Today we’d like to introduce you to Angel Goines.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hi there! I’m Angel Goines, proud owner and founder of Next Level Dance!
Our studio, based right here in La Porte, Texas, is a vibrant, joy-filled space where dancers ages two through eighteen come to explore their creativity, build confidence, and discover just how far their passion can take them. From Ballet and Tap to Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, and more, I love watching each dancer grow and find their own rhythm.
My love for dance started when I was just four years old and honestly, I’ve never stopped moving since! What began as a childhood passion grew into a lifelong calling. I trained through studio programs, danced on my high school drill team, and went on to earn my Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Lamar University. During my time at Lamar, I performed with the university’s dance team and later had the incredible honor of returning as Assistant Coach, helping shape the next generation of dancers and leaders.
Before opening my studio, I also gained valuable experience in the real estate industry, which taught me so much about business and community, lessons I still apply every day. But my heart always led me back to dance. In 2017, I took the leap and opened the first Next Level Dance studio in La Porte. Our amazing families and dancers helped the studio grow beyond what I ever imagined, and by 2022, we proudly expanded to a second location in Baytown. Today, our award-winning competition team continues to reach new heights each season, and I couldn’t be prouder of the talent, teamwork, and dedication I see in every dancer.
I’m a certified Acro teacher through Acrobatic Arts and serve as an adjudicator for local dance competitions, roles that allow me to keep learning and stay connected to the wider dance community I love so much.
When I’m not in the studio, you can usually find me spending time with my family, staying active, reading a good book, or doing a little shopping (because balance is key, right?). Above all, I hope that my energy, dedication, and love for dance inspire my students to chase their dreams both on and off the dance floor. Because when you lead with passion and perseverance, you can always take it to the next level.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Owning a business has not been an easy road. I have faced countless challenges from balancing the demands of entrepreneurship and family life, to navigating the ever-changing landscape of the dance world. But through every obstacle, my passion and purpose have remained the same: to create opportunities for young dancers to discover their potential and to lead with heart, integrity, and resilience.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an artist, I pride myself in my versatility and knowledge across multiple genres of dance. I have taught and am qualified to instruct Acrobatics, Ballet, Jazz, Modern and Contemporary, Hip Hop, and more. While my preferred genres to teach are Modern and Contemporary, my passion for movement extends to all forms of dance. Over the past ten years, I have become highly trained and educated in Acrobatics, earning certifications through Acrobatic Arts and integrating acro techniques into my choreography and instruction.
In the competition world, I have been recognized with numerous choreography and artistry awards, a reflection of my creativity, vision, and ability to bring emotion to the stage. My dance company have been invited to perform at regional and national competitions, as well as local and community events, showcasing her dancers’ talent and the strength of her artistic direction.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
When I look back on my journey, I believe luck has played a role, but not in the traditional sense. I don’t see luck as something that just happens to you; I see it as what occurs when preparation meets opportunity. There have been moments that felt like good luck, being in the right place at the right time, meeting the right people, or having a door open just when I needed it most. But those moments only became meaningful because I was ready to walk through that door and do the work that followed.
Of course, there’s also been “bad luck” along the way like unexpected challenges, setbacks, and seasons of uncertainty. But I’ve come to realize that even those moments served a purpose. They taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of faith in myself and my vision. Every obstacle pushed me to grow stronger as a leader, a teacher, and a person.
So while luck may have nudged my path here and there, what has truly shaped my life and business is perseverance, passion, and purpose. I’ve learned that success isn’t about waiting for good luck, it’s about creating it through hard work, courage, and belief in what you’re building.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nextlevel-dance.com
- Instagram: @nextleveldance2017
- Facebook: Next Level Dance LP/BT
Image Credits
Thomas Park Art and Still Days Photography
