By Stephen Smoot
In so many ways Shinnston has grown synonymous with the arts. The Shinnston Community Band and the growing live music scene brings the beauty of song to the warm spring and summer nights. Shakespeare in the Park features updates on the Bard’s classics.
And the Ingra and Company Dance studio for years has ensured that the younger generation has the opportunity to learn and perform in that fine art. With the retirement of its beloved proprietor, however, it was time that a new face stepped up to the dance floor.
Turns out that no one had to look far to see who would continue the legacy of the studio. Alyssa Riley, a former dancer in the company, has assumed ownership.
Part of the legacy that Ingra Pratt established since 2015 was to not only teach how to dance, but to teach the dancer as well. That includes teaching discipline and instilling confidence.
And now one of Pratt’s own will inherit that special legacy and carry it into the future.
“She was so surprised,” Riley shared, “she felt so honored, so happy it was one of her previous dancers. She couldn’t think of a better situation for her” than to see the studio pass into the hands of a person who understood what it means to the community.
As for Riley, she said “I always supported Ingra, but I never would have imagined this.”
Riley’s experience in the studio goes back to the beginning, when the Lumberport Middle School student joined up. “I was one of the first group of girls at the studio,” she remembered.
She danced until her senior year of high school, then moved on to West Virginia University. Meanwhile, members of her family continued to enjoy instruction and performing at the studio. Because of her family, even though Riley stopped dancing for a while, she continued attending recitals. At WVU, Riley added a crucial element to her as yet unknown future in entrepreneurship, studying business and marketing. She took over the studio in July and has been preparing for the next session since.
The future continues to look bright for aspiring dancers in Shinnston. Riley admitted that “Ingra’s very creative, so I have big shoes to fill.” Her vision lies in embracing the creativity of her dancers, “any ideas they have,” because “the girls have big dreams and aspirations.”
“Once classes start, I’ll be showered with ideas,” she shared.
The small town Shinnston environment has been and will be a huge asset for the studio. Dozens turned up for the August 16 ribbon cutting that included community leaders and dancers alike.
Though registration has closed for this year, it begins every August. Closing date for 2026 registrations is August 26. This year’s group will perform in the Shinnston Christmas and Saint Patrick’s Day parades, as well as at the Robinson Grand next June 5th and 6th.
“We’d love for anyone and everyone in the community to turn out,” she said.
