We recently celebrated a milestone here at DU! Can you guess what it was? April 7th, 2024 marked the start of our 25th year in business! It’s hard to believe, but we have been serving the Augusta community for a quarter of a century!
In honor of this milestone, we are so excited to announce a brand new initiative! Drumroll please… Introducing our Legacy Families!
After 25 years, we’ve been lucky enough to touch the lives of countless young dancers who have grown up to become adults, members of the Augusta community, and even parents! When a DU alumni makes the choice to bring their very own children to the studio, we feel honored, grateful, and elated to teach the next generation.
So of course, we wanted to do something special for those who have shown us loyalty and treasured relationships across multiple generations! Today on the blog, we’re featuring a few of our Legacy Families – families that grew up dancing at DU and now have children of their own enrolled at the studio too! Read on to learn more about them!
Meet our Legacy Families
Legacy Family: Ashlee Dixon, mom of Charlotte (age 8) and Oliver Dixon (age 6)
When were you a student at DU? I began in 2001 when the studio opened and danced until I graduated high school in 2005.
What is your favorite DU Memory from when you were a dancer here? Dancing at the Celtics and gaining my pointe shoes my senior year.
How long have your children been dancing at DU? 7 and 5 years
What made you choose DU for your child? I knew it would enhance their passion and love for dance. Dance U was always going to be where my children danced.
What has changed at the studio since you were a child? The variety of dance styles taught at the studio and the DU performance company.
What has stayed the same?
The family dynamic and feel while being at the studio. The teamwork that you see from everyone no matter the role.
Does your child take your dance advice? Yes, I think she does. I mean I know things have changed since I danced. However the basics have not, I tell them to do their best, work hard, have fun, smile, and soak in all the knowledge they are learning from their instructors.
What is your favorite thing about being a dance parent? I love still being a part of the Dance U Family and seeing dance through my children’s eyes.
Legacy Family: Baileigh Poulin, mom of Chloe Poulin (age 4)
When were you a student at DU? I started in 2007 and danced through 2014. I stayed and danced for an additional year after I graduated high school.
What is your favorite DU Memory from when you were a dancer here? Meeting my best friends!
How long has your child been dancing at DU? 3 Years
What has been your child’s favorite memory at DU? Dancing on the big stage.
What is the best part of being a 2nd Generation family at DU? Seeing all of the alumni with their children, and watching my baby’s love for dance grow.
What is your go-to song for at-home dance parties with your child? Chloe will break out and dance to any and all songs!
Does your child take your dance advice? Yes
What is your favorite thing about being a dance parent? Knowing my child is loved every time she walks through the doors.
Legacy Family: Jessica DeStefano, mom of Sophia (age 3)
When were you a student at DU? 2002. I started dancing at Dance Unlimited in 6th grade (after switching from another studio) and stayed until I graduated high school in 2009. And then when I graduated from college, I immediately returned to take adult classes and teach.
What is your favorite DU Memory from when you were a dancer here? Dancing to Thriller at the opening of a Boston Celtics game
How long have your children been dancing at DU? 3 years
What made you choose DU for your child? We never considered any other options. I knew Sophia would love being a part of the Dance Unlimited family as much as I have. I have so much trust in Mrs. Laura and the rest of the DU staff to give her the best dance education possible.
What is the best part of being a 2nd Generation family at DU? The Dance Unlimited studio felt like home to me for so long and I have so many amazing memories there. It’s amazing to relive those memories with my daughter.
What has changed at the studio since you were a child? So much! When I first started dancing at Dance Unlimited it was a tiny studio on Water St. and Mrs. Laura was the only teacher.
What has stayed the same? The love. Love for dance and for every dancer at the studio.
What is your go-to song for at-home dance parties with your child? The Moana and Encanto soundtracks.
Legacy Family: Stephanie Robinson, mom of Eleanor (age 5)
When were you a student at DU? 2001-2006
What is your favorite DU Memory from when you were a dancer here? I vividly remember dancing to Justin Timberlake, all decked out in a glittery outfit on stage! Somehow I still remember some of the moves! 🥰
What made you choose DU for your child? I wanted my daughter to have the opportunity to gain a love for Dance, just like I did. I knew DU was the best place from experience!
What is the best part of being a 2nd Generation family at DU? I know she’s in good hands! It’s surreal to have her dance at the same place I did as a child! I love seeing her enjoy dance the way i always have!
What is your go-to song for at-home dance parties with your child? Ironically, Justin Timberlake- “I got this feeling”!
Does your child take your dance advice? Depends on the day but overall I’d say yes! She has been consistent all year and was so brave on stage!
What’s your favorite thing about being a dance parent? Seeing my child stay consistent and progress at something she works hard at week after week! Seeing her shine on stage is the cherry on top!
We cherish the relationships that we’ve built with these families over the years! It is impactful to hear how DU has been woven into their treasured memories as a family! We hope you enjoyed hearing from DU Alumni as much as we did!