The Enchanted Garden Studio 1 Reopens Post Fire, Continues to Shine Bright After 20 Years in Business

Whether people know the Enchanted Garden for its early childhood programs, dance classes, music lessons, or birthday parties, this family-run Ridgefield institution has served thousands of children for the past 20 years and shows no signs of slowing down. The overwhelming community support demonstrated when a fire struck Studio One on April 14th is a testament to the love and respect the community has for this family-run business.

“We are incredibly grateful that so many people rushed to our aid when we needed it most,” said Judy Hirt-Manheimer, founder of The Enchanted Garden. “The fire was caused by an ice-melting coil in the gutter, and as a result we had to replace the roof and treat the smoke damage, but luckily nothing structural was harmed.”

The Enchanted Garden took the opportunity to make some updates to Studio One during the course of the construction of new roof improvements. It recently reopened with a redesigned and newly furnished upstairs waiting room with seating for 15 and plush carpets, new back stairs, freshly refinished trim and flooring, and an updated sound system in the dance studio. “It feels like a new building, yet has retained its original charm,” said Mrs. Hirt-Manheimer.

“We feel such a strong connection with the Ridgefield community and would like to thank the Ridgefield Fire Department for being on the scene so quickly,” said Noah Manheimer. “We’d also like to thank the town of Ridgefield for providing us with an alternative space to run our preschool, and the Ridgefield Playhouse for letting us move our dance, yoga and gymnastics programs into their dance studio. Everyone has been so supportive.”

The Enchanted Garden is a true, creative force in town offering an array of top quality programs. Teachers are hand selected for each area, and children are encouraged to grow through a progression of courses at every level. The Enchanted Garden’s “Music, Mommy & Me” classes are geared to children as young as 2 months of age. The school offers an impressive span of programs from “Twos” classes and “Budding Ballerinas,” to its licensed preschool, complete with World Champion Tae Kwon Do. It also offers gymnastics, dance, theater, music and voice lessons as well as summer programs for all ages.

Studio One’s space, both indoor and outdoor, is unlike any other school in town complete with bright and whimsical murals, play and learning stations, and in general a set up that lends itself well to so many opportunities for creative interaction.

“Seventy percent of families have been with us for three or more years,” said co-director Noah Manheimer, one of the founder’s sons. “A good number of our senior dancers and music students started in Judy’s music class as babies.”

“We love what we do and it shows,” said co-director Isaac Hirt-Manheimer, another of the founder’s sons. “We are constantly striving to improve our curriculum and keep current and in line with the needs of the community. We were thrilled to learn in a recent survey that more than 90% of our customers called our programs “high quality,” and that’s why they keep coming back.”

Photo info: Enchanted Garden owners Aron & Judy Hirt-Manheimer, Noah Manheimer with his children Skylar & Zoe and Isaac Hirt-Manheimer with his children Eli & Hannah. Photo by Kelley Clarke.