Is the Dance Doctor about to waltz his way off of Fourth Street?
Probably not, according to John Cassese, the owner of The Dance Doctor on Fourth Street, a dance studio whose lease with the city of Santa Monica will expire in September of this year.
City officials in the Economic Development Division issued a request for proposals to seek tenants in mid-December and plan to close the bidding process on Feb. 1. As of Thursday afternoon, no bids have been submitted, said Miriam Mack, manager of the Economic Development Division.
“We have leasing guidelines that state pretty clearly that when leases are up, they need to be advertised,” said Mack.
The selection of a new tenant will be based on the business proposal of the applicant, including the suggested rent and the proposed activity. The background of the operator will also factor into the final decision, which will be made in the spring, according to Mack.
“It’s not necessarily based on price,” she said.
Cassese currently pays approximately $4,460 a month for rent. The new RFP is asking for a minimum of $4,617 a month on a five-year minimum lease.
The prognosis looks good for Cassese, who is confident that his lease will be renewed.
“I have been told that I am the favored tenant,” Cassese said this week.
The Dance Doctor has leased his studio, at 1440 Fourth St., beneath Parking Garage 5, for the last 10 years. Prior to setting up shop at his present location, The Dance Doctor cured ills for the rhythmically challenged at a studio on Santa Monica Boulevard and Fifth Street for 13 years.
“I needed more space and I always wanted ground floor because it’s like having a billboard of dancers,” Cassese said. “I get a lot of comments from my new potential students.”
A good portion of his students come from passers-by.
The name of the business derives from the fact that Cassese once performed house calls. He still occasionally holds lessons in students’ homes, but for the most part, that part of his business has taken a backseat.
“I bring a lot of life to that street and Santa Monica,” said Cassese.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 6, 2007. Read the original PDF.