Dance Team & Mentors2025-01-16T21:21:28-06:00

dance team

At ROOTS Academy, we don’t just offer dance classes; we provide a transformative experience guided by our dedicated dance mentors.

meet the dance teamGraphic

dance Admin

Dance mentors

Teaching isn’t just about learning techniques. Our students are led by passionate and well-trained professionals who recognize their greater role in students’ lives. To refine your search for a music mentor, select your desired instrument from the options below.

Our philosophy

Our mentors play a crucial role in shaping not just dancers but well-rounded individuals equipped with a growth mindset, character, determination, confidence, and grit – skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

Beyond the Steps: Our Teaching Philosophy

Our approach to dance education transcends technique. While excellence in movement is essential, we understand that the most valuable lessons emerge beyond the studio walls. Our dance mentors are devoted to nurturing both your artistic journey and personal growth.

At ROOTS, dance becomes a catalyst for character. Our mentors weave discipline, responsibility, and respect into every class and rehearsal. From first position to final performance, you’re not just becoming a stronger dancer – you’re developing essential life skills.

Learning dance technique and refining your artistry takes patience and perseverance. Our mentors are there to guide you through the challenging moments, teaching you the importance of determination and grit – qualities that transcend dance and apply to all areas of your life.

Self-confidence is a cornerstone of success. Our mentors help you build it through dance by celebrating your achievements and nurturing your self-belief. As you master challenging combinations or conquer a complex routine, you’ll feel your confidence soar.

When you embark on a dance journey with ROOTS, you’re not just gaining proficiency in your chosen style. You’re also acquiring essential life skills that will serve you well in your academic, professional, and personal endeavors.

At ROOTS, it’s not just about the dance classes. It’s about the profound impact our dance mentors have on your life.

At ROOTS, we are proud to have mentors who are actively engaged in the dance community. They’re not just teachers; they’re performers, choreographers, and artists who live and breathe dance. This unique perspective enriches your learning experience, providing insights that go beyond the studio.

In the heart of Music City’s vibrant dance scene, ROOTS Academy mentors often balance roles as professional performers and educators. While their occasional commitments with dance companies or performance opportunities may lead to mentor substitutions, we’re dedicated to keeping you informed about any class changes.

Join us today to embark on a dance and personal journey that will shape you into the best version of yourself. Experience the difference of mentorship at ROOTS Academy — where dance education becomes a transformative life experience.

THE ROOTS WAY

Our mission is to train & develop musicians and dancers through leadership that inspires, serves and challenges everyone to give their best. We believe passionately in the power of the arts to impact lives and inspire creativity for the benefit of the community and the world.

mindset
matters

(How we Think)

We believe a healthy mindset affects how we show up in and outside the studio.

excellence
matters

(What we Do)

We believe excellence comes when defining & preparing for success is matched with discipline & passion.

people
matter

(How we Act)

We believe a healthy mindset affects how we show up in and outside the studio.

TRUSTED BY…

testimonials

Don’t take our word for it. Here’s what some of our families have to say about their ROOTS experience.

