Dance Depot History
The Dance Depot, originally Elsa’s School of Dance, was established in 1957 by Elsa Zoll. At the age of six Elsa was in a concentration camp in the Dutch East Indies, under Japanese control, as a consequence of World War 2. In this Camp there was a famous Dutch ballet teacher and that is from whom she first learned to dance. After the war she was determined to continue her pursuit of dance. By the age of twelve she took a lead role in the school play. As her parents noticed her talent and love for dance, she was soon taking lessons throughout Europe. Being an assistant and taking many classes a week, she learned from some of the best. At age nineteen she graduated from college as a kindergarten teacher and soon after, immigrated to the United States.
Because of her passion to teach kids and her love for dance she opened up Elsa's School of Dance in the small town of Weaverville California. Upstairs in the Weaverville fire hall, you could hear her voice calling, "tummies in, shoulders back, and point your toes." She loved teaching and putting on many shows which gave her students a chance to shine. She took the technique very seriously and continued to take lessons herself. For the next nine years she would teach in the Lewiston Memorial Hall and in the Hayfork High School where 120 students in all got their chance to take lessons at Elsa’s School of Dance.
Life was busy with eventually four kids of her own, of whom 3 got involved in dance. It was in 1966 that a move had to be made for she was now going to bring her family and the love for dance to Redding. Teaching Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Acrobatics to all ages starting in her own home and some nine years later relocated to other locations throughout Redding. After another nine years in 1984 a new studio was built and the school was given a new name "The Dance Depot."
It was her youngest daughter Yvonna who was always by her side helping, and after quite a few years of training decided to take on the lead role. Traveling together to study and teach, brought them together as partners. How time flies! It was time for Elsa to decide how to let go. The building was sold and a new place was found. Yvonna, now all grown up, was taking over the studio and was running the show. As the years go on, Yvonna goes on with her love of teaching dance and keeps herself busy with 4 kids of her own and many other activities involved in ownership of a dance school. Now her only daughter Natasha has shown an interest in carrying on the family business which makes her an important part of the Dance Depot. It paints the perfect picture, three generations carrying on the family tradition. We look forward to all of those who would like to step onto our dance floor and become part of our Dance Depot Family.
Because of her passion to teach kids and her love for dance she opened up Elsa's School of Dance in the small town of Weaverville California. Upstairs in the Weaverville fire hall, you could hear her voice calling, "tummies in, shoulders back, and point your toes." She loved teaching and putting on many shows which gave her students a chance to shine. She took the technique very seriously and continued to take lessons herself. For the next nine years she would teach in the Lewiston Memorial Hall and in the Hayfork High School where 120 students in all got their chance to take lessons at Elsa’s School of Dance.
Life was busy with eventually four kids of her own, of whom 3 got involved in dance. It was in 1966 that a move had to be made for she was now going to bring her family and the love for dance to Redding. Teaching Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Acrobatics to all ages starting in her own home and some nine years later relocated to other locations throughout Redding. After another nine years in 1984 a new studio was built and the school was given a new name "The Dance Depot."
It was her youngest daughter Yvonna who was always by her side helping, and after quite a few years of training decided to take on the lead role. Traveling together to study and teach, brought them together as partners. How time flies! It was time for Elsa to decide how to let go. The building was sold and a new place was found. Yvonna, now all grown up, was taking over the studio and was running the show. As the years go on, Yvonna goes on with her love of teaching dance and keeps herself busy with 4 kids of her own and many other activities involved in ownership of a dance school. Now her only daughter Natasha has shown an interest in carrying on the family business which makes her an important part of the Dance Depot. It paints the perfect picture, three generations carrying on the family tradition. We look forward to all of those who would like to step onto our dance floor and become part of our Dance Depot Family.