Saskia Harmon

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About Saskia

For as long as Saskia Harmon can remember, dance has been at the center of her life. We’re thrilled to have her as the dance program director at ROOTS Academy.

Born and raised in DeLand, Florida (about 40 minutes outside of Orlando), Saskia realized she had a passion for dance at a young age. Growing up, her mom was a dance team coach at a local high school and secretary of a dance studio. She started in dance at 3 and by 9 had the opportunity to be a Kid of the Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Being a Disney cast member is what sparked her love for the entertainment industry and only propelled her further by doing numerous competitions and conventions.

After high school, Saskia moved to Knoxville to attend the University of Tennessee where she became captain of the school’s nationally ranked dance team, taught for Universal Dance Association, teaching dance to young kids all around the country, and graduated with a degree in theatre.

Since then, Saskia has dedicated her life to teaching dance and she’s been an instructor for the past 20 years.

Before she became a dance mentor and now program director at ROOTS, Saskia was the manager at Pure Barre Brentwood. She was named Best Barre Instructor of 2018 by Nashville Fit Magazine.

But Saskia finds the most joy in helping young dancers achieve their full potential. “I’ve helped many high school seniors get ready to be part of their college dance teams at schools including the University of Tennessee, University of Mississippi, University of Alabama, and Lindenwood University. I have a former student who is a current member of the Laker Girls in Los Angeles, California.”

Saskia said the best part of the job is that she gets to use her knowledge and experience to help other dancers grow in their craft.

“I love passing down my passion for dance to my students,” she said. “I also love getting to know them each as individuals and helping them find their best selves.”

Saskia is married to Peter Harmon where they live in Brentwood, Tennessee and raise their two beautiful daughters Cadence Harmon (7) and Holland Harmon (4).

Where do you look for creative inspiration?
As a dance teacher, I’m always inspired by other choreographers and how they hear the music and tell stories through movement. In my eyes, learning from your peers and other professionals is the best way to grow in your field.

What type of student will excel best with you as his or her mentor?
A student who listens and applies corrections and also has the heart and drive to improve and become their best.

In the past five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?
Becoming a mom!

Of all the places you’ve traveled, which is your favorite?
That’s a hard choice because I love to travel. If I had the time, I would definitely do more of it! But I have a few favorite places: Holland (my family is from there), London, Hawaii, and Seaside, Florida.

What is your all-time favorite movie and why?
Notting Hill. I love Julia Roberts, it’s a romantic comedy, and it’s set outside of London!

What is your favorite quote?
Everything happens for a reason.

Take a class with Saskia

class schedule

THE ROOTS MENTOR PHILOSOPHY

Our mentors play a crucial role in shaping not just artists 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 goes beyond the traditional. While we undoubtedly focus on developing your technical skills and artistry, we understand that life's most valuable lessons extend far beyond the steps and choreography.

Our dance mentors are passionate about nurturing your movement abilities and your personal growth.

At ROOTS, we recognize that dance is a powerful vehicle for character development. Our mentors instill qualities like discipline, responsibility, and respect through the art of movement. Whether you're mastering ballet technique or perfecting your jazz performance, you'll also be enhancing essential life skills.

Learning choreography and refining your technique 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 nail that challenging turn sequence or master a complex combination, 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 arts scene, ROOTS Academy mentors often balance roles as professional dancers and educators. While their occasional commitments with dance companies or performance tours may lead to mentor substitutions, we're dedicated to keeping you informed about any class changes. In the rare event of an unmissable performance opportunity, rest assured that our team will facilitate a seamless transition to a new mentor.

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

THE ROOTS WAY

Our mission is to develop extraordinary artists and exceptional humans through transformative performing arts education. Through music, dance, and theatre, we inspire creativity, nurture character, and empower our students to positively impact their community and the world.

mindset
matters

(How we Think)

We believe mindset shapes not just who we are in the studio, but who we become in the world.

excellence
matters

(What we Do)

We believe excellence flourishes when preparation and vision align with discipline and passion.

people
matter

(How we Act)

We believe in creating spaces where everyone feels safe to create, supported to grow, and inspired to excel.

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