Tretter had been subleasing in San Jose and wanted to find a good spot for a storefront.

"I wanted to reestablish my school of dance," Tretter said. "The last eight years I was treating it as a hobby. I now want to make this into a full-time career."

But with the economy in a downturn, Tretter was also aware of the difficulties in trying to build a strong client base.

Tretter looked all over the Bay Area for a studio. She checked out industrial and retail spaces from Los Altos to East San Jose. But in terms of convenience and affordability, none were better than the Campbell location she found.

"It fits my budget and I really like the landlord," she said.

On Aug. 12, Tretter received a conditional-use permit from the Campbell Planning Commission to establish a dance school. The dance studio will operate from 3:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The space is located in the back of the Campbell Plaza—on Winchester Boulevard in the same complex where Safeway and the CineLux Plaza 4 Theatre are located.

The school, which may be called Ariel School of Dance, will consist of three categories of clientele—children, teenagers and adults. Class offerings will include ballet, jazz, hip-hop, modern and ballroom dance and yoga. Currently most of Tretter's clients are adults.

"I'll be very lucky if I can break even," Tretter said. "But I need to promote my business."

She plans to advertise in school newspapers once the school year begins. Tretter also has plans to do a variety of fundraisers in the community. In the past, Tretter has participated in parades in Mountain View and festivals in downtown San Jose. She hopes to continue to participate in the community once she is established in Campbell.