The Heart Behind THSD

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Like many little girls, my story started dancing around the living room. My mom finally enrolled me in a tap class because she knew I needed an outlet for all that energy.

I was hooked.

I wasn't the most naturally gifted dancer, but dance gave me so much more than steps. It gave me confidence, lifelong friendships, incredible mentors, and opportunities I never could have imagined. Those experiences eventually led me to earn a dance scholarship to the University of Wyoming, travel the country, and discover a passion for helping young people grow through the arts.

When my husband Steve and I moved to Salina, I never planned to open a dance studio. But an unexpected opportunity led to the creation of the Tamara Howe School of Dance nearly 20 years ago, and from the very beginning, I knew I wanted it to be more than a place to learn dance.

I wanted it to feel like home.

A place where every child walks through our doors feeling welcomed, encouraged, and valued. A place where our staff partners with parents to teach not only excellent dance technique, but also perseverance, kindness, responsibility, confidence, and respect.

Because while only a small percentage of our students will become professional dancers, every single one of them will become adults who make an impact on the people around them.

That's why our mission has never been simply creating great performers.

It's about helping children become confident leaders, compassionate friends, dedicated teammates, and people of strong character.

As a mom of five, I understand the trust families place in us each week, and it is a responsibility we never take lightly. Every class, every rehearsal, and every performance is another opportunity to help children grow into who they were created to be.

For nearly two decades, thousands of students have called THSD home, and I couldn't be more grateful for every family who has trusted us with their child.

Because at the Tamara Howe School of Dance, we're not just teaching dance.

We're helping shape tomorrow's leaders, one child at a time.

That's what it means to be More Than Just Great Dancing.