For the past seven years, Phoenix Smith has been known around the city as the artistic director at Bella Dance Academy.

But you can add the title of owner to her business cards as sheSA国际影视传媒檚 now in charge of the entire operation.

ThatSA国际影视传媒檚 because Smith has purchased the business from Lina Lewis, the academySA国际影视传媒檚 founder. The sale went through on Sept. 1, but was only made public this past Saturday.

SA国际影视传媒淭here were a lot of transitions behind the scenes that had to happen, and so we waited until Oct. 1 to announce it,SA国际影视传媒� said Smith.

Lewis founded the academy in 2004 and this is the 19th season of operations.

Smith said the sale had been discussed for quite some time.

SA国际影视传媒淐ovid was a challenge for Lina SA国际影视传媒� she wasnSA国际影视传媒檛 able to come visit (from Vancouver) as often as she would have liked, so that was a big factor,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淚t was important to her that there was a person with a connection to the studio to take over.SA国际影视传媒�

Even with the change in ownership, Smith said it will be business as usual with no major changes. All of the current programming will continue unaffected.

She did say, though, that her hope is to mould the academy into what she would like it to be.

SA国际影视传媒淟ina built such a great business here, thereSA国际影视传媒檚 such a great foundation and ISA国际影视传媒檓 really hoping to continue building that connection to the community that we have,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淚 want to make this a safe and welcoming place for everyone who comes. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 all about being inclusive and making it a place not just for girls. Everyone is welcome to come and be a part of our academy.SA国际影视传媒�

Many of the online comments have been in favour of the move with several making mention of the fact that Smith will now be there for the long-term.

Smith herself acknowledged thereSA国际影视传媒檚 always a concern that people who make their mark will eventually move on.

SA国际影视传媒淵ellowknife is a community where people come and go, itSA国际影视传媒檚 a very transitory place,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淵ou wonder if thereSA国际影视传媒檚 that connection, but I want everyone to know that ISA国际影视传媒檓 going to be here for them and ISA国际影视传媒檝e made Yellowknife my home.SA国际影视传媒�

Lewis will still provide mentorship while things become finalized behind the scenes, added Smith.

SA国际影视传媒淚 have such a close relationship with Lina and sheSA国际影视传媒檚 told me not to make the mistakes she made (when she started),SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淚SA国际影视传媒檓 excited about it, a bit nervous, but Lina has been a great mentor and ISA国际影视传媒檓 confident in whatSA国际影视传媒檚 to come for us.SA国际影视传媒