Today we’d like to introduce you to Keith Michael.
Hi Keith Michael, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I founded and currently operate Danceville, U.S.A., a ballroom dance studio formerly located in the Short North/Italian Village for 8 years. During the pandemic, we decided it was time to branch out and diversify our business. Dancing face-to-face holding hands isn’t exactly ideal pandemic activity. I went to college at OSU and have been driving by the giant church on the corner of Goodale and Neil Avenue for years (decades, really). The building was always grand in scale– commanding your attention, but the building had fallen into severe dilapidation. Mid-pandemic, a friend of mine told me the building was for sale. Hastily, my business partner and I scheduled an appointment with a realtor to investigate the reality of moving the current dance studio into the new space and creating a wedding venue/event space in coordination.
Retrospectively, I can’t imagine what we were thinking! The building was zoned for religious purposes only, and we would have to buy the building on faith that the zoning would be changed for commercial purposes after purchase. You know the saying, “Jump and the net will appear?” That was us… fully.
Luckily, the Victorian Village Commission and the City of Columbus approved the zoning change unanimously, as well as all of the renovation plans. It took almost a full year from purchase date to completion to change zoning, bring the building up to code, install a brand-new fire suppression system, acquire a food and liquor license, replace all of the windows, landscape the outdoors, and completely redo the interior salvaging as much of the original structure as possible.
What a feat!
Now, under the umbrella of The Sanctuary On Neil, we function as a full-time event space, house a ballroom dance studio, rent multi-purpose office space, and house Sotto Terra at The Sanctuary, a hidden-gem-of-a-space in the basement of the old church. The vibe is like no other place in the city. Cool. Swanky. Chill. It’s a vibe. We are currently open for special events only as announced on our social media pages and website.
As you know, we’re big fans of Sotto Terra at the Sanctuary. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
I travel the world as a professional ballroom dancer and have had the opportunity to eat at some of the best restaurants in the world, have drinks in the trendiest bars, and experience world-class service all across the customer service industry. When I came home to Columbus, the things I wanted to do/experience/taste/see/hear/feel; I could find them. Sotto Terra would be just that. Everything Columbus didn’t already have.
You know it’s special from the jump. Trying to find the unmarked entrance on this 18,500 sq. ft building starts the mystery. Once inside, the dark staircase lined with Rolling Stone magazines and bottomed out with a neon sign “Sotto Terra,” reassure you’ve made it to the right space.
We have pop culture memorabilia throughout the space, including previously unreleased photos of Madonna from her pre-fame NY years, autographed photos from movies, tv, and music. It’s fun to peruse the walls and take it all in.
Our stage is classic. Red velvet curtains, professional stage lighting, and a world-class sound system. Our bar curates world-class cocktails (imagine dry ice drinks, etc.) with only the best beers, IPAs, and top-shelf spirits.
Currently, we host special events only, so you could say we are open by appointment only. Reservations can be made on our website, sottoterraatthesanctuary.com. Events include Drag Bingo nights, Dolly Parton Look-A-Like Contests, Adult Spelling Bees (We call ours a Boozy Bee Spelling Bee), Live Music Nights, and Trivia Nights.
The cover is only $10 for our events, and drinks range from $6-$14. Super reasonable and a great price point for such a fabulous space!
We are proud to have an environment that’s safe and welcoming to everyone no matter race, religion, culture, gender, sexual orientation, etc.
If you’re a good person and want to have a good time, we are your spot.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Birds of a feather flock together. My motto is to always show up and do your best. The people who appreciate that will stick, and the people who don’t won’t. Mentors worth having known who they want to mentor. Actions speak louder than words.
Contact Info:
- Website: sottoterraatthesanctuary.com
- Instagram: sotto_terra_at_the_sanctuary
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sottoterraatthesanctuary
