OKEMOS - On June 12, 2016 Happendance celebrated its 40th anniversary in Okemos. Founded by Diane Newman in 1976, the dance company is now located in the "big red barn" on Hagadorn Road. With deep roots in the community, Happendance services about 6,000 citizens of Meridian Township and surrounding areas.

While there are many local dance companies, some Happendance performers agreed that there are many things that set this particular dance company apart from others. "[Happendance] differs a lot from the strict structure of a lot of other studios in the area," says Happendance Velocity and Happendance Concert Dance performer Charron McRae. Reilly Spitzfaden, Happendance performer and choreographer states that he "particularly likes the focus that Happendance has on modern dance and full length concert dance."