Elation Dance Center

When I told people I was taking 19 dancers to Portugal, these were the responses I heard most often:

✨ “Wow, that’s brave.”
✨ “Are they competing?”
✨ “What made you decide to do that?”

Brave? Yes. But I’ve experienced the value of dance travel both as a dancer and now as a studio director. Travel stretches you. It challenges you, builds confidence, deepens friendships, and gives you a broader perspective. When you get to experience that through the art form you love, it becomes even more meaningful.

And no—we weren’t competing. We were performing.

Dance was never meant to exist only as a competition. It was meant to be shared, celebrated, and experienced. Sure, we could have spent this week at nationals. Instead, we were dancing at Oeiras Marina in Portugal alongside dancers from around the world, connected by a shared love for this art form.

So…why?

Because growth happens when we step outside of what’s familiar. When we push the edges of our comfort zone. And at Elation, growth has always been the goal.

I couldn’t be more proud of these 19 dancers. I’m still overwhelmed with gratitude—for each of you, every unforgettable moment (the challenging ones included), and every family who believed in this dream and made it possible.

A heartfelt thank you to PAE for creating such an incredible experience. It was truly a joy, and one we’ll never forget. 🩵🇵🇹

Performing Arts Educators

Hope everyone has a safe and joyful 4th of July with family & friends. 💙❤️

Rounding out our senior spotlights, it’s Justine!

Justine is the epitome of grace and strength. Every challenge is met with a quiet strength and calm and those same qualities make her breathtaking onstage.🩵💙

Congrats! We can’t wait to see what your future holds! 🎓

Starting our final introductions for the week with Ms. Chloe!

Chloe’s passion for dance and music is so evident when you watch her perform. And she’s always first to lend a hand when it’s needed. 💙🩵

We are excited for her to lead with all those strengths into her future next year! 🎓

Next up is Adalynn!

Adalynn commands your attention in the room and onstage. That energy stems from hours of work & commitment behind the scenes.

We are so excited to watch her perform her last recital and see her dancing in the future! 🩵💙Congrats!! 🎓

It’s that time of year—time to introduce you to our graduates as we prepare to say goodbye to them. 😢🩵

Up first is Eva! Eva shows such poise and grace onstage. At the studio, she is quick witted and ensures we are not taking ourselves too seriously.

We are so excited for her future endeavors and will miss her at Elation each week. 🩵💙🩵

Happy Mother’s Day! 🩵🩷