio.
“I was very confused,” Meister said.
She hired an attorney, and parents and students began speaking out. Dozens of people showed up at a Monday night town hall meeting, filling the room and urging leaders to reconsider.
One young dancer told officials the closure would take away “a safe space for kids to do what they love.”
By Tuesday, the doors were open again. WFAA reached out to the town of Pantego for a statement on the matter, but did not hear back. Prior to the reopening, Meister’s attorney issued a letter to town leaders, urging them to reopen the studio and citing concerns of overdue diligence. Mister declined to comment on whether she will take further legal action against the city.
Nick Heizer, whose daughter dances at the studio, said the family was relieved.
“We feel good,” he said. “Happy that the studio’s back open.”
The reopening comes just days before a scheduled dance competition. Students were back at practice Tuesday, eager to prepare.
“I think we just get back to work,” Heizer said. “The girls are just anxious to get back to dancing.”
Meister said the experience became an unexpected lesson for her students.
“Teaching them about democracy and how it works and if something’s not right, you stand up for what you believe in,” Meister said.
United Performing Arts Company operates as a nonprofit organization serving a diverse community of dancers. In the wake of the closure and legal challenges, organizers have launched a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe to help cover losses, pay instructors and support ongoing studio needs.
The campaign page says funds raised will help support legal expenses, maintain essential studio operations, and provide financial stability for the dedicated teachers who pour “their time, talent and heart” into the program.
Inside the studio, music and movement returned. So did a sense of normalcy.
Parents and dancers said the building represents more than rehearsals and routines. It is a safe space, community, and home.
“Right where we belong,” Mister told one dancer as they rehearsed on Tuesday. “This is our home.”