FOUNDATION

How we started

If you talk to the owner of Formations Dance Center, Leslie Murphy, within seconds you will recognize her love of dance.  Even though she didn't start her dance training until 8th grade, she always danced. Once she made that first sound with her tap shoes in class she knew she had found her niche and her life was never the same. 

In time, she added ballet, jazz, hip hop and contemporary to her schedule, and started teaching and competing.  But, it wasn't until she was given the opportunity to job shadow a dance choreographer in her Senior Year of High School, that Leslie realized the life she wanted for herself.  Even though the dream seemed unreachable at the time, many years and thousands of dance classes later, Leslie opened up Formations Dance Center in 2015.  

Leslie feels so blessed to be able to pass on her LOVE & PASSION for dance to all of her students.​​

Why Us?

What's different

In addition to tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop and contemporary, we offer a VARIETY of other styles.  Did you know that Formations was the first dance studio in Jefferson County to offer a complete aerial arts program?  For 6 years we have offered silks, hammock, lyra and trapeze combination classes with a beautiful Showcase Performance at the end of each season.  Since its foundation, Formations Dance Center has also added classes in Yoga, Strength & Conditioning, Choreography, Improvisation, Stretch, Leaps & Turns, Modern, Pointe, Country Line Dancing, 2-Step, Tango, Zumba, Wedding Dance Lessons & Poms.  Plus, our classes start at 2 years old!

We can guarantee that you will receive QUALITY education from Formations based on years of study and training from our knowledgable instructors.  Leslie Murphy, owner, has a BFA in Dance from Webster University and 15+ years experience as a dance educator.  Currently, Leslie is furthering her training by studying yoga.  She continues to use this knowledge to help her students build strength and flexibility for injury prevention.  MaKayla Hunter, instructor and assistant competition director, has a BA in Dance from Anderson University as well as a minor in nutrition.  She also spent 3 years training and performing professionally with Ashleyliane Dance Company.  MaKayla continues to outdo herself each year with her outstanding choreography, fresh style and innovative ideas .

Modesty

Safe space

As soon as you walk into Formations, you will notice something peculiar; our dress code policy.  We do our best to preserve an environment for dance that is MODEST.  Specifically, our students are required to wear a leotard that covers their stomach with leggings or tights.  We also spend extra time searching for costumes that do not sexualize our students, but keep dancing the focus.  Music is also edited as needed to keep the lyrics clean.

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Modesty is probably one of the first things you will hear about Formations, but you will come to find out we have many other fabulous qualities too!

Inspire

Dance is joy

Dance may not start as a passion for some of our students, but more often than not, our students join additional classes each year.  Many of our students have gone on to compete, and even make dance a part of their longterm goals after graduation.

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Even if dance is just an after school activity, we hope our students will leave us with an appreciation of the arts, and a better understanding of the hard work and dedication that goes into this beautiful art form.  We hope that all students will be INSPIRED to perform to their highest level of artistry in a caring and nurturing environment.  

We'd love to have you as a part of our dance family!  Schedule a visit by emailing Ms. Leslie at formationsdancecenter@gmail.com.