Co-Creator/Mentor
Meredith started dancing as a toddler and spent most of her young life at the dance studio. At the age of 10, she became a competitive dancer and performed at the prestigious Carnegie Hall and traveled throughout the United States to compete.
In the summer of 2001, she was selected to attend the New Jersey Governor’s School of the Arts. She continued her dance career at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. While receiving her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Accounting, Meredith was also a member of the nationally ranked Illinois Dance Team.
As the head coach for three years, she led the team to a top 10 ranking at the UDA Collegiate National Dance Team Championships in Orlando, Florida. During this time, Meredith was a dance instructor for the Universal Dance Association teaching high school dance teams all throughout the East Coast region.
Since graduating from college, Meredith spent 6 years as a corporate accountant. During that time, she became a licensed CPA.
Meredith’s ultimate dream was to find a way to combine her two passions – dance & business. She was fortunate to have the opportunity to run a dance studio as Executive Director for 5 years. Now, she is overjoyed to be able to own and operate her own studio alongside her best friend. None of this would be possible without the love and support of her husband, Justin, her daughter, Dylan, and her son, Dax.
What is your best dance memory as a kid?
My funniest dance memory is: My teacher costumed us in old fashioned bathing suits with a “shower cap” on our heads. During dress rehearsal, within the first 2 8-counts of the routine, my shower cap fell over my eyes. I did the ENTIRE dance with my eyes covered!
Why do you love to teach?
Having gone into Accounting, I didn’t necessarily think I was going to be a teacher. But as I started teaching, I realized how incredibly rewarding it is to be a part of a child’s dance journey. Watching a child blossom into the dancer I always knew was inside of them is so special. Dance brings out joy and I just love sharing that joy with everyone!
What was your first dance routine?
Me & My Teddy Bear
What is your favorite dance accomplishment to date?
Being a member of the nationally ranked collegiate dance team at U of Illinois was an accomplishment itself, but being able to Coach and Captain the team for 3 years was an honor. We were a self-run and self-funded team unlike many of our competitors. Leading our team of hard-working and talented girls to multiple top ten finishes at the Collegiate National Championships was an indescribable experience.
What is your most important accomplishment in life so far?
As most mothers might say, my most important accomplishment is being a mother to Dylan Minnie. I am really excited to show her the importance of following your dreams and how women really can do it all!
What is your favorite dance movie?
A Chorus Line, Step Up, Dirty Dancing, Center Stage & Footloose
What is your favorite TV show?
Beverly Hills, 90210 (it is my ringtone & my daughter’s name is Dylan)
What is your biggest fear conquered? If not conquered yet, what scares you the most?
BEARS! (and most wild animals at that)
You are stuck on an island. You can only choose only one: coffee, your dog/cat, chocolate, beach, French fries, hair dye, lip stick?
That’s easy – French Fries!
