In‑Step Dance Center, a staple of The Woodlands arts scene since 1999, opened the doors to its 28th season on August 15 at a new, larger suite at 314 Sawdust Road, Suite 200. Owner‑operator Dana Sparks said the move brings greater visibility, more parking and expanded facilities that will allow the studio to grow its class offerings.
Family roots and local growth
Sparks grew up dancing from the age of three, following in the footsteps of her mother, a former dance instructor whose studio was displaced by the construction of the Hardy Toll Road. After earning a bachelor’s degree in dance from Sam Houston State University, Sparks spent time teaching and performing in Los Angeles before returning home to launch In‑Step. Today she teaches a new generation of students, many of whose parents also trained at the studio.
New space, new possibilities
The Sawdust Road location adds roughly 2,000 square feet of studio space, giving In‑Step room to expand both its youth and adult programs. “I think we hit our ceiling with the old location. People couldn’t find us, and when they did, there was no place to park,” Sparks explained. “This place gives us a lot more room to grow,” she added, noting plans to broaden adult‑class options in the near future.
Class lineup and recent achievements
In‑Step offers regular classes for all ages and skill levels in more than ten styles, including ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, modern, salsa, musical theater, acro/tumbling, hip‑hop and K‑pop. A popular “Mommy & Me” class introduces children ages two to four to basic concepts such as left and right, colors and letters while developing motor skills.
The studio also provides music lessons for guitar, drums, piano and voice. Recent additions of hip‑hop and K‑pop classes reflect growing demand for contemporary dance forms.
In‑Step’s competitive teams have earned notable honors. The hip‑hop team captured the Grand Championship at the 8th National Talent Competition in Conroe, and a duet and several soloists placed first overall in the same event.
Community partnerships
Through the nonprofit Arts in Motion, In‑Step supplies dance instruction to local schools and gives students the chance to perform on a professional stage at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts during the annual Danscape event. That fundraiser supports Ronald McDonald House Charities and raises awareness for ovarian cancer.
“It’s a really elegant affair. We get all dressed up, which is fun for us, because we’re only used to seeing each other in sweaty T‑shirts and leggings,” said Lola Jordan, director and instructor at In‑Step.
Looking ahead
With the added space on Sawdust Road and a second location on Spring Trails Ridge in Spring, Sparks is optimistic about the studio’s future. She hopes to introduce more adult‑focused classes, expand competitive teams and continue providing a safe, faith‑friendly environment where families can nurture talent and character through the arts.
In‑Step Dance Center remains committed to its founding mission: offering high‑quality dance education while strengthening families and the community through shared artistic experience.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.
