Our Story

Darcy Fagerwold
Owner-Darcy Fagerwold

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!

Y.P.A.D. CERTIFIED


Expressions Dance and Movement Center is a Youth Protection Advocates in Dance (YPAD) certified studio. This means that our entire staff has undergone extensive training, passed background checks, been CPR certified and has committed to do what's best for kids. In the dance industry the objectification of children is a real problem, and we are so thankful that YPAD has taken a stand!