Apex Dance Center is helping kids of all ages grow their self-esteem and passion for dancing. Owner Valerie Reynolds opened the space about a year ago in a convenient location near CoolSprings Galleria. “Dance has literally been a part of my life for longer than I can remember,” she says. “Every time I tried to step away from dance it continued to come back into my life. It is one of those things you do because you truly love it.”
Apex is a special community and home away from home for its students. Many of the girls have danced together for years, forming bonds with each other and their coaches.
“Dance helps build confidence,” continues Reynolds. “It is empowering for young women. It goes past their effort in the dance studio and transitions over to their lives. It makes them stronger, more confident and allows them to express themselves.”
In addition to its award-winning company teams, Apex offers recreational classes for fun and exercise, including the Dance Abilities program for students with special needs. “I think dance should be for everybody and all kids should be able to enjoy it. They especially love putting on the costume and performing onstage at the year-end recital. I’m grateful to share this opportunity with them and hope to touch more students as the program grows.” Each Dance Abilities student is paired with a buddy from another class to assist them throughout the year.
Reynolds, a Nashville native, has been dancing since age 2. Growing up she trained in different styles, including hip-hop, jazz, lyrical, ballet and tap. She went on to join the dance team at the University of Tennessee. She began coaching during college and after graduation was instrumental in leading the University of Tennessee dance team to its first national championship. With that victory under her belt, she decided it was time to move back to Nashville.
Today she is a working mother of three (soon to be four) who meets the challenges of running a small business head on. “It is important to show young girls that it is possible. My mom was a single parent, but she showed me that if you worked hard you could achieve what you wanted. It is inspiring to show the next generation of dancers what they can accomplish. It’s a lot of hard work, but I’m thankful to be surrounded by the best coaches, staff and students who help lift me up in the process.” ApexDanceCenter.com
Article by Sarah Skates
Photography by Provided
Originally published in Franklin Lifestyle