SMCC loan supports Hutchinson dancer, entrepreneur

Synergy Dance Project

Tatyana Wittman has been dancing since she was 2. She turned her lifelong passion into a business this year, opening Synergy Dance Project in the Hutchinson Mall. This Gen Z founder has always been inspired by the idea of synergy, how people work better together.

“I’m passionate about fostering creativity and collaboration through dance. My mission is to create a close-knit dance community where dancers can connect, grow, and express themselves,” Tatyana said.

At age 15, Tatyana began dancing competitively. She holds a bachelor’s degree in dance from Minnesota State University-Mankato.

“I’ve trained, performed, and attended classes all around the United States. My hope is to bring more of a concert style to Hutchinson. When I studied that at school, I found it’s a very mature and fun way of learning,” said Tatyana, who teaches jazz, contemporary and lyrical as well as working with the littlest dancers in Pre-K classes.

Leaping from dancer to director

In 2024, Tatyana traveled to competitions with her sister, Tailyn Beerbower, during Tailyn’s senior year of high school. They had so much fun and success with their routines, it got Tatyana thinking about opening her own studio. She reached out to a leasing agent for the Hutchinson Mall. Tatyana didn’t hear back for months.

“My dad and I were at Target and the leasing agent ended up reaching out to me, and she’s like, ‘I’m going to be in Hutch for 20 more minutes,’” Tatyana recalls. “And I was like, we have to go! We have to see the space.”

It was a former nutrition store tucked just inside the mall with its own outside entrance. Tatyana could picture her studio there and decided to go for it.

A loan from Southwest Minnesota Community Capital (SMCC) helped pave the way. SMCC helps reach underserved entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community projects with affordable business lending, financial services and development support. This emerging Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) is a subsidiary of Southwest Initiative Foundation.

“As a former studio dancer myself, I know that Tatyana will be building more than just strong dancers; she’s creating a community. How fantastic she has invested in Hutchinson,” said SMCC Director Briana Mumme.

“The loan has helped tremendously as I launch my new business! I’m grateful for the support,” Tatyana said.

Hometown business in Hutchinson

Opening a studio in Hutchinson where she grew up means Tatyana’s family has been part of the new business. Sister Tailyn Beerbower is one of the instructors. And the whole family played a role in remodeling. The studio features a minimalist interior dominated by a black mirrored wall and matching black flooring. Accents of pink and purple add personality.

“I want to give a special shoutout to my dad, who put the floor together. There are 640 little foam pads underneath that help with injury prevention, which is really great,” Tatyana said.

Tatyana and her staff all trained locally as dancers. Instructor Kate Randall took up ballet in middle school and continued training and teaching throughout high school and college. She teaches ballet, lyrical, jazz and Pre-K. She also serves as the marketing and communications assistant for Synergy Dance Project. Kate graduated from St. Cloud State University in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in professional communication, specializing in dance and athletic communications.

Recent high school graduate Tailyn teaches hip hop, jazz and strength conditioning. A dancer for 16 years, she started competing at age 10. Tailyn is trained in jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, ballet, and pointe, but her passions are hip hop and contemporary. Like her older sister, Tailyn is also an entrepreneur. Tailyn Jade Designs sells custom creations like hand-painted bags, unique water bottles and personalized shoes.

“It’s fun because my sister, teacher-to-student, she doesn’t listen to me very well. But teacher-to-teacher, we work so well together,” Tatyana said. “And then Kate and I danced together locally, and so it’s just fun to see her as a teacher now. It’s just such a blessing working together.”

---

The start of Southwest Minnesota Community Capital

Synergy Dance Project is the second loan for Southwest Minnesota Community Capital (SMCC). It issued its first loan to Tina Castillo, owner and operator of Sweet Spot Bake Shop in Fairfax, in 2024. SWIF officially launched SMCC as its subsidiary that same year.

Creating a new CDFI is a process that can take years of behind-the-scenes work. For SMCC, the next step is obtaining certification through the U.S. Department of the Treasury, a formal designation that recognizes its mission and impact. This certification will increase access to different sources of capital and enhance SMCC’s ability to support the region.