An iconic music store on Reid Street that closed this year will see its artistic legacy continue when In Motion School of Dance opens a studio and retail space at the spot.

Lizz Pimentel, the owner and director of the school, said she was deeply honoured to be able to recognise The Music Box, which closed in January after a long and illustrious history.

The studio will be a base where dancers will begin, develop and perfect their skills.

Its next annual showcase will pay homage to the store, featuring music through the ages.

The school will also be named In Motion’s Music Box and will retain certain features such as CDs stuck to the ceiling.

The Music Box served the island’s musicians and music enthusiasts for close to 70 years and was bought in 1974 by the late Charles Edward “Eddy” DeMello.

For years, Mr DeMello nurtured local musical talent while bringing famous entertainers to the island including Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles.

Ms Pimentel has been working with Mr DeMello’s family to ensure his work is honoured while In Motion continues to help nurture the next generation of dancers.

She said: “The Music Box was of course legendary. When I saw it advertised, I reached out to the realtors and there was quite a lot of interest in the building.

“Mr DeMello did great things, supported many local artists and had them start their journeys and paths.

“It sounded and felt parallel to what we do at In Motion, as a lot of dancers get their start with us and go on to professional careers, and all within the arts.

“It feels like a tremendous honour to be here in this space. A lot of us remember it as an iconic building so it felt like I was given a big responsibility.

“It is crucial for me to respect and honour what Mr DeMello did for artists, the island and the community, by maintaining that legacy.

“We spoke to his family, it was important for them to know what was going to happen here. This is where he built his life.”

Ms Pimentel said it also felt like the right place to relocate as it was so close to where In Motion started out some 30 years ago.

She explained: “It feels like a full-circle moment coming here. We are entering our 30th season and we started two doors down on Chancery Lane.

“Our main location is 71 Reid Street and the lease was up at our secondary location at Magnolia House. Everything just aligned like it was meant to be.”

Annae Robinson, a co-director of In Motion, started with the school at the age of about 13.

She said: “In Motion has always been home for me — this was the only place that actually saw me, not everyone is that perfect-sized dancer but I came here and I felt like I was at home.

“It was like a family and I’m now going into my 25th year of teaching with In Motion.

“I feel like it is a coming-home moment, it feels nostalgic and I’m excited that I will be teaching over here.”

The new space will house one dance studio — which brings the total to four including those at the main site — a dedicated area for students and also a retail space where In Motion can re-establish a shop selling costumes, shoes and equipment.

Ms Pimentel said she was consulting with local musicians and teachers to find out what was most needed for the retail space.

In Motion’s Music Box is scheduled to open on August 1.

It offers classes for all ages, from 12 months to adult, and covers most dance styles including contemporary, ballet, tap, jazz and hip-hop.

The Music Box-inspired showcase is scheduled to take place in June 2027.

• For more information about In Motion School of Dance, visitinmotionbda.com