“The students that are enrolled in the program absolutely love participating each Monday. They love to go back to class and show their friends each position or move they learn. I am very impressed with the knowledge these ladies have retained over the weeks and have heard excellent feedback from the families.”
Lacie Russell
Business Manager; LePort School Aldie
“Joy of Dance is fantastic! Students are happily learning dance in a comfortable environment while they are engaged in physical development, concept building, and acquiring a variety of fun dance techniques. The uniforms are adorable, the recitals are priceless and the parents are very satisfied!”
Amy L. Henneberg
Academy Director; La Petite Academy
“Personally, I had the privilege of studying with Marilyn as a dance student. Later, I pursued her expertise in the field of dance education. After in depth research, I sought to implement her program in my dance studio of 600 students, DanceWorks Conservatory in Leawood, KS. Her program is unrivaled in this area. Fortunately, ‘Joy of Dance’ is a program that can leave the dance studio and be just as effective ‘on the road’. Marilyn’s quality of instruction is unparalleled. I am in awe of her abilities.”
Loren Whittaker
Former Adjunct Professor University of Missouri-Kansas City, Conservatory of Dance
Years ago, in 2009, you advised me, as I turned an unused hallway in our basement into a ‘dance
room.’ My daughter Katrina Rakusan was six, and enrolled in Joy of Dance at Westgate Child
Care Center. I wanted a space where she could show me what she’d learned to tap. You pointed
me toward a Rosco dance surface. Her instructor also suggested, “Watch her. Come to shows.
Let her know you love seeing her dance. The rest will come.”
Katrina is now a high school senior. Last spring, her dance studio closed due to COVID and her
school’s Color Guard abruptly ceased rehearsals. Missing dance, she auditioned at the
Kintz-Mejia Academy of Ballet, via Zoom. Despite our dance room’s low ceiling, she has
managed to do barre work for Ms. Linda Kintz several times a week. Their focus on technique
has been one of the best parts of her ’new normal.’ As she heads off to college, she hopes to
continue taking ballet technique lessons, as her schedule permits.
I wish to thank you — for fostering her joy in dance!
Chris Stuebner
Joy of Dance Parent