From an 800-Sq-Ft Basement to a Dream Realized

In 2009—just a few weeks after baby #3 was born—I started The Dancing House out of my 800-square-foot basement. I’d already been teaching for years, had a reputation in the community as a trusted dance educator, and thought, Let’s see if people will come to the house. They did.

Our very first summer camp, summer 2009

Our littles classes

Wine and Warriors Event

We quickly grew to over 100 students walking through that little basement studio each week. In 2020, we expanded into a 3,000-square-foot commercial space at 2000 O’Neil Road, while still running classes out of the home studio.

We grew our team, our clientele, and our programs—even navigating the roller coaster of a global pandemic.

What started with core youth classes evolved into:

Six-week sessions designed for busy families and beginner students and busy families

A thriving adult program welcoming dancers up to almost 80 years young!

The Dancing House Performance Company  for committed dancers ages ten and older

A new Breaking program with teachers who are at the top of their craft!

And our newest endeavor - our Competition program designed to challenge and inspire our most committed dancers and more!

But in 2024, I had to pause and ask myself: What does Dance Studio success really look like for me?

That fall, after losing my dad in June, I knew I needed to reconnect with peace, calm, and love for my business. I had been hustling and chasing a vision that wasn't truly mine.  It was a milestone that my mentors and coaches accomplished, but honestly didn't feel right for me. 

When I got really quite, I dreamed of a space where I could live and run the studio under one roof—a home for me and a home for The Dancing House. I even sketched it out on paper (trust me, I’m no artist).

Then, in early 2025, I drove past a property I’d admired for years: 451 Stageline Road. To my surprise, my best friend was selling it so I called her up and asked if she sold that house yet.  Lucky for me, she didn't. :)  I toured it, and it was even better than I imagined. A private living space for me, three beautiful studios for our dancers, and only minimal renovations needed.

It felt like a series of little miracles started lining up:

• In March, I started the process of getting my home for sale. 
• June 19 we  listed my home—and within a week, had a full-price offer.
• And now… we’re preparing to move into 451 Stageline Road for the start of our 2025–26 season.
  
  

Why This Feels Like The Dancing House (and me) is Coming Back Home

When we first ran the studio out of my home, there was a unique closeness. Families didn’t just drop off their dancers—they became part of our family.  That’s the heart of The Dancing House:

We see you.
We value you.
Not just for your dance ability, but for who you are.

Our mission has always been to use the platform of dance to grow kind, confident, empathetic humans. Over the years, we’ve welcomed families through seasons of joy and challenge—kids leaving for college, parents navigating loss, families finding new routines. We’ve celebrated milestones, offered comfort, and built a place where people feel seen, supported, and inspired.

And now, this next chapter allows us to do all of that in a space that truly reflects our heart.

We invite you to join us for the move of The Dancing House Studio

We’ll be saying goodbye to 2000 O’Neil Road with a Demolition Party on Saturday, September 6th. If you’d like to volunteer two hours to help take up the dance floor and transport it to our new home, we’d love your help! We’ll supply food and beverages, and plenty of smiles.

(Here’s sign up genius to claim your spot!)

Our first official classes at 451 Stageline Road will begin the week of September 8th.

Seventeen years ago, I had no idea that starting classes in my basement would grow into the amazing community we have today. Whether you’ve danced with us for six weeks or six years, you are part of The Dancing House family—and always will be.

Thank you for trusting us with your dancers, for showing up, for being part of our story. Here’s to the next chapter.

With gratitude and excitement,
Melissa Rose
Owner, The Dancing House