Vidalia &8212; Alyson Parks said she expects her dance studio on Hickory Street, behind Vidalia First Baptist Church, to be ready for admissions in mid-October.

&8220;There are a few things stalling the process, like the rezoning of the building from private property to business and making sure the building passes the fire codes. But I&8217;m optimistic that we will get those things taken care of in about two weeks,&8221; Parks said.

Parks, 21, said she has wanted to start a studio ever since she was a little girl.

&8220;I started taking lessons in tap, jazz and ballet when I was three-years-old,&8221; Parks said. &8220;Later on I trained in Monroe, at the Linda Lavender Ballet Company and also participated in several workshops.&8221;

Parks said she also taught the cheerleading squad at Vidalia High School in 2004 and 2005, and that several members of the community have encouraged her to take up teaching the cheerleaders before the football season.

&8220;I probably will not do that right when I open but eventually, when I develop a routine, I&8217;ll work on getting it accomplished,&8221; Parks said.

Parks said her decision to build on Hickory Street was because she felt it is a prime location to attract business from both sides of the Mississippi River.

&8220;Friends and family from all around the Miss-Lou have told me they can&8217;t wait to enroll their children,&8221; Parks said. &8220;Also Vidalia is growing and I feel a dance studio will do very well here.&8221;