For over a decade, Rhythm & Motion has been the heart of dance education in our community. Here's how we became the premier dance academy for students of all ages.
Rhythm & Motion Dance Academy was founded in 2013 by professional dancer and choreographer Michelle Rodriguez. After performing with prestigious dance companies across the country, Michelle returned home with a vision: create a dance school where technical excellence meets creative expression in a supportive, joyful environment.
What started with 30 students in a small rented studio has grown into a thriving academy with over 500 dancers, 25+ instructors, and two state-of-the-art facilities. We've won regional and national competitions, performed at major venues, and most importantly, helped thousands of students discover the transformative power of dance.
These core principles guide every class we teach and every decision we make.
We believe in teaching proper technique from day one. Our instructors focus on building strong foundations that allow dancers to excel in any style.
Dance is an art form. We encourage every student to find their unique voice and express themselves authentically through movement.
We create a supportive environment where students can take risks, make mistakes, and grow. Dance builds confidence that extends far beyond the studio.
Our dance family supports one another. Friendships formed at Rhythm & Motion often last a lifetime.
From annual recitals to competition teams, we provide platforms for dancers to showcase their hard work and shine on stage.
We maintain a drama-free, encouraging atmosphere where every dancer feels valued and celebrated for who they are.
At Rhythm & Motion, we believe performance is an essential part of dance education. Taking the stage builds confidence, teaches discipline, and creates unforgettable memories. We offer multiple opportunities for students to showcase their skills throughout the year.
Every student participates in our spectacular spring and winter recitals held at the Downtown Theater. These professional productions feature elaborate costumes, professional lighting and sound, and choreography that highlights each dancer's abilities. It's the highlight of our year!
Our award-winning competition team represents Rhythm & Motion at regional and national dance competitions. Open to intermediate and advanced dancers by audition, the team travels to 6-8 competitions per year and has won over 15 national titles. Team members receive intensive training, choreography from guest artists, and the chance to perform at major venues.
Our passionate, experienced instructors are dedicated to helping every student reach their full potential.
Founder & Artistic Director
Ballet, Contemporary
Hip-Hop Director
Hip-Hop, Urban Styles
Ballet Instructor
Classical Ballet, Pointe
Contemporary Instructor
Contemporary, Modern
Jazz Instructor
Jazz, Musical Theater
Acro Instructor
Acrobatics, Tumbling
Our studios are designed with dancer safety and comfort in mind.
All eight of our spacious studios feature professional-grade sprung floors that reduce impact and prevent injuries. Floor-to-ceiling mirrors line the walls, and state-of-the-art sound systems ensure clear music playback for every class.
Our facilities include comfortable parent viewing areas with WiFi, spacious changing rooms, climate control in all studios, and a welcoming lobby with refreshments available for purchase.
We maintain the highest safety standards. All instructors are CPR and First Aid certified, studios are thoroughly cleaned daily, and our sprung floors are inspected and maintained regularly.
Our main campus in the Arts District features 5 studios, and our north location offers 3 studios. Both facilities provide ample parking and easy access from major roads.