Chippewa Valley 5ive for Women The Chippewa Valley’s Premier Magazine for Women!
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WRITTEN BY KRIS A. NEWMAN
A love for music and the joy of dance artfully surround the life of Deborah Lang, director of the Performing Arts School of Dance and Music in the Chippewa Valley. Deborah’s philosophy revolves around her ultimate goal: “My vision now is of dancers that will heal and healers that will dance, until all are healed and there is no need but to dance.”
Deborah credits her first love, her husband, with allowing her the freedom to pursue a career in the arts. Although not one to participate in the arts, he has supported her choices-and those of their children-to explore various facets of art through drama, dance, and music. “As a unit, our family has created great memories thanks to each of these avenues. All of us have acted in, directed, managed, produced, and otherwise been involved in many productions over the years.”
Deborah’s current artistic outlet is through the Performing Arts School. The underlying purpose of the school is to help other families create memories, too. “I enjoy helping children learn to express themselves through dance and music.”
Her website states, “A child introduced to ballet, creative movement and music at an early age will likely develop a love for the arts and a passion for rhythm, sport, dance, and creativity which will last a lifetime.”
I asked Deborah how the 5ive elements intersect with her passion for creativity.
FAITH
Deborah’s deep faith in God generates optimism in her life. She enjoys devotion times with her family before meals and bedtime. They actively participate in a local church. Practical faith is an important element to Deborah. So, she believes it is important to teach her children about faith and to give them a platform for their future choices, too. For this reason, she supports local parochial schools.
FAMILY
To Deborah, the most important 5ive element is family. Her family isn’t limited to genetics, however. “We have made so many strong connections over the years—with people in the Chippewa Valley through the Y, through school, through church, the neighborhood—that they feel like family, too.”
FINANCE
Although it is Deborah’s least favorite element, finance plays a role in allowing her to maintain her passion for teaching dance and music. Deborah’s ability to mix business and art at the studio provides a haven for learning.
FITNESS
In addition to being an accomplished dance and music instructor, Deborah teaches yoga to classes of all ages and experience levels at the YMCA. “I enjoy yoga. It gives me the chance to mix faith with fitness by allowing time to meditate and re-group.”
FRIENDS
It is difficult for Deborah to separate family and fitness from friends, as they all comingle. “The relationships we have built in the Chippewa Valley through years of enjoying arts and fitness together are amazing! Everyone binds together to help each other out. It is a wonderful gift! We prioritize time for each other and are aware of each other’s needs.” Deborah’s website sums it up well: “Classes under the careful direction of
Deborah enhance the development of the whole child. While gaining strong, graceful and responsive bodies, children develop coordination, concentration, and above all, self-esteem and confidence.” It’s easy to see the 5ive elements at work in this statement!
