Basin Getting First Class Performance Center

Dancing on Broadway, walking down the runway and acting on the big screen are the kinds of things that most kids only dream of becoming one day.But now, thanks to the generosity and the passion of a Midland business owner, kids here in West Texas will soon have a much better chance of making their dreams come true.

Jill Clements, owner of Bingham Dance Center, has been dancing since she was 5 years old. "I grew up dancing and competing and doing pageants around the U.S. Then, as I got older, I learned that I enjoyed being on this end...the teaching end." says Clements.

Jill and her husband decided to purchase Bingham Dance Center, a well-respected Midland studio, several years ago. Ten years and hundreds of dance classes later, she's now decided to make another move, which is not only big for local dancers, but for everyone in West Texas.

Along with their usual ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop contemporary and adult dance classes, the new Bingham Center will also offer a variety of other classes including kung fu, tai chi, competitive and non-competitive tumbling and cheer, music and more.

It'll also be home to Feature Model and Talent Management, and the Midlander running the show is no stranger to the industry. After being discovered at the age of 18, Diana Taylor-Burge soon became known around the world as a top model. She's shared the runway and the pages of Vogue, Elle and other fashion magazines with likes of Christy Brinkley, Janice Dickenson and Jerri Hall.

Needless to say, her experience helped her learn every aspect of the industry, and now she wants to share it with others. According to Burge, it's about a lot more "I'll use modeling tools to help the girls build their self esteem, win some grace and just give them more confidence." Students will also learn proper etiquette, and the importance staying healthy. When they're ready, they'll have the chance to meet with top model and talent agents from around the world.

"I would love to see someone go and fulfill their dream," says Burge. And that's exactly why Clements invested big to bring this world-class facility, the only one of it's kind, to West Texas. She says, "It's an amazing journey to take kids on and to help their dreams manifest is an amazing thing."

Bingham Center

*Bingham Center is currently enrolling students for all classes. Monthly prices include an unlimited amount of classes, as long as they're offered in the students age category. To see categories offered in each age group, go to www.binghamcenter.com.

To register, call 432-689-3269

Monthly Prices (unlimited classes)

• Mommy&Me(8 mths - 2 1/2yrs): $40
• Wee Steps (ages 2 - 4): $80
• Mini Steps (ages 5 - 8): $100
• Junior Steps (ages 9 - 12): $120
• Teen Steps (ages 13 - 18): $140
• Adults/Senior Fitness (ages 18 & up): $40

Feature Model & Talent Management:

*Feature will be holding auditions Aug. 27-29. Anyone interested is asked to call and request a time slot.

To request audition time: 432-689-3269