Moapa Valley High School’s dance studio just got a major upgrade.

Thanks to a collaborative effort between Pirate Motion, Coach Anjie Lee, the MVHS construction program and community support, the space now features a safer, more functional dance floor.

The original flooring — tile laid directly over concrete — posed a significant health risk. Without proper shock absorption, students suffered shin splints, minor injuries and the potential for long-term joint issues. With both the after-school dance team and multiple social dance classes using the studio year-round, an upgrade was urgently needed.

Coach Lee and Pirate Motion began fundraising during the 2024–2025 school year by reaching out to local businesses and community members for donations.

Home Hardware played a key role by providing most of the materials at cost. MVHS construction teacher Kameron Mickelson and his students began building the floor in May, just before the end of the school year, and completed the project over the summer. The hands-on construction experience benefited the students, and keeping the project in-house allowed a portion of the funds to be reinvested in the school’s construction program.

Instead of purchasing a costly prefabricated system, the team used an innovative design: cut-up pool noodles for shock absorption, two layers of plywood for structure and laminate flooring for durability. The result is a cushioned, supportive surface that will improve safety and reduce stress on joints for years to come.

“I’m grateful the dance floor will make it safer and healthier for all who use it,” said Lee.

The new flooring will directly impact more than 100 students, including those on the Pirate Motion dance team and in MVHS’s social dance classes. It’s a long-term investment in student wellness, made possible by school and community collaboration.

Coach Lee and Pirate Motion wish to thank the donors who made this project possible: Nonpareil Care, Simplot, Aquatic Co., The Adams Family, Moapa Valley Telephone, Patricia Lewis and Yukon Refrigeration.