Pat Barton began her career as a studio owner and dance teacher in 1969. After training and studying in France, she returned to own and operate two studios; one in Ankeny and one in Altoona. A few years later, the Altoona area began to grow rapidly. Pat felt that to better provide the intimate attention needed for each student, she should close her Ankeny branch and focus all of her attention on her Altoona studio.
The Altoona studio began with only 20 students. Pat rented the Altoona Legion Hall one night a week to meet with her students. As her business grew, she needed more space and more nights a week to teach. She moved her studio to a strip mall where she was the very first tenant. This move provided the space she needed and the flexibility to teach more often.
Over the years, the studio flourished and outgrew its building again. This is when she moved to her current location. It had a very large dance room and a lot of space to expand. A second dance room was added to accommodate the growing enrollment.
In 2005, the studio was completely remodeled to include three very large dance rooms. Additionally, brand new dance floors were laid and parent viewing windows were added. The waiting room and office area were also expanded and are more easily accessible to parents and visitors.
In 2012, a fourth dance room was added along with an additional waiting room and rest room!
The transformation of Pat Barton Dance Studio has been extraordinary over the years. As Altoona grows, the studio will continue to change and grow with the community!