Over the years our mission and just cause has only become more clear and more motivating:

To build a world where every child feels seen and cared for and where they are supported in discovering and developing their unique gifts.

Our staff is dedicated to teaching exceptional dance classes in a way that nurtures every child so that parents breathe easier. All of our programs are built around this core goal, keeping kids and their wellbeing at the center of all that we do. We work hard to maintain a culture of continuous growth. As a team, we are dedicated to constant learning and improvement. What matters most is showing up for our students and helping them reach their goals.

Expressions offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, musical theater, and acrobatics. Students can explore recreationally or dive deep into competitive teams or our intensive ballet program, East County Ballet Conservatory. Dancers give back through community performances, service projects with our chapters of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts, and by assisting in dance classes. Some of these students are buddies that help students with special needs enjoy the benefits of dance (seen above). Additionally, Expressions offers a full teacher training program and employs graduates of this program, who become Junior Faculty. These students benefit from weekly leadership classes as well as training and mentorship with senior staff members. 

Every dancer has the chance to shine on stage with many performance opportunities throughout the year. Our students perform in our annual Winter and Spring Recitals, a full-length Spring Ballet, at various local dance competitions, Disneyland, the San Diego County Fair, and of course- the Santee Street Fair and other events throughout our community! When our students reach 8th grade they become eligible for one of our regular trips to New York to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with the Spirit of America dance team. All of these fun experiences help our students grow in confidence and create memories that last a lifetime.

All of us have two places where we spend most of our lives, usually that’s home and either work or school. Recent studies have shown the immense benefit we can receive from having a “third place.” A third place is a place where you can connect with others and be yourself. It is my hope that Expressions Dance can be that Third Place for our students and their families. As a child and teen, my dance studio was my third place, and it saved my life in so many ways. The world has been an especially scary and uncertain place for the past few years and it has affected our youth most of all. They need more places where they feel safe and seen.

When being a business owner is hard; when I am glaringly aware of all my shortcomings and I feel like quitting, I think about the kids and they give me strength. When we miss the mark as a team and we want to wallow in our failings, we think about the kids and we dust ourselves off, commit to be better, and try again. I think about the countless students we have had over the years who had struggles like I had as a kid and, because of their experiences at the studio, they were able to overcome. Yes, I teach dance classes, and I love it. But it’s not about that. My team & I want to help these kids change the world, one dance class at a time, and I believe they will!

Darcy Fagerwold,

CVO(Chief Vision Officer)

Expressions Dance & Movement, LLC