About

Meet the West in Downtown West

Our founder and life-long dancer, Stephanie Young, is pictured above with her grandparents, Neva and Donald K. West.  Her passion for dance and her drive for excellence stemmed directly from the phenomenal and loving support she received from her Granddaddy, Donald K. West. 

Granddaddy West was a Marine who among many other accomplishments, flew the presidential helicopter for Eisenhower and Kennedy.  He was a talented musician who played clarinet and saxophone in big bands of the era.  Stephanie still has his Musician Association Card, signed by Glenn Miller.  Granddaddy West met him backstage in his big band years. 

As she was growing up, Granddaddy West never asked Stephanie why she was driven to pursue her passion and supported her pursuit of a career in dance.  He knew the same type of drive and passion from his love of music. Many awards and accolades later, Stephanie has opened Downtown West Dance Studio, named in honor of her beloved Granddaddy, Donald K West.