Reflections from the Executive Director, Alisa Eaton…
It’s amazing to look back at the growth of Reflections of Grace Performing Arts School and see how far and how much we have grown. Reflections of Grace Performing Arts School started off with a mothers request. She wanted her children to be able to take dance classes with a company that focused on their child’s well being. She did not want the fancy costumes, makeup, a rigorous class schedule, inappropriate movements, or pressure to perform to be taught to her children.
It turned out that I grew up in that very same dance environment and I wanted more for her children and for mine. As a child, I grew into a highly trained dancer, but my self esteem had taken such a hit. I was constantly comparing myself to other girls and I eventually fell into depression and anxiety.
My desire to meet this mothers request and to create an environment where children felt loved, encouraged and safe, turned into what we have now.
With my extensive dance training and some mentoring by an established dance business owner with similar goals, Reflections of Grace Performing Arts School was established. We began as a business but as we grew, I saw so many more opportunities and needs, it was then we began the process of becoming a nonprofit business. Now ROG flourishes with multiple dance programs such as weekly classes, troupe, dance for all, and our mentoring program, where we continue to work with young dancers and families while serving the community around us.