Butch - "Butch was raised in Oklahoma and grew up in the Marine Corps". After serving  in Vietnam (69),he set off to become rich and famous in show business. He started in the early 70's traveling with The Tournament of Thrills Mustang Auto Daredevil's & Super Star's Auto Thrill Shows. (Crashing cars?) Ironically his first job in NY was as a monitor for an open call for "The Bugs Bunny Follies" at the Showcase Studios (56th & 8th Ave.).

AND NOW THE KING OF REHEARSAL SPACE!...FATE?? After years of doing stunts, acting, directing, dancing (ha), producing off Broadway and alas now his first attempt at BROADWAY ("DEEP SONG") finds himself a very fortunate guy to be able to have lived a dream! Every day gets better & better!! THANKS NEW YORK CITY!!!!

Patricia - Patricia was born in Newark, N. J., grew up on the Jersey Shore, and attended Monmouth College, (now Monmouth University), in West Long Branch N. J. She worked "down the Shore" as a bartender and nightclub manager in Asbury Park. She was instrumental in discovering Bruce Springsteen, and introduced him to, and worked for, his first manager and produced his first concert. She was one of the pioneers of the music scene in Asbury Park and the "Shore". She worked in the music business for 5 years. After moving to Manhattan, she changed careers to become a fitness instructor at the Lotte Berk Method Studios on the East side. She worked as an instructor and assistant manager there for 7 years.

In 1982, with a partner, she opened a studio on West 72nd Street on the West side of Manhattan called Creative Energy Studios; and taught fitness classes for 2 years. In 1984 she became the manager of the West Side Studios on West 72nd Street, and ran it from 1984 to 1987. She started her own fitness company in 1987 called Fitness Concepts for LIfe. That same year she and Butch took over the ownership of the West Side Studios and renamed it the West 72nd Street Studios. She and Butch acquired another location and changed the name of the company to New York Spaces, Inc., of which she is the president. In 1999 she and Butch adopted the lovely Jean-Michelle and at the same time built and opened the Ripley-Grier Studios. After 4 years of expansion at that location they are now the owners of the largest rehearsal space facility in the world. In June of 2003 she graduated from the Metropolitan Institute's one year Feng Shui program, and designed Ripley-Grier IV using those principles.

In the fall of 2003 she and Butch decided to expand to another field in the entertainment business and began Jean-Michelle Productions to produce a play which is now "The Deep Song" musical play. After two successful workshops the play is ready to progress to bigger venues. She continues to teach fitness classes and has for over 30 years. She is looking forward to a great 2005.

Having known Butch and Patricia for almost 20 years, circa 1987 I worked at W. 72nd Studios for one day when help was needed.  A couple of years later, I started working on Sundays only, which I call my fun job, and after meeting our wonderful and interesting clients and NYSpaces staff, I got hooked.  I currently have an office on Fifth Avenue and 42nd St. where I work in Real Estate and trade securities full time.

David Piriz...from Uruguay, has joined the cosmopolitan family of Ripley-Grier Studios since moving to New York City in 2004.

Hi everyone, I'm Alessandra. Since September of 2006, I've been working at Ripley-Grier Studios and for Patricia Ripley and Butch Grier - two very wonderful people.
I have known Patricia and Butch for a while, long before they decided to have their wonderful and joyful child, Jean-Michelle.
Now, my life is quite different, and ofcourse, much better!

As a Ripley-Grier Studios staff member, I feel their appreciation for my work and the opportunity to grow side by side with them.

I love the ambiance and environment at the studios, which is interesting, colorful, and different every day.

It always feels like I'm part of one big family.

Since moving to NYC 5 years ago, Mikee has found great inspiration in his studies of Holistic Nutrition and Anusara Yoga. Soon to complete his Bachelors Degree in Holistic Healing, and his Teacher Certification, he hopes to extend his education and enthusiasm for his studies to others. Mikee is a dedicated friend and care giver to 5 yr old Jean- Michelle Ripley-Grier. He sees his life and Path to be inspired by J.M. playfulness and simple wisdom.

Rebecca has worked for New York Spaces for five years, since Jean-Michelle was born and  Ripley-Grier Studios opened.  Rebecca is currently working toward a bachelor's degree in psychology at Hunter College , and is the assistant director of Theatre Group Dzieci, an experimental theatre ensemble that does interactive therapeutic work in hospitals, workshops and performances throughout the city. 

She had her first baby in December (JACK) with her perfect husband John, the manager at Ripley-Grier Studios. Rebecca thinks that Butch and Patricia are the best bosses in the world.

John, along with his wife Rebecca, had their first child (a boy! will update more later...) this past December. John has been working at Ripley Grier since 1999, and has been its manager for the past three years. In addition to his work with New York Spaces, John is the Musical Director of Theatre Group Dzieci, an experimental theatre ensemble who create their own original work, as well as performing works of service. The group made their European debut this summer at Barcelona's Universal Forum of Cultures with their show "Fool's Mass" (also playing in New York every year in December). John also loves making homemade ice cream (just ask him, he'll tell you ALL about it...), and hanging out with Rebecca.

I work in New York Space in Eight Avenue . I'm in charge of the cleaning in 8th Avenue. I have worked in 8th Avenue for 1 year already and I'm happy to work here with all the other workers in New York Spaces. This is a part time that I have, I really work in JY Food Market. I have a family, I have a wife and a son name Rene Salas. I think that Ms. Patricia and Mr. Butch are best bosses I ever met and I'm happy to work for them.

I'm a worker for New York Spaces since 1998 and Ripley Grier studios in 1999. I feel happy working for Patricia Ripley and Butch Grier

Chris Glenn knows Butch Grier from Tulsa, Oklahoma where they both hail. Butch and Patricia have helped keep Chris gainfully employed as their resident painter/handyman/'can you fix this?" sorta guy.

Chris has acted on Broadway and Off, recorded two cd's of his original songs and is doing a production of his 1-man show 'Everyone Is Naked' this year.

Jeanette & Shirley started taking Yoga classes from "Butch" Grier in 1994. We enjoyed his classes (and his personality) so much, that we faithfully came every Saturday morning to take his class. Now we substitute for Butch, on Saturday mornings, when he and Patricia are out of town. We use to be in a modern dance company and we also take ballet classes when our work schedules are not too hectic.

Pancho Villa and his "WINDEX BANDIT'S" crossed over the Rio Grande years ago. All on a mission to invade our territory so they could start sending some GREEN BACKS back home to their families in Mexico. They all set up encampments in the outer boro's. EVERY single morning they are up before the break up dawn to ride into town...sometimes together sometimes alone.