COLLINGWOOD — With the ringing of a bell and cutting of a ribbon, 65 Simcoe St. was officially deemed the arts and culture hub of the town.

Mayor Sandra Cooper and Town Crier Ken Templeman attended the opening of the new Fleet-Wood Dancentre Tuesday to present a certificate of recognition to Sharron Fleet, the artistic director.

“Ladies and gentleman, whereas the Fleet-Wood Dancentre has been a part of the cultural make up of our community for 19 seasons teaching hundreds of our youth in the various genres of dance ... it is my honour to proclaim that the Fleet-Wood Dancentre will cut a ribbon and start a new chapter in their expressive history,” said Templeman.

Fleet said she is pleased with the location because it is in the same building as Theatre Collingwood.

“I have never, in the 45 years that I have taught dance, been able to rub elbows and collaborate with fellow artists, from paint medium to actors, and our dancers are all going to enjoy being around each other,” she said. “It is going to foster creativity and I’m looking forward to it very much.”

Steven Thomas, Theatre Collingwood’s artistic director, welcomed the dance academy to the building.

“It’s wonderful. Sixty-five Simcoe St. is now really and truly an arts and culture location,” he said. “We are very fortunate and we are very happy to have Fleet-Wood as our neighbours.”

Thomas pointed out more examples of art in the area: across the street is the Collingwood Public Library, an example of literary arts; the Tremont Cafe, featuring fine arts and visual arts; and nearby is the Collingwood Museum.

“It’s all within a short walking distance,” said Thomas.

Fleet said the move was accomplished with a lot of assistance and dedication. She said a group of the dancers’ fathers helped move and replace the five-layer floor and dancers painted the walls to feel more like home.

“I can’t tell you the hundreds of hours that have gone into relocating here and we are absolutely thrilled to be here.” she said.

The studio had two prior locations and Fleet said she believes this is the last move. The dance centre offers more than 80 classes a week from recreational courses to their pre-professional program.

The mayor concluded the ceremony with congratulatory remarks.

“In recognition of your grand opening, coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success. Wishing you great and continuous success for the new Fleet-Wood Dancentre location.” she said.