Words by Reagan Young | Images by Justin Hunter and courtesy of Marilyn Sanders
For 50 years, the Marilyn Sanders Performing Arts Center (MSPAC) has provided high-quality dance education to the Walker County community and instilled lasting confidence in its students. Since 1975, MSPAC has seen perm hairstyles come and go, record players replaced by Bluetooth sound systems, and Madonna hits fade from recital playlists. But what has stood the test of time is the foundation of love and dedication built by founder Marilyn Sanders.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if the studio goes on for another 50 years,” says Marilyn.
Marilyn grew up dancing at a studio in Enterprise, Alabama. After a few years working in local school systems, she decided to combine her two passions—dance and teaching children.
Taking a strategic approach, Marilyn mailed surveys to several chambers of commerce across North Alabama, searching for a growing town in need of a dance studio. In the summer of 1975, at age 25, she rented the basement of Sherer Auditorium in Jasper. With just a few gym mats and a deep love for local children, she began teaching tumbling classes twice a week.
Word quickly spread about Marilyn’s intentionality, energy, and talent as a teacher. Within months, classes in tap, jazz, and ballet were added to the schedule, and MSPAC moved into a vacant department store to accommodate its growing enrollment. Parents and students alike recognized that Marilyn brought a level of training and professionalism the community hadn’t experienced before.
From the start, Marilyn emphasized the importance of exposure to top-tier dance training. She made it a priority for students to attend workshops with industry professionals in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. Dancing alongside MTV performers and professional choreographers gave students from Jasper the confidence to keep pace with dancers from major cities. MSPAC students have since performed at Radio City Music Hall, collaborated with professional dancers, and taken the stage in cities across the country.
“The dance studio is what I call an outlier studio,” says Marilyn. “It’s one that nobody would have ever expected to develop this high level of dancers in Jasper, Alabama.”
Stacy Latham Alley, a Jasper native and head of Musical Theatre at the University of Alabama, is a former Radio City Music Hall dancer. She credits her 40-year career in the performance industry to Marilyn and the training she received at MSPAC.
“My whole career is due to my time there. I owe Marilyn so much,” Stacy says.
Over the years, Marilyn received multiple offers to partner with or sell the studio—some from industry figures like Disney’s Bobby “Bo” Wagner and Hollywood actor Mickey Rooney. But after 39 years at the helm, she kept it local. In 2014, Marilyn sold MSPAC to her former student, Christy Hand-Barger.
Christy was just five years old when she took her first class with Marilyn. Today, she walks through the same doors as the owner, bringing the same care, professionalism, and spirit Marilyn embodied.
“I want to pass on what has been taught to me,” Christy says. “I want these students to feel good about themselves and know that when they come in here, I am going to build you up and not tear you down.”
MSPAC’s legacy of excellence and encouragement continues to resonate both locally and nationally. The studio’s family atmosphere, quality instruction, and heartfelt mentorship leave a lifelong mark on all who pass through its doors. Former students now sit behind the glass windows, watching their own children try out new stretches or dance moves that “Ms. Christy” picked up at her latest masterclass in Los Angeles.
Although Marilyn now lives in Destin, Florida, she still visits the studio from time to time. During a recent trip, the ballet class performed for her—bringing her to tears.
“It means so much to me to know that Jasper is still receiving this,” she says. “Jasper still has what I wanted them to have.” WL
