William Roberson in "To Have and to Hold" by Shapiro and Smith

Wylliams-Henry (Tonight Still)

September 23, 24, 2016

At White Recital Hall, UMKC/Rep

Amore's Zumba class 7 years ago shortly after opening at 118 Quivirra

Amore, where? Moving, 30-day's notice

Moving Again, looking for another location

Last day is September 30, 2016 at the 11800 Quivira location

I've known Jessica and Tony Witt since they were Thompson and Witt, boyfriend and girlfriend dancing together with Louis Bar and the Swingsters, then Josh Hernandez and Latin Rhythm, then four-walling it anywhere they could find a spot to teach and give events, then at 523 Grand in the Rivermarket with a two-level combination apartment/studio that looked like something from a television buddy series, then at 39th and Pennsylvania when the landlords of 523 decided to convert to condos and then at 118th and Quivira when the 39th Street location decided to not renew (and stayed vacant for years after). Early on they became Zumba certified and Zumba certifiers getting in at the start of a hugely popular activity.

I took pictures for their wedding at The Madrid (38th and Main, see link below) and watched as their daughter was in classes and performances at the next-door American Dance Studio in productions of Nutcracker where their daughter was first a cherub and in other ballet productions and where Tony and Jessica contributed costumes and labor to American Youth Ballet, pitching in to move scenery, props and just be the good neighbors and contributors they are. They are the neat, smart couple who've always contributed to everyone around doing everything right to build their business and the surrounding community, starting very small and building, saving and just plain hard working. I've seriously never run into anyone with anything but appreciation and fondness for them.

They are not the only folks to loose their lease but it seems especially bad luck to have it happen now more than once to them in particular. At this writing (Sept 24th) there is no place in sight. Frankly, I am appalled at the bad judgement of landlords who terminate leases because the greenback is greener with the next imagined tenant rather than valuing the stability and contributions to the community the current tenants bring. So many times I've watched that happen only to have the location remain vacant for long after. I don't know about this circumstance but I could give examples I know of such as Payless Computers at about 80+ and Wornall, still vacant after years, Arthur Murray at their 87th street location and I forgot what eventually went in there. This is more than dollars from a lease.

The Witt's have been the best neighbors to those around. No drunks, just lots of traffic, which is always good overall for a strip mall location and their own willingness to pitch in as contributors all around. At this stage I can only hope they will find another good situation to move into. They've taken lemons before and managed amazingly great lemonade. These two are a treasure and any landlord should only be grateful to get them.

Link to their website: http://www.amoredance.com

Amore Dance Studio pages on this site:
Amore Grand Opening at 11800 Quivira (8 May 2010)
Jessica and Tony's Wedding Reception (12 Aug 2007)
New Location Party - Moved to 39th and Pennsylvania (15 April 2006)
Belly Dance Class with Nicole English (Fall 2005)
Swing Workshop with Dan and Tifany (19 March 2005)

And,here is what they wrote on their Facebook page on September 5th:

Amore Family, After 7 years at our current location, our lease is ending and we were given 30 days notice that we would not be able to renew. As of September 30th, 2016, our studio at 11800 Quivira in Overland Park will be closed.

We are investigating options for relocation and continued classes. If anyone has any ideas regarding spaces where we might be able to hold classes and/or rent space for several hours a week and/or store items while we investigate other options, please let us know.

Through this last month, all classes will be on as scheduled through September 25th.

All current pre-purchased packages or existing balances will be valid. We will not be selling any new 10 class packages for any of our fitness classes, or month passes for our dance classes. Every class will be sold as a drop in basis.

This was completely unexpected and we appreciate your understanding and support. We will continue to update everyone on the future of classes, locations, schedules, and/or possible special events.

Our entire staff treasures teaching and spending time with all of you.

If you have any questions, please send all inquiries to Tony and Jessica Witt at witts@amoredance.com

Ali Ball and Clay Mitchell - click on picture to open page

Kansas City Dance Classic 2016

Pictures Saturday, September 10

At the Camelot Ballroom on 151st east of Metcalfe in Overland Park

A little polka - Fiesta Mexicana representing Mexico

Ethnic Enrichment Festial KC, 2016

Pictures Saturday, August 20

Swope Park

Gurukul in "Cosmic Forces"

Cosmic Forces

Gurukul Academy

July 9, 2016 performance at City Stage in Union Station - Traditional and modern including an ancient revival of using dance to paint a picture

Leo and Karen at Clay-Platte

Clay-Platte Seniors

1st and 3rd Saturdays, live music
Pictures from August 6, 2016

North Cross Methodist, 7-9 pm

Friday afternoon block party, from the portable stage

Festival on the Vine

Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey
June 2016

18th and Vine Jazz District

• Young Friends Evening With Ailey

• Ailey II and Gala 2016