Once upon a time, I took off my worn-out tap shoes for the last time. I put away my rhinestones and E6000, tossed my Aquanet hairspray, and retired my red lipstick. After 12+ years of dancing with competition teams and dance companies, that chapter of my life was closed.
Or so I thought…
Years later, as an adult craving community and familiarity, I stumbled upon Ignite Dance Company in Nolensville. Soon enough, everything fell into place. It was a time in my life when every aspect was changing drastically, but I had one stable thing: dance class, two hours a week, where I could forget everything and focus on learning choreography and moving my body in a way that was so familiar and comfortable.
Now, years (and lots of stability) later, those two hours are still the highlight of my week. Which is why I'm thrilled to help bring Ignite to Franklin as co-director of the new troupe launching this May.
What Ignite Is
Ignite Dance Company started in 2018 when founder Jen Hutzel realized something was missing. She'd grown up dancing, minored in dance in college, and, by her 30s, was a mom of two with no outlet. There were classes here and there and opportunities to teach, but nothing like what she'd experienced growing up. She missed creating movement, performing, and the community that came with it.
"Ignite really represents the passion and joy that we feel when we dance," Hutzel says of the group’s name. "I wanted something that resonated with those who are returning to what they love, but that also represented a new spark."
Since 2018, Ignite has seen tremendous growth. The company now has 40 dancers across three performance groups in Nolensville and Nashville, with groups launching in Spring Hill and Franklin in 2026.
Each group also gets its own showcase. That’s right, a perk of participation is the ability to get dolled up, slip into costumes, and show off a year’s worth of hard work for friends and family.
Seeing a little girl excitedly waiting—flowers in hand—for her mommy to get off the stage? That’s the why.
Who It's For
Ignite isn't a drop-in class or a dance-based workout, but rather a performance troupe focused on technique and choreography. Dancers have the opportunity to learn across multiple styles: contemporary, hip hop, ballet, jazz, tap, and lyrical. The upcoming spring showcase even features a pointe duet.
While dancers can choose which pieces to participate in based on their interests, experience, and skill level, having some dance background is important. Since the troupe performs, Hutzel wants to ensure all dancers have a solid grasp of basic technique and can dance safely. But the backgrounds vary—what matters more is the commitment and the desire to be part of a dance community again.
"I wanted to create movement and have a way to share that with others," Hutzel says. "I wanted a positive, inclusive dance environment that celebrates everyone just as they are in whatever stage of life they are in."
Hutzel adds that a bonus has been forming friendships along the way. “I believe that Ignite provides a much-needed outlet for dancers, but also for anyone who is looking for a dance family.”
What Franklin Can Expect
Ignite Franklin will launch in May 2026. "It's exactly what I was looking for back in 2018," Hutzel says. "A place to dance that offers artistry, community, and an opportunity to perform."
Ignite’s spring showcase was last month at the Williamson County Performing Arts Center. The Nashville and Nolensville performance groups will also have shows in late July and October.
Interested dancers can find more information about performance dates and how to join on Instagram at @ignitedancecotn.
"'Ignite' really represents the passion and joy that we feel when we dance. I wanted something that resonated with those who are returning to what they love, but that also represented a new spark. 'Ignite' seemed like the perfect way to describe that." -- Jen Hutzel