Our Story

Dance has been my passion since I started taking lessons at age 8. As I grew up and began to teach, I dreamed of creating a place where every child would be celebrated and know that they mattered. As a teacher, I saw the difference that dance could make in a child's life. Dance lessons can build confidence, help kids feel strong in their bodies, and provide an anchor during troubled times.

On June 12th, 2010, as I was driving home from a dance recital, I was saying a prayer in my car when I received the distinct impression that it was time to make my dream of opening a studio a reality. I believe that dreams are planted in us for a reason. They tell us about what we're meant to do; what our unique gifts, talents, and strengths are. I went home that night and told my husband I was going to open my own studio, I didn't know how, but I was going to quit teaching and figure it out.

Once I made the decision and started taking action things just fell into place - in truly miraculous ways. The people and resources that I needed to help me on my journey came into my life. I had no business plan and no money saved, but 6 months later I was able to start Expressions in a rented dance room at Lakeside Middle School, one day a week. We opened on January 12th, 2011 with 65 students in 5 classes.

Soon after, I was praying and felt "it's time to start looking for space to rent". I thought "I can't look for space- I don't have enough money to pay the rent!", but the impression wouldn't leave. I started looking for space to rent and signed up to attend a class about negotiating leases. That's where I met the tenant rep broker who helped me find our current space and negotiated my lease. That summer, we started the build-out at our current location and opened for classes in September 2011. Since then the studio has continued to grow, and so have I! I am constantly looking for ways to improve and it has been amazing to see this dream become a reality!

When I feel discouraged, overwhelmed, and under-qualified I go back to my knees where I remember that this studio only exists because of the Lord's help and He must have a work for me to do through it. It will exist and grow as long as He still has work to do there. I am grateful each and every day for the blessing of owning Expressions Dance & Movement Center!