4.9 Over 76 Reviews
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Kelly Mayes
Can’t say enough about this incredible company.
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sarah baugh
My daughter started with ROOTS music with a summer camp and continued with vocal and songwriting lessons throughout the year . Her mentors are excellent and she’s getting such a great education. She’s getting the perfect combination of techniques and skills while her mentors help her find her own voice and prepare her for what she wants to do in the future with music. The staff and mentors are so helpful, friendly and encouraging. We highly recommend ROOTS!
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Natasha Stoneking
Proud to call ROOTS our home... such an amazing group of talented kids and even better leaders! It's been so much fun to see the evolution of this studio over the past 5 years = cannot wait to see what the next 5 look like!
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Beth Franklin Smith
We have absolutely loved our experience with Roots since we moved to Franklin a few years ago. From the moment our daughter came to her first dance class, we have been greeted with such kindness. Her mentors truly encourage her to be her best. Our son is now taking piano lessons this year and loves it as well. We are grateful for our experience.
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Emily Gauchat Bradley
Amazing opportunities with genuine teachers and staff!
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Sonja Peterson
We love this place!! Everyone is so positive and encouraging.
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Ava Shaw
I will forever love this place I have danced here since I was 5 and don’t regret one bit of dancing at roots. If you are looking for a new experience come here. Also you are apart of an amazing family come and join us
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Allison McGavin
My daughter and I love Roots. Cozy, professional, and safe place for your child to learn dance or music!
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Otis Rickman
RMAFEST2023 was a hit. The kids are so talented and mentors/teachers are awesome!
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Jeff Wood
Our daughter Michaela just inroad and she likes it so far, Cindy and I are very proud of her and we like it
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Sarah Lee Andrews
We LOVE roots , my daughter has been dancing there for 3 years and she has grown so much on company ..... you can tell the owners put their heart and soul into roots and we feel home every time we walk through the doors ❤️
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Jennie Miller
My daughter has been taking voice lessons at Roots for about a month, and she loves it! Rachel is great with her and her confidence is growing! Every aspect of Roots' operation is top notch, from their facility to their scheduling software, which makes it super easy to manage your account and rescheduling lessons, if necessary. I highly recommend!
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Garry Hodges
Awesome place for young people, of all ages, to learn music.
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Tana Holanova
The BEST what you can get in this area! And I really mean it.
Doesn´t matter if you take voice, instrument or dance class, you will get the bets. My daughter takes music lessons for 3 years and I would never change.
And the band program is just cool, the kids feel like rock stars!
Can´t wait for another showcase on your stage!
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Julie K
We can not say enough wonderful things about this place!! We love the owners, mentors and all the dance families here. My daughter has danced for 10 years, but we have only been at Roots for 4 years. It has been a good balance for her of school, school dance and studio dance. The mentors are amazing and so talented. They love love their students and teach them so much more than just dance. This place is where is the the happiest!! It is truly her second home!!!! And we couldn't has for a better place for her to be!
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Isaac Castillo
The experience in taking my daughter has been amazing. She has improved so much and she enjoys the voice instructors. I highly recommend Roots!
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Mike Jones
Dave is fantastic at Roots! Extremely nice guy and works really well with my son
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monica M
My daughter has been with roots the past 5 years. The staff is wonderful and the teachers are amazing. The kids are super sweet. It is very family oriented. I highly recommend ROOTS! We are sad that our move brings us away from them! We will miss you guys.
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Angie Jett Flynn
This place is absolutely amazing. we love Miss Jackie and she has done an awesome job teaching Isabella our 7 year old to sing.. she just had her first debut performance and it was amazing.
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Shelley Clingan
This studio is wonderful. Our daughter was challenged and strengthened not only as a dancer but a person.
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Danyelle Pickens McReynolds
We've been taking music there for years and have loved every mentor we have had!
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Maria Roate
Our family has loved being a part of the Roots community : )
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Brenda Mazzanti
My daughter is excited to go every week for her piano lessons. Also love the vibe, staff and communication.
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Leslie Mayberry Bates
Absolutely amazing staff and team!! So very grateful we found Roots!
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Brent Moseng
I can not say enough great things about this place. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. You can tell they care about the kids and about how they progress in developing musical skills. My son has taken guitar lessons from Matt for the 4 months and has really enjoyed it.
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Jeanne M. Smith
Both of my boys (3 and 5 years old) love taking dance at Roots Academy! The teachers are amazing!
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Diana Nerusceac
We love Roots Academy! All people who work in Roots are very professional, knowledgeable, skillful, patient, energetic and fun to work with and learn from. I highly recommend this place.
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Shelly Fletcher
We just completed our first year at Roots Dance Academy and it was magical. The mentors that encourage and teach the dancers are incredibly talented and kind. The growth that my dancer experienced was so fun to watch! And the friendships formed are so special! If you are looking for a studio for your dancer to grow technically, while also growing in character and friendship, this is your spot.
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Terri Walker
Roots is such a special place! My granddaughter has been playing guitar for a few years and we decided to try Roots. The staff and kids are so friendly and welcoming. She loves her teachers and the band members. Also enjoy the professional entertainers and guest speakers they have to come in to work with the kids. I feel it is more than just giving a lesson in music but life as well. We look forward to coming back after summer break.
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Natalie Spradlin
Wonderful community of mentors and teachers and families. Wholesome and nurturing. Striving for excellence. We have benefited from being a part of the Roots family!
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our guarantee

We are so confident you're going to love your experience at ROOTS Academy that we guarantee your satisfaction for the first 30 days (four classes or lessons), or your money back.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which class is right for me?2023-10-19T15:53:24-05:00

The first step to determining the appropriate class for your dancer is to find the appropriate age division.

  • Toddler (ages 2.5 – 3)
  • Preschool (ages 3-4)
  • Peewee (5-6)
  • Mini (ages 7-8)
  • Junior (ages 9-11)
  • Teen (ages 12-14)
  • Senior (ages 15-18)

Toddler, Preschool, and Peewee dancers must be the proper age by August 15th for their group.

