WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD, ONE DANCE CLASS AT A TIME

That may seem like a bold statement, but arts education has been shown to have a significant impact on children’s academic, social, and emotional development. Almost as soon as motor skills are developed, children begin communicating through artistic expression. Dance classes give kids an outlet to express their emotions and channel their energy into the creation of something beautiful, which then inspires and uplifts others. With guidance and training they develop strength, skill, and confidence. Exceptional dance classes don't just make great dancers, they make great humans, and caring teachers change lives forever.

How do I know this is true? Because my teachers changed my life. The whole trajectory of my life shifted because of the words of a teacher. When I was in the 4th grade, our school put on a multi-cultural fair. Our class was assigned to Ireland, and I was chosen to be in a group that would perform the Irish Jig. This would be my debut dance performance and I was ecstatic! But while I was performing, my crepe paper apron(with the shamrock on front!) fell apart. I remember how panicked and devastated I felt, but I didn't know what to do other than to keep going. As I exited the stage, I burst into tears. While being comforted by my parents, my teacher approached and said to them, “She did just what a professional dancer would do- she kept going, because the show must go on!” And in that moment my life was changed forever. I decided, I would be a dancer.

My parents enrolled me in classes and my dance studio became my home away from home. Over the years as my home life was affected by mental illness, financial instability, and substance abuse, the dance studio was an anchor, and my teacher, Suzanne Mollenhauer, a stabilizing force. In time and with her mentorship, I began to assist in classes and then teach on my own. Later, as a college student majoring in dance, I remember the moment I realized I wanted to pursue a career in teaching rather than performing. I was standing in the wings watching my students on stage and I realized that my heart was more full than it had ever been when I was the one standing in the spotlight.

After teaching in local studios for over 20 years, I finally decided to turn a dream into reality and open my own studio. The vision that drew me forward was creating a place where every child felt safe, special, and celebrated. Without money to secure a space of my own, I started looking for alternatives. I opened

Expressions Dance & Movement Center (an ambitious name with no “center” to speak of!) in January of 2011 out of the dance room at Lakeside Middle School. I offered 5 classes, 1 day a week and started with 65 students and one assistant. That summer, with the help of friends and family, we moved into Carlton Oaks Plaza. This family-friendly shopping center has been our home for the past 12 years, where our dance family has grown from 65 to 700, from 1 dance room to 6, and from that one assistant to employing 30 awesome team members.

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 theirunique 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. 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, our fulllength Spring Ballet (Alice in Wonderland in 2024!), at local competitions, Disneyland, the San Diego County Fair, and of course- the Santee Street Fair! When our students reach 8th grade they become eligible for one of our regular trips 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. I want to help these kids change the world, one dance class at a time, and I believe they will!

– Darcy Fagerwold

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CVO (Chief Vision Officer)

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Expressions Dance & Movement Center

"From the moment that my daughter joined performing group, the dance studio became her second home away from home. Her dance family has been supportive of all of her endeavors ranging from pushing her skills as a dancer to growing her as a leader." - Isabelle's Mom