The Heart behind the Academy
Meet Andrea
I believe every person has potential.
Long before I teach a plié, a shuffle, or a jazz combination, I want every student who walks through our doors to know one thing:
They belong here.
Since 1991, I've had the privilege of teaching children, teens, and adults—not just how to dance, but how to believe in themselves.
Some students arrive bursting with confidence.
Others are shy, nervous, or convinced they "can't."
One of my greatest joys is watching those moments change.
The smile when something finally clicks.
The pride after mastering a difficult step.
The quiet confidence that grows one class at a time.
Those moments are why I teach.
My Journey
My love of dance began when I was just five years old. What started as a little girl's discovery of the magical world of ballet quickly grew into a lifelong passion for creativity, expression, and sharing the joy of dance with others.
Throughout and after high school, I taught at a local dance studio while studying Small Business Management in college. I knew that if I was ever going to build something of my own, I wanted to do it my own unique way. In 1991, at just 21 years old, I took a leap of faith and opened The Academy of Expressive Dance with the support of my dad, a Youth Venture Loan, and a dream that felt much bigger than I was.
The early years were filled with challenges. Building a business, earning the trust of families, and learning how to lead people—many of whom were older than I was at the time—required resilience, determination, and a willingness to keep learning. There were moments when giving up would have been easier, but the Academy has always been worth fighting for.
Since 1991, I have had the privilege of welcoming thousands of children, adults, and families into the Academy community. One of the greatest joys has been watching students grow—not only as dancers, but as confident, kind, creative people. Today, many former students are returning with children of their own, and that is one of the greatest compliments I could ever receive.
Over the years, the Academy has grown beyond dance. Alongside ballet, jazz, and tap, it has become a place where creativity flourishes through art classes, workshops, camps, special events, and experiences that bring people together. No matter how the Academy continues to grow, one thing has never changed: my belief that every person deserves the chance to discover what they are capable of.
Looking back, I don't measure success by the number of shows we've performed or the costumes I've created. I measure it by the smiles, the friendships, the confidence that has blossomed, and the cherished memories made within these walls.
I still unlock the studio door with the same excitement I had over three decades ago. Because every new season brings new faces, new stories, and new opportunities to help someone discover their sparkle.
And I can't imagine doing anything else.
Beyond the Studio
Creativity has never been something I leave at the studio door—it's simply part of who I am.
When I'm not teaching, you'll often find me designing costumes, creating choreography, exploring new art techniques, or capturing life's beautiful moments through photography. I love finding inspiration in everyday experiences and bringing those ideas back to the Academy, where they become part of our performances, creative projects, and classroom experiences.
I also have a passion for travel and helping others discover the joy of exploring the world. As a travel advisor, I love creating meaningful experiences that bring people together—whether that's an unforgettable vacation, a dance-inspired getaway, or wellness and creative retreats that combine movement, art, and the beauty of the ocean.
To me, dance, art, photography, and travel all share something in common. They encourage us to slow down, see the world a little differently, express ourselves, and create memories that stay with us long after the moment has passed.
No matter where my creativity takes me, it always leads back to the same purpose: helping people discover joy, confidence, connection, and a little more sparkle in their lives.
What I Believe
I believe every person has unique gifts waiting to be discovered.
Some children walk into their first class full of confidence. Others arrive shy, uncertain, or convinced they "can't." Adults often tell me they're nervous, out of shape, or worried they'll be judged.
My job isn't simply to teach dance.
My job is to help people discover what they're capable of.
I believe learning happens best in an environment where people feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, laugh, try again, and celebrate every step forward. Progress looks different for every student, and that's exactly how it should be.
I don't believe in comparing children to one another. Every dancer, every artist, and every individual grows in their own time. Sometimes all someone needs is a little patience, a little encouragement, and someone who believes in them before they believe in
themselves.
Whether we're dancing, creating art, preparing for a performance, or simply sharing a smile in class, my hope is always the same: That every person leaves the Academy happier than when they arrived. That they feel proud of themselves. That they know they belong. Because long after the steps are forgotten, people remember how they felt. If every student leaves believing in themselves just a little more than when they walked through our doors, then my heart is full—because helping people discover their potential has always been the reason I teach.
I'd love to welcome you
Whether you're looking for your child's very first dance class, returning to dance as an adult, or exploring a new creative passion, I'd love the opportunity to meet you.
Come see what makes the Academy feel like home.