Older students (ages 6+) must be the proper age by January 1st of the following year

Once you know which group is best, you can view the classes available. We have two types of classes – open and placement. Open classes require no dance experience. Placement classes are more advanced for dancers with previous experience. For placement classes, the ROOTS dance staff would love to set up an evaluation in a class with your dancer.

What if the class I want to enroll in is full and waitlisted?2023-10-19T15:55:35-05:00

If the class you’re interested in is already full, please sign up for the waitlist. This ensures you’ll be alerted if a spot opens up. If a space becomes available, we’ll reach out to confirm your interest. Only once a spot is secured for you will you be charged for tuition.

Are there any dance class options besides normal classes during the week?2023-02-01T14:28:32-06:00

Yes! We will host Master Classes and Workshops to give our dancers and dancers in the community opportunities to come in and learn from the best. You can find out more about ROOTS Dance Master Classes and Workshops here.

Where do I purchase my dance clothes and shoes?2023-02-27T21:00:09-06:00

We recommend purchasing all dance attire at Bellissimo, a dance boutique right here in Franklin. The address is 790 Jordan Road, Franklin, TN 37067. 

Are there any dance class options for adults?2023-08-16T07:17:12-05:00

At this time, we do not offer any ROOTS adult dance classes. However, we host Area 54 HipHop classes in the evenings during the week. Check them out here

Our friends at b.fab.fitness also offer an amazing adult fitness class at the studio! Check them out here.

If I miss a dance class, can I make it up?2023-02-01T14:28:31-06:00

Sure! During the months of September through January a make-up class may be scheduled for a missed Toddler, Preschool, Peewee or Mini level class up to one month after the missed class. Students are welcome to make up their class during another class time at their same level or below, as long as the class isn’t already at full studio capacity. Simply email us at dance@rootsacademy.com to let us know that you will be out for your class to schedule a make-up class. After January, make-up classes are not offered due to recital preparation. Please keep in mind that make-ups are not offered for missed classes due to inclement weather, holidays, or Recital Picture Week.

How do I withdraw from my dance class?2019-12-30T11:36:17-06:00

If for any reason you wish to withdraw from your class, we would love to talk with you. Give us a call at (615) 804-1177 or email dance@rootsacademy.com. If you are sure you’d like to withdraw, please complete the withdrawal form.

How do I claim the 30-day money back guarantee?2025-01-07T13:57:22-06:00

The money-back guarantee is based on the following requirements:

  • The student is required to attend four consecutive weeks of lessons/classes
  • Parent/student must notify the front office regarding their dissatisfaction by the third week, giving us an opportunity to improve your learning experience.
  • Refunds will be paid by check and delivered within 10-14 business days.
When is the dance recital?2023-02-01T14:28:31-06:00

The

2025

Dance Recital will be held at

The Fisher Center at Belmont University

on

2024-2025 Dates TBD

.

In the future, the exact dates will be announced in our monthly FOOTNOTES and on our main Recital Page. When dates are announced, we suggest reserving those dates to ensure that you are available. Rehearsal times and more details will be communicated in the Spring semester.

Where is the annual dance recital?2023-10-19T15:57:24-05:00

The

2025

dance recital will be held at

The Fisher Center at Belmont University

. For more details please go to the recital page.

questions?

If you have any questions about our dance program, please don’t hesitate to call, text or email us. Our hours are Monday – Saturday from 12pm – 6pm.

SASKIA HARMON – Dance Director
JESSICA STILLMAN – Competition Manager
MELISSA BULLINGTON – Preschool Manager
JEN BURNS – Dance Operations Manager
KATHLEEN MCPHERSON – Dance Operations Coordinator

SASKIA HARMON
Dance Director
JESSICA STILLMAN
Competition Manager
MELISSA BULLINGTON
Preschool Manager
JEN BURNS
Dance Operations Manager
KATHLEEN MCPHERSON
Dance Operations Coordinator

Music offers in-studio, in-home, and online music lessons on piano, voice, guitar, drums, violin, ukulele, songwriting, music production, and more! Band, ensemble and group classes are also available.

Dance offers a wide array of preschool, recreational, and competitive dance classes for ages 18 months to 18 years. Classes are available Monday through Saturday in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, acro, and more.

Musical Theatre combines acting, singing, and dancing into one story-filled show. Classes, camps and productions are available for ages 7-18 years.

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