Business Details
27 Years
experience
Premier Dance Classes in Richmond Hill, GA
Life Moves Dance Studio was founded in 1999 by Teresa Merritt, a dance instructor with over 45 years of experience teaching ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary styles. Our studio emphasizes technical training, self-confidence, and spiritual growth, serving students from preschool through adulthood in Richmond Hill and surrounding areas. We combine artistic excellence with community engagement, offering workshops, performance opportunities, and a nurturing environment for dancers to develop both skill and character.Our team includes certified instructors with expertise in Acrobatic Arts and choreography, ensuring high-quality instruction tailored to diverse skill levels. Committed to faith-based values, we use dance as a means to inspire personal growth and positively impact the community through artistic expression.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Dance
Tap Instruction
Contemporary Dance
Acro & Cheer
Choreography Services
Dance Workshops
Costume Ordering
Performance Training
Private Lessons
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of professional dance instruction experience
- Our curriculum combines technical training with spiritual development
- Certified Acrobatic Arts instructors teach specialized techniques
- We provide community performance opportunities for all skill levels
- Faith-based values guide our nurturing, student-centered approach
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops foundational technique through structured training in classical positions, barre work, and center combinations. Students progress through recognized levels while learning discipline, grace, and performance quality. Classes are available for ages 3 through adult, with recital opportunities and instructor feedback to support continuous improvement.
Acro & Cheer
Certified instructors teach safe acrobatic techniques including cartwheels, walkovers, and aerials. The curriculum builds strength, flexibility, and coordination while emphasizing proper spotting and progression. Students learn cheerleading basics and integrate acro skills into dance routines for enhanced performance capabilities.
Choreography Services
Professional choreography tailored for recitals, competitions, and special performances. Our instructors create age-appropriate routines that highlight technical strengths while telling compelling stories through movement. Services include music selection, group formations, and rehearsal guidance for both student and professional productions.
Dance Workshops
Intensive weekend sessions focusing on specific techniques or styles with guest instructors. Workshops offer concentrated training in areas like contemporary partnering, jazz funk, or lyrical expression. Participants receive personalized feedback and have opportunities to perform showcase pieces at the end of each session.
Costume Ordering
Studio staff manage costume selection, ordering, and distribution for recitals and competitions. We coordinate with vendors to ensure quality, affordability, and style consistency across performance groups. Parents can access fittings and payment plans through our dedicated costume ordering system.
People
Teresa Merritt
Owner/Director
With 45+ years teaching dance, Teresa founded LMDS in 1999. She instructs ballet, jazz, and contemporary styles while leading community outreach programs. Active in local arts organizations, she connects dance education with spiritual development through faith-based choreography.
Graille Merritt
Office Administrator
Graille manages studio operations after transitioning from dancer to instructor roles. She ensures smooth administrative processes while maintaining personal connections with families. Her business degree and local roots help maintain LMDS's community-focused approach.
Ari Merritt
Graphic Design & Office Administrator
Ari handles visual design and office management while teaching acro classes. Certified in Acrobatic Arts, she combines creative and administrative skills to support studio operations. Her photography business complements LMDS's marketing needs.
Lauren Hodge
Dance Instructor
Lauren teaches multiple styles and coordinates costumes since joining LMDS in 1999. She directs the Richmond Hill Dance Theatre and trains students in classical and contemporary techniques. Her performance experience enriches both classroom instruction and stage productions.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, and acro. Specialized classes include interpretive praise dance and performance-focused choreography for recitals and competitions.
Are there classes for different age groups?
Yes! We offer programs for children starting at age 3 through adult classes. Our curriculum adapts to developmental stages while maintaining technical standards across all age groups.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
Yes, we provide recitals, community performances, and competition teams. Students participate in annual productions like The Nutcracker and collaborate with local arts organizations for special events.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our staff includes certified Acrobatic Arts instructors, former professional dancers, and educators with degrees in dance and business. Many have performed professionally and hold advanced teaching credentials.
How do I register for classes?
Register through our Parent Portal online or contact the office for assistance. We offer flexible enrollment options and placement evaluations to ensure appropriate class levels for new students.
Is there a costume requirement?
Yes, performance classes require specific costumes for recitals. Our staff coordinates costume ordering with payment plans available. Class attire guidelines ensure proper movement and safety during training sessions.
Reviews (1)
Kelsey Canfield
Jul 07, 2021
Report
Paid for my daughter to have hip hop classes all year and 80+ dollars for recital outfit. Once it was time for the recital, we were told there would be four different dates for recitals. Due to COVID-19, there was a limited amount of people that could come and we understood that. However, due to the recitals being broken down into 4 different dates, we assumed it would have more quality and time.
The recital lasted a total of one hour. Between dances, the kids were rushed onto stage for the next act. You could hear the dance instructors (including owner) fussing at the kids behind the black curtain
The recital lasted a total of one hour. Between dances, the kids were rushed onto stage for the next act. You could hear the dance instructors (including owner) fussing at the kids behind the black curtain
