Finding Joy Again: The Story Behind DreamBird Dance
There’s a special kind of joy in going back to things that make us truly happy.
For some, it's planting flowers or playing a guitar. For others, it's traveling, reading, or whipping up something tasty in the kitchen.
For me, it’s always been dance.
My dance journey started pretty young. My awesome mom signed me and my sister up for dance classes. Flipping through old photos of us in bright costumes and big bows at recitals always makes me smile, remembering our early days in ballet, tap, and jazz. I had no idea then that those dance performances would turn into a lifelong passion.
A Mother’s Support and Encouragement
My mom was always there, cheering us on at every step of our dance journey. She made sure we got to try all kinds of dance styles, even when it wasn’t easy to afford the lessons. Her dedication is a big reason why I still love, teach, and practice so many different types of dance today.
During high school, I jumped into cheerleading and ended up as the head cheerleader, which was a surprise since I was kind of shy and clumsy at first. My sister pushed me to go for it, and her support helped me find my confidence. At first, creating cheers and dances felt overwhelming, but it turned out I was pretty good at it.
After cheering for two years, I decided to try out for the Drill Team in my junior year to get back into dancing. I made the team and found out that the Drill Mistress and Assistant Drill Mistress (still cracks me up) choreographed the routines. So, I went for Assistant Drill Mistress and nailed it. I was pumped and scared all over again.
I spent endless hours in my basement crafting dance steps, breaking them down, and stitching them into complete routines. I even put together routines with props that we brought to state competitions. One standout routine involved a simple square prop that could turn into a wand, and we snagged first place with it. Holding that trophy, soaking up the crowd's cheers, and watching my team glow with pride was something I'll never forget.
I wonder if my mom was as surprised as I was.
Trials of the Heart
After high school, the dancing, costumes, and choreographing came to a halt. I got married, raised a family, and then faced the hardest years of my life. In 2015, my 24-year marriage ended in divorce. The following year, my only sibling, my sister, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. She passed away three months later. The grief and loss were indescribable for me and my family.
Just when I thought it couldn't get worse, three months later, my beloved mom was diagnosed with stage II pancreatic cancer. Despite the odds, she amazed everyone, including her doctors, by surviving for four years. Watching her fight with such courage helped me find the strength to keep living.
Those years were filled with unimaginable pain and hardship.
During this time, I met David, who is now my husband. He lived in Vegas but worked in Utah, where I was originally from. In the midst of so much sorrow, meeting him was like finding a ray of hope. His support made me believe that joy could return again, little by little, one dance at a time.
A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS
David and I decided to take our relationship to the next level, which led me to move to Vegas to start over. I needed something to help me heal and bring back my spark, so I got back into dancing. I’d always wanted to try Ballroom Dance, and from my first class, I was hooked—I couldn’t stop smiling.
I got better pretty fast, and my instructor suggested I start competing. Building up the confidence took some time, but once I started, competing brought so much joy back into my life, reigniting my passion for dance and starting a whole new exciting chapter.
THE BIRTH OF DREAMBIRD DANCE
In 2021, after my mom passed away, I started dreaming about opening my own dance studio for adults—DreamBird Dance. I imagined a place where adults could come to dance without worrying about being perfect. I wanted it to be fun, supportive, and a great place to make friends and stay active.
The name DreamBird came to me while thinking about my mom and sister and their love for hummingbirds. It seemed like the perfect fit, capturing the sense of joy and freedom I wanted my studio to represent.
With my 25-year background in marketing, I turned DreamBird into reality. There were days filled with doubt, but my love for dance and the happiness it brings kept me going. It’s not just about teaching dance; it’s about creating a community where everyone can find joy, build friendships, and lead happy, fulfilling lives—which I know would make my mom and sister proud.
Will You Dance With Us?
I invite you to join me at DreamBird Dance. Let’s discover joy and happiness through dance together. Whether you’re an experienced dancer or just looking to try something new, our studio in Henderson and Las Vegas is the perfect place for adults to reconnect with their passion for dance.
Sign up for a class today and take the first step towards a happier, more fulfilling life. Not sure which class to pick? Contact me, and I’ll help you find the perfect match.
Discover Dance Classes in Henderson and Las Vegas
DreamBird Dance offers a variety of dance classes in Henderson, NV, and Las Vegas. Whether you're looking for dance lessons for an upcoming event or simply want to explore your passion for dance, our studio has something for everyone.
Our dance classes in Henderson, NV, and Las Vegas cater to adults over 40 who are looking to reconnect with their love for dance, learn new skills, and have fun in a supportive community. Join us for dance lessons in Henderson or dance classes in Las Vegas and rediscover the joy of dancing.
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