The Studio of Professional Arts was founded in 1954 by Mrs. Vera Murphy
and her husband Huel, Dale’s mother and step-father. At the age of 10, Dale and his older brother,
Ralph, along with Mrs. Murphy, were the primary teaching staff. Huel Murphy provided the practice music
with his keyboard and brought in musical friends to make up the orchestra during recitals.
When Ralph was drafted
into the army, Dale continued his music career in addition to teaching dance at the studio of
professional arts. Dale married Miss Becky Burkhalter on August 6, 1968. When his parents died,
Dale gave up his performing and devoted himself primarily to dancing full time. Becky took over
bookkeeping and administration of the school, which increased from 4 to 27 in one year.
An exciting dancer himself, Dale was frequently asked to join the faculties of national dance
organizations. Dale and Becky’s three children, Dale Jr., Dalana and Daree won first place National
Grand Champions dance competition with more than 30,000 entries nationwide with their father’s
choreography. One of the judges, Broadway choreographer Tommy Walsh, a three time Tony winner,
described Dale’s choreography, teaching and staging as “Excellent… Excellent… Excellent!
The next year, the three D’s, as Dale called them, won the Stars of Tomorrow National Dance
Competition in Canada. Choreographic credits for Dale are wide ranging and include the shows
Pal Joey, Guys and Dolls, Cindy, Three Wishes for Jamie, Annie, and West Side Story. He was a
strong motivator as well as a disciplinarian and gifted teacher. Dale passed away March 24th,
1997, leaving Becky to continue the administrative responsibilities.
When Becky retired in 2007, Dale Jr. and his wife, Suzanne, acquired ownership of the Studio of
Professional Arts. Dale Jr. desires to teach his talent to his students as well as model valuable
character to his students. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in dance. He
has made performances on television (national syndicated programs) and on the stage. His stage
performances include dancing with a cast member from Riverdance. Dale Jr. also has musical talent
along with his dancing abilities. As a drummer and musical vocalist, Dale has played with a variety
of musical talents, ranging from Charlie Daniels to Jeff Cook from Alabama. Following in the footsteps
of his father, Dale turned his focus primarily on the studio and his students when the studio demanded
his full attention. He continues to have success with teaching his students and in competition. His
choreography and dedication to success helped win his student Male Dancer of the Year in 1997. Currently,
Dale Jr. continues to teach the children in his studio and gives them encouragement and preparation as
the children strive to make their dancing endeavors come true.
Dale Serrano Dance continues to strive to supply children not only with the foundation of dance, but
with the tools for life. Dale Serrano Dance is extremely proud of the huge number of former and current
students who give thanks for motivating and opening doors into their lives. Dale Serrano Dance is
dedicated to being an instrument God uses to influence people everyday.