Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Sparks
Hi Dana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey in the arts began at the age of 3 when I stepped into my first dance class. Growing up, I had the privilege of learning from several esteemed dance teachers in Houston, but my greatest inspiration has always been my mom. She owned Greenspoint School of Dance and Baton, where I practically grew up. Watching her passion and dedication to her students shaped me into the person I am today. By the age of 13, I was already teaching classes at her studio, and it was there that I began to see how dance could inspire and transform others.
Competing in pageants further fueled my love for performing, and I earned titles such as Little Miss Houston and Jr. Miss Texas. Later, I became an alumna of the Miss Texas Organization, representing Miss Comal County and Miss Angelina County.
Before graduating from Sam Houston State University, I discovered my love for choreography—a passion that continues to drive me today. In the 1990s, I lived in Los Angeles, where I toured with my award-winning Tap Company and earned multiple prestigious awards, but my heart always pulled me back to my roots in Houston.
In 1998, I opened In-Step Dance & Performing Arts Center, Inc, fulfilling my dream of creating a space where dancers could thrive in an encouraging and creative environment. Over the past 26 years, I’ve had the privilege of watching countless students grow, not only as dancers but as confident individuals. I also founded the Non-Profit organization In-Step Dance Company / ARTS IN MOTION, an organization that brings dance into local schools, offers scholarships for families in need, and hosts an annual benefit concert at The Hobby Center to support outreach programs.
My mom’s influence and the lessons I learned from her early on are deeply ingrained in my work. Her commitment to her students and her love of dance are values I carry with me every day. While the road hasn’t always been easy, my passion for dance and my desire to make the arts accessible to all keep me moving forward. Today, I’m honored to continue building on this legacy, leading In-Step Dance Center and ARTS IN MOTION, and inspiring new generations of dancers to find their own passion.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been anything but smooth, but every challenge has shaped me and strengthened my purpose. Owning a dance studio and running a nonprofit comes with its share of hurdles—both personally and professionally. Early on, I faced the typical struggles of starting a small business: finding students, building trust in the community, and navigating the financial demands of running a studio.
One of the most difficult moments in my journey was in 2011 when my mom passed away from ovarian cancer. Losing her was devastating, as she was not only my greatest inspiration but also my rock and mentor. That loss tested me in ways I never expected. However, it also gave me a new sense of purpose. I found strength in honoring her legacy by becoming an advocate for ovarian cancer awareness. Through dance, I’ve been able to create opportunities to share her story and raise awareness for a cause so close to my heart.
Over the years, I’ve also weathered economic shifts, the impact of natural disasters like hurricanes, and, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, which turned our entire industry upside down. It forced me to adapt quickly, finding new ways to connect with students virtually and ensure that the joy of dance continued, even during uncertain times.
On a personal level, I’ve had to learn how to balance being a teacher, a mentor, a business owner, and a mom. There were times I doubted myself or wondered if I was doing enough, but the passion I see in my students and the support from my family keeps me going.
Another challenge has been maintaining a vision that stays true to my values while evolving with the times. It’s easy to get lost in the competitive world of dance, but I’ve always been committed to creating a space that’s about more than winning trophies. For me, it’s about building confidence, fostering creativity, and providing an outlet for kids to express themselves.
Every obstacle I’ve faced has been a reminder of why I started this journey in the first place: to share my love of dance and make the arts accessible to everyone. The road may be bumpy, but the destination is always worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At its heart, my work revolves around creating a space where dancers of all ages and skill levels can grow, thrive, and feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves. As the owner of In-Step Dance Center and founder of ARTS IN MOTION, I specialize in teaching dance, developing choreography, and fostering a love for the performing arts in my community.
I personally teach Tap, Jazz, Modern, Ballet, and Musical Theatre, but the studio offers so much more. We have classes in Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Drill Team, Acro, Silks, Pointe, and even Music classes, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. Our wide variety of classes allows us to nurture each dancer’s unique interests and talents.
What I’m most known for is building an environment that’s not just about technique or trophies—it’s about heart. My approach focuses on instilling confidence, encouraging creativity, and teaching life lessons through dance. While our dancers do perform and compete at high levels, I take pride in making sure every student feels valued and supported, no matter their ability or goals.
One of the things I’m most proud of is ARTS IN MOTION, my nonprofit organization. For over 20 years, it’s been a way to extend the joy of dance beyond the studio. We bring dance programs to local schools, offer scholarships to families who might not otherwise be able to afford lessons, and host an annual benefit concert at The Hobby Center in Houston. Seeing the impact this has on students and families is incredibly rewarding.
What sets me apart is my belief in keeping the arts accessible and rooted in community values. Dance isn’t just about perfect pirouettes or flawless leaps—it’s about expression, connection, and finding joy. I also bring my own life experiences into my work, from starting as a young teacher at my mom’s studio to performing with my award-winning Tap Company in Los Angeles. Those experiences shaped my perspective on the power of dance to inspire and heal.
Ultimately, what brings me the most joy is watching my students find their confidence on and off the stage. Whether it’s a shy preschooler lighting up during their first recital or a seasoned dancer discovering their passion for choreography, knowing that I’ve helped nurture their journey is what makes all the hard work worth it.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has played an interesting role in my life and business, and I believe it’s a mix of both good and bad luck that has shaped my journey. The good luck has often come in the form of incredible opportunities and the people I’ve been blessed to meet along the way. For example, growing up with a mother who owned a dance studio gave me an early start in teaching and instilled in me a passion for the arts. That foundation was a gift that set me on this path.
I’ve also been fortunate to have the support of my community, loyal families, and talented teachers who have believed in the vision of In-Step Dance Center. Finding the right people to join my team has been a blessing—it’s those relationships that help turn challenges into victories.
But luck hasn’t always been kind. I’ve faced my fair share of obstacles, from financial struggles early in my career to navigating the immense challenges of running a business during the COVID-19 pandemic. Perhaps the most difficult test of all was losing my mom to ovarian cancer. That loss felt like the worst kind of bad luck, but it also inspired me to honor her legacy in meaningful ways, like advocating for ovarian cancer awareness and staying resilient in the face of hardships.
What I’ve learned is that luck, whether good or bad, is only part of the equation. What truly matters is how you respond to it. I’ve tried to meet every setback with perseverance and every bit of good fortune with gratitude. Luck may open a door, but hard work, passion, and determination are what keep you moving forward.
Pricing:
- $89 monthly – Non Recital Classes
- $120 monthly – Recital Classes – All inclusive
- $149 – 8 Week Programs
- $20 -Drop In Fees
- $150 – Adult 10 class dance Cards
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instepdancecenter.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insteprox01/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/instepdancePAC
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@instepdance5678
Image Credits
Jarvis Richardson Photography
