Business Details
12 Years
experience
Premier Dance & Music Lessons for Children Ages 2-18 in Raleigh
Expressions in Rhythm Studio was founded in 2014 by Preston and Belinda Brown to address a community need for high-quality dance and music education in Southeast Raleigh. With over 45 years of combined instructional experience among our team, we specialize in nurturing young artists aged 2-18 through technique-driven, family-focused programs. Our curriculum includes Acro, African dance, Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, and Djembe Drumming, with tailored levels for preschoolers through teens. We prioritize personalized attention, ensuring students develop confidence, creativity, and performance skills.Annual showcases and community events provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their progress. Our streaming app allows parents to observe classes remotely, maintaining a focused learning environment. We offer trial classes, flexible scheduling, and specialized programs like Competitive Dance Company and Performance Company. Safety remains our priority during inclement weather, with independent closure decisions based on road conditions. Our legacy continues to grow as we build upon 11 years of experience shaping young artists through the transformative power of dance and music.
Services
Dance Classes
Music Lessons
Competitive Dance
Performance Programs
Summer Sessions
Preschool Programs
Teen Workshops
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We offer age-specific programs for children 2-18 with 11 years of community experience
- Our instructors bring 45+ combined years of dance and music education expertise
- We provide diverse genres including Acro, African dance, and Djembe Drumming
- Annual performances showcase student progress in professional theater settings
- We organize live performance field trips to inspire young artists
Services
Dance Classes
We offer comprehensive dance education for ages 2-18 across multiple genres including Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, and African dance. Our structured programs develop technical proficiency while fostering creativity and self-expression. Students progress through carefully evaluated levels with annual performance opportunities in our professional theater productions.
Music Lessons
Our Djembe Drumming program teaches African polyrhythms to students aged 5+. After three months, participants receive discounted tuition when performing in our African Dance classes. The curriculum combines technical skill development with cultural education, emphasizing rhythm mastery and creative expression through traditional African drumming techniques.
Competitive Dance
This program develops advanced dancers through intensive training and competition participation. Students build technical excellence, stage presence, and teamwork skills while representing the studio at regional events. The curriculum includes choreography workshops, conditioning sessions, and performance rehearsals to prepare for competitive showcases.
Performance Programs
Our Performance Company prepares dancers for community stage appearances at local events. Participants learn professional performance techniques while gaining experience in public engagements. The program includes two annual productions: the November Showcase and June Concert, featuring themed performances that highlight student progress and creativity.
Summer Sessions
Extended summer programming maintains skill development during school breaks. Classes run Monday-Thursday with Friday sessions until 8 PM. The curriculum includes technique refinement, choreography workshops, and special masterclasses. Summer sessions also serve as preparation for the upcoming performance season with level evaluations and casting opportunities.
People
Preston Brown
Co-Founder
Co-founder with 11 years of experience developing youth dance programs. Oversees studio operations and curriculum development while maintaining community partnerships to expand program offerings.
Belinda Brown
Co-Founder
Co-founder and lead instructor with extensive dance education experience. Develops age-specific curricula and mentors teaching staff while maintaining direct student engagement across multiple program levels.
Andria Davis
Instructor
Certified dance instructor specializing in African and liturgical dance forms. Brings professional performance experience to classroom instruction while developing cultural appreciation components for student enrichment.
Shannon Melvin
Program Coordinator
Manages student evaluations and level placements with 8 years of studio experience. Coordinates performance logistics and maintains communication between instructors, students, and families.
Brendan Brown
Music Director
Music program director specializing in African drumming traditions. Develops curriculum for Djembe Drumming classes and integrates musical elements across dance programs to enhance interdisciplinary learning.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We serve children aged 2-18 with specialized programs for preschoolers (2-4), mini program (5-7), junior program (8-12), and teen program (13-18).
Do I need prior experience to enroll?
No experience required. We offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes with trial options to help new students find their appropriate level.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Students participate in two annual productions: the November Showcase and June Concert, plus community events through our Performance Company.
How do parents observe classes?
Parents access our streaming app to watch classes remotely. In-person observation in studio rooms is not permitted to maintain focused learning environments.
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer Acro, African, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, and Liturgical dance styles with specialized Djembe Drumming instruction.
How do weather closures work?
We make independent closure decisions based on road conditions, not following school district policies. Check our social media for timely updates.
Reviews (3)
Carrie Le Chevallier
Nov 26, 2018
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I have 3 kids enrolled here. They have learned so much! We have been part of 3 other dance schools on the Triangle, and they have learned so much more here at Expressions. We also enjoy the family atmosphere, and appreciate that there arent the clicky dance mom groups.
Sophia Morning
Aug 29, 2017
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I have to say that we love Expression in rhythm studios, they are the best. I have seen both of my daughter's come to life when they dance. I get to see them share apart of themselves through dance. I love that Ms. B and Me. Nay make you feel like family and they listen to your concerns and involve you in making things run smooth. They encourage the expresser to step outside of the box and push them to stand out. Thank you for being an inspiration to my girls. We love you!
Toya Crichlow
May 13, 2017
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My daughter has grown tremendously since beginning classes at Expressions in Rhythm. The terminology, for each dance discipline, is clearly outlined. It is enforced through verbal cues during class instruction and in written documentation that is provided at the time the student is enrolled. This performing arts school has a very family oriented environment and encourages community involvement. Ms. B has a number of very creative and thoughtful measures she uses for demonstrating her appreciation of her Expressors and their families. I, personally, am grateful for the appreciation she shows. I
