Cambrie Gerdes, founder of Neva Creative Arts Co., discovered her passion for the performing arts when she was young.
At age 5, she began developing an impressive array of talents, including tap, jazz, musical theater and voice. As a teenager, she had aspirations of performing professionally. Then, she felt her goals shift when she had the opportunity to teach children at the Morgantown Theatre Company and several local dance studios. “I fell in love with sharing my passion for the arts,” she said.
In 2022, while still midway through a BA in dance at WVU, Gerdes opened her own studio. “I wanted to create a place where kids can dance, sing and act all in one place and work towards becoming a triple threat,” she said. Since then, Neva Creative Arts Company has grown steadily, offering private lessons, group classes, and summer intensives.
Gerdes named her studio after Neva Grace Knight, the daughter of family friends. Neva loved to dance and sing, even through her battle with childhood cancer. Gerdes and some of her friends choreographed and performed a dance presented at Mohigan Idol in Neva’s honor.
“We were able to bring her up on stage and share a really wonderful memory with her,” Gerdes said.
After Neva’s passing in 2020, Gerdes continued to use her artistic gifts to help in the fight against cancer.
“I wanted to do something more to honor Neva and have a way to give back to childhood cancer warriors and their families,” Gerdes said of naming the studio after her friend. She donates a portion of her studio’s proceeds to WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital and has hosted fundraising drives.
“We’re hoping to do more community outreach and raise awareness for childhood cancer,” she said.
Available classes include tap, jazz, hip-hop, acting, ballet and voice. The fall season begins on Aug. 19. Students can register online at www.nevacreativearts.com. Jennifer Holben, a parent of one of Neva’s students, spoke highly of Gerdes.
“She is incredibly caring and dedicated,” Holben said. “She makes sure that every student feels comfortable and confident.” Holben’s daughter, Caroline, has been a student since 2022. “Cambrie always makes sure you know your choreography and helps you until you’re confident. She’s very loving and supportive.”
Neva recently moved to a new studio space on Don Knotts Boulevard, shared with the Morgantown Theatre Company. This collaboration has allowed both organizations to expand their offerings and provide even more opportunities for local youth. Gerdes will continue to choreograph performances for Morgantown Theatre Company, and MTC Artistic Director Heath Kale provides acting instruction for Neva students.
“We’ve been working on getting the studio ready with new flooring, ballet bars, and other necessary equipment,” Gerdes said. “We’re excited to start using it for our fall classes.”
Gerdes strives to make Neva a place where young people can not only develop their performing skills but also form friendships, learn teamwork and build confidence.
“There are so many skills that the arts provide that are essential in all work fields and vocations,” she said. “It’s been wonderful to be able to see how the arts can inspire young people in the community.”
