Business Details
27 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in Richmond Hill, GA
Life Moves Dance Studio was founded in 1999 by Teresa Merritt with a vision to cultivate artistic growth through dance education. Our mission emphasizes the joy of dance while nurturing technical skills, self-confidence, and spiritual development. We offer diverse classes from ballet to contemporary for students aged preschool through adult, taught by experienced instructors with decades of combined expertise. Our studio actively contributes to the Richmond Hill community through performances, workshops, and partnerships with local organizations.We prioritize personalized service, adapting to evolving student needs while maintaining a strong foundation in dance technique and performance. Our team includes certified professionals with backgrounds in Acrobatic Arts, photography, and administrative leadership. We serve Richmond Hill and surrounding areas, providing opportunities for artistic expression and community engagement through the performing arts. Our commitment to excellence has made us a trusted institution for dance education in the region.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Dance Instruction
Tap Technique Training
Lyrical Choreography
Contemporary Dance Workshops
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of combined dance instruction experience
- Our staff includes Acrobatic Arts certified instructors
- We provide community-focused performing arts programs
- Our team maintains active involvement in local organizations
- We offer diverse dance styles from preschool through adult levels
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops foundational technique through structured instruction for ages 3 to adult. Classes focus on proper form, posture, and classical repertoire while emphasizing artistic expression. Students progress through recognized levels with performance opportunities in annual productions.
Jazz Dance Instruction
Jazz classes combine technical training with contemporary styles and choreography. Our curriculum builds strength, flexibility, and performance skills through Broadway-style routines and competition pieces. Instructors emphasize proper alignment and safe progression for all skill levels.
Tap Technique Training
Tap programs develop musicality and precision through rhythmic patterns and improvisation. Classes range from beginner to advanced levels, focusing on clear sounds, tempo control, and syncopation techniques. Students perform in recitals and community events throughout the year.
Lyrical Choreography
Lyrical dance classes blend ballet and modern techniques to create emotionally expressive performances. Our instructors focus on fluid movement transitions, storytelling through dance, and developing individual artistry. Classes prepare students for competition and stage performances.
Contemporary Dance Workshops
Contemporary workshops explore innovative movement styles and improvisation techniques. These sessions emphasize body awareness, floor work, and emotional expression. Guest instructors provide specialized training in modern dance forms and competition preparation.
People
Teresa Merritt
Owner | Dance Instructor
Founder with 45+ years teaching experience, directing LMDS since 1999. Certified instructor in multiple dance styles, active in community organizations, and former military program contractor.
Graille Merritt
Office Administrator
Georgia Southern graduate with business minors, managing studio operations since 2011. Former dancer and instructor, now focused on administration and customer service for dance families.
Ari Merritt
Graphic Design & Office Administrator
Georgia Southern finance graduate and Acrobatic Arts certified instructor. Manages photography business while handling studio administration and teaching cheer/acro classes at LMDS.
Lauren Hodge
Dance Instructor | Merchandise
Teaching since 2004 with experience under renowned instructors. Assistant choreographer for Richmond Hill Dance Theatre and studio costume coordinator with performance experience in major productions.
Sharlene Floyd
Dance Instructor
Certified instructor with specialized training in multiple dance disciplines. Active performer and teacher at LMDS, contributing to both recreational and competitive programs.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, and interpretive praise dance classes for ages 3 through adult.
Do you have performance opportunities?
Yes, we provide annual recitals, community performances, and competition opportunities through our dance company programs.
Are instructors certified?
Our staff includes Acrobatic Arts certified instructors and professionals with decades of combined teaching experience.
What age groups do you teach?
We offer classes for preschoolers (age 3+) through adult levels in all our dance programs.
Do you offer summer programs?
Yes, we provide summer dance intensives and specialized workshops for skill development during school breaks.
How to register for classes?
Registration details and class schedules are available through our Parent Portal or by contacting our office directly.
