Leaping to Level 1
This fall marks an exciting new chapter for five young dancers at Rejoice School of Ballet. After developing their skills in the children’s division classes at Smith Springs and Hadley Park community centers, they have been promoted to Level 1 in our Ballet Division, which meets twice a week at our East Nashville studios.
This transition to Level 1 is more than a schedule change or a longer commute; it celebrates the progress these young dancers have made and highlights the importance of our community locations, which provide accessible opportunities for young dancers to start their journey.
From left to right: Ayla Burkeen at Smith Springs, Olivia Armstrong at Hadley Park, Olive Tull at Smith Springs, and Zora Ross-Woessner at Smith Springs.
Where Their Dance Journeys Began
Meet Ayla Burkeen, Olivia Armstrong, Olive Tull, and Zora Ross-Woessner, some of our newest Level 1 dancers. Each dancer found Rejoice in a different way, but for many families, the accessibility of the satellite locations made that first step into ballet possible.
A suggestion from Zora’s gymnastics teacher led her to ballet, and the opening of Rejoice’s Smith Springs location soon gave her a place to try it close to home. Smith Springs was also where Olive discovered Rejoice. Her family frequently visited the community center, making the opportunity to start ballet and tap at age five a natural fit. Olivia has loved dance from an early age. Her mother, Maryam Abdallah, remembers Olivia dancing and singing around the house before she could even walk and signing her up for classes as soon as she was old enough. Ayla first found Rejoice through the annual Kids and Kites event, beginning a dance journey that has continued to grow.
Transformation through dance
Moving into Level 1 reflects years of growth, both in the studio and beyond. Parents have watched their children become more focused, confident, and willing to take on new challenges.
“Her focus has improved SO much. It was something she struggled with a lot when she first started dancing, and each year has shown marked improvement,” shared Zora’s mother, Salena.
Maryam has seen a similar change in her daughter. “Olivia's confidence to try something new or just go for it has increased, and she's able to learn dances very quickly now,” she said.
For Olive, that confidence has blossomed over the years. “She is willing to try new things, independent things. She believes in herself more. She feels confident in her abilities as a dancer and a performer,” her mother Laura said.
That growth has also deepened the dancers’ connection to performing and the broader arts. Olive loves being on stage, while Ayla has become excited about both dancing and seeing live performances at TPAC and Nashville Ballet.
Moving into Level 1 also means leaving behind familiar classrooms, teachers, and friendships. For some families, that brought a mix of pride and sadness.
“Excited and proud because that is an accomplishment. Then sad because we’re leaving Mrs. Amber, who was such an important partner in our family's life through the early years,” Laura said.
“We had a mix of emotions. Excited for her to advance to this level but also sad to move away from the friendships she has gained with the other girls in her last class and from Ms. Amber,” Ayla’s mother LaToya said.
Ayla Burkeen with Ms. Amber
Olive Tull in class with Ms. Amber at Smith Springs Community Center
Adjusting to the Next Step
Along with the excitement of advancing, Level 1 brings a new commitment. Twice-weekly classes have meant adjusting schedules and, for some families, taking on a longer drive.
Zora’s family said the change has been especially noticeable. After years of walking to ballet, they are still adjusting to the drive to East Nashville. “We were definitely apprehensive. We've had to shift a lot of things around to make it work,” Salena said. “She loves having class twice a week, though.”
Olive’s family has gone from a six-minute drive to Smith Springs to a 35-minute rush-hour commute. “We felt overwhelmed; we are all still adjusting to the schedule,” Laura said. “That said, we really enjoy dancing with Rejoice so we know the time commitment will be worth it.”
For Olivia’s family, the adjustment has been more about balancing ballet with the other activities she enjoys. “We were a little hesitant because Olivia enjoys other activities that occur during the week, but we had a conversation with her about priorities and balance and so far so good based on a strict after-school schedule/routine,” said Maryam.
Even with those adjustments, the families say their experience at Rejoice continues to make the commitment worthwhile. Salena calls it “a positive environment that will truly meet your dancer where they're at,” while Maryam describes it as “a welcoming and empowering space” where children can learn, be challenged, and find joy.
LaToya said that impact extends beyond ballet. “My daughter started her dance journey with Rejoice, and it has allowed her to discover and gain interest in other areas of the arts. It has also helped her gain confidence within herself and performing on stage.”
Laura shared that the relationships and skills built at Rejoice extend far beyond dance class. “Rejoice staff and teachers are genuine. They care for your children and instill skills that carry beyond the classroom doors. You feel like part of a family. They are affordable and accessible. Total package! So grateful they came into our life!”
This year Rejoice added its fourth location at Barefoot Republic Community in South Nashville. Just as Smith Springs and Hadley Park helped these five dancers begin their journeys, we look forward to seeing where this new location will take the next generation of Rejoice dancers.
