By Williamena Kwapo | OBSERVER Staff Writer
Studio T Arts and Entertainment unveiled its new “innovation factory” during an open house Nov. 1.
Embracing a theme of “’90s Fresh,” the celebration was filled with ’90s-inspired music, dance performances, and creative energy.
The open house offered attendees a first look at the innovation factory, a cutting-edge creative hub dedicated to fostering development in performing arts, media production, and entrepreneurship. The event highlighted Studio T’s commitment to empowering underserved communities while also celebrating its latest milestone with guided tours and live entertainment.
Located at 1215 Del Paso Blvd., the 44,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility is designed to inspire creativity and spark change. In addition to hosting courses and workshops in dance, media, and visual art open to all ages, the facility offers commercial rental spaces and event-hosting options, creating opportunities for the community and local businesses.
At the heart of the project is Tamaira “Miss Tee” Sandifer, founder of Studio T Arts and Entertainment. While dance was her original tool to engage youth, Miss Tee has become known for her dedication to mentorship, working with more than 880,000 young people nationwide and using dance and artistry as powerful tools for empowerment.
Her students have performed with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Usher, and Beyoncé, and on prestigious stages such as the MTV Music Awards and BET Awards.
“I noticed that once we started giving them access to the training and the programs we were offering, that these kids would become all-stars,” Miss Tee said.
She has traveled locally and nationally, striving to provide access to the arts as a means to unlock the potential in youth. That vision ultimately led to the innovation factory’s creation. She wanted the facility to feel all-encompassing, moving beyond the idea of a traditional dance studio.
“I didn’t want people to think that they were going to a dance studio because that just suggests a box,” she said. “I wanted people to understand that they were coming to an innovation factory, meaning that innovation will continue to be produced again and again, whether it’s in the performing arts realm, the visual arts realm, culinary arts, or technological realm.”
Inside the factory, students can access various spaces designed to nurture their creativity and career aspirations. These include a Black Box Theater, where aspiring filmmakers can screen and critique their work; podcast studios, providing hands-on experience in content creation and monetization; and specialized labs for photography, dance, and DJing.
However, the innovation factory’s journey is just beginning. Miss Tee envisions a facility that fully taps into the potential of Del Paso Heights, celebrating its rich creativity and resilience. To bring that vision to life, Studio T has partnered with the San Francisco-based architecture firm Gensler, known for iconic projects such as the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, TikTok headquarters, and various NFL facilities.
Over the next year, Studio T and Gensler will collaborate on expanding the innovation factory. Renderings of the reimagined facility, showcasing its future design and functionality, are displayed on the walls of the current space, offering a glimpse into the possibilities.
Miss Tee’s vision is clear: to leave a legacy of transformation and hope for generations to come. By blending economic growth and career readiness with all areas of the arts, the innovation factory is preparing to shape a new generation of creatives and changemakers.
“I think that when you can do something like what we’re doing now, it gives people a blueprint on how they can activate tools and resources in communities that will cause a positive shift,” Miss Tee said.The innovation factory is open for classes for students of all ages, with spaces available for creatives and business owners looking to scale their work. For more information, visit studiotarts.org.