Monarch Ballroom & Dance Studio

⭐ THE SECRET IS OUT! ⭐

I am so excited to officially introduce my star partner for this year’s First Coast Dancing with the Stars…

✨ Sam Mitchell! ✨

Over the next few months, Sam and I will be preparing for an unforgettable performance while raising funds for the Beaches Fine Arts Series, an incredible organization that brings world-class arts and educational programs to our community.

As many of you know, dance has been a huge part of my life for over 30 years. What makes this event especially meaningful is that it combines my love of dance with a mission I deeply believe in—making the arts accessible and enriching lives through creativity, culture, and connection.

The gala takes place this September and is one of Jacksonville’s most anticipated events. With only 400 seats available, tickets typically sell out very quickly!

We’ll be sharing our journey, rehearsals, fundraising efforts, and a few behind-the-scenes moments along the way. We hope you’ll follow along, cheer us on, and support this wonderful cause.

Let’s dance for the arts! 💃⭐

Your first dance is one of the most unforgettable moments of your wedding day. Our Wedding Dance Workshop is designed to help couples feel confident, connected, and comfortable dancing together — even if you’ve never danced before.
Saturday June 13, 2026 11:00 a.m.
In this fun and welcoming workshop, you’ll learn:
• Simple partner dance techniques
• How to move naturally together on the dance floor
• Elegant turns, dips, and transitions

$99 per couple
Monarch Ballroom
9850-9 San Jose Blvd
Jacksonville Florida 32257
Space is limited. Register Here:
https://square.link/u/x6jGXz4I

Your first dance is one of the most unforgettable moments of your wedding day. Our Wedding Dance Workshop is designed to help couples feel confident, connected, and comfortable dancing together — even if you’ve never danced before.

In this fun and welcoming workshop, you’ll learn:
• Simple partner dance techniques
• How to move naturally together on the dance floor
• Elegant turns, dips, and transitions

$99 per couple
Monarch Ballroom
9850-9 San Jose Blvd
Jacksonville Florida 32257
Space is limited. Register Here:
https://square.link/u/x6jGXz4I

Tonight!!!!🤠

“In a landmark study conducted by researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, older adults who danced frequently had a 76% lower risk of developing dementia than those who danced rarely. Researchers believe dancing is uniquely powerful because it combines movement, memory, music, decision-making, and human connection—all at the same time.”

Music is medicine…
It’s because it changes brain chemistry. When you hear music, your brain doesn’t just listen—it lights up.

Music activates the limbic system, the part of the brain responsible for emotion and memory. It also stimulates the release of dopamine, the same “reward” chemical associated with pleasure and motivation.

In fact, brain imaging studies show that listening to music can increase dopamine levels in the brain—similar to the response we see with food, connection, and even some medications.

Music has also been shown to reduce cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, helping regulate the nervous system and reduce anxiety.

That’s why a single song can shift your mood in seconds.

Movement is magic…
It’s because it rewires the brain and elevates mood. When the body moves, it begins producing endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers and mood boosters. Movement also increases blood flow to the brain, improving focus, clarity, and emotional regulation.

But here’s what makes dance different from just exercise:

Dance requires coordination, memory, rhythm, and awareness.

You’re not just moving—you’re thinking, feeling, adapting.

That combination activates multiple regions of the brain simultaneously, strengthening neural pathways and supporting neuroplasticity—your brain’s ability to grow and change.

Connection is healing…
Social Isolation accelerates dementia by over 50%. People who dance more than once a week have a 76% lower risk of dementia.
Ballroom dancing isn’t just an activity…
It’s a prescription for the mind, the body, and the human spirit.

Call or text 904-708-3316 for more information or to schedule a free lesson. No partner or experience needed.