Mini Dance Details
Located in Cool Springs, our Mini Dancers program (ages 7-8 by August 15) offers ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, and more for families in Franklin, Brentwood, and the greater Nashville area.
Our Mini Dancers program provides age-appropriate instruction in multiple dance styles, allowing young dancers to explore and develop their skills in a supportive environment.
Our experienced and background-checked teachers (we call them “mentors“) create engaging classes that build strong foundations while nurturing creativity and confidence.
Available Dance Styles
- Ballet: Building grace, technique, and fundamental dance skills
- Jazz: Exploring rhythm, energy, and dynamic movement
- Tap: Developing rhythm and coordination through percussion dance
- Hip Hop: Learning popular styles with age-appropriate music and moves
- Lyrical: Combining ballet technique with emotional expression
- Musical Theatre: Blending dance with theatrical performance
Every year, our mini dancers perform in our annual dance recital at the prestigious Belmont Fisher Center. This professional performance opportunity celebrates their achievements and creates lasting memories for dancers and their families.
Whether your child is continuing their dance journey or exploring new styles, our structured yet nurturing approach helps them develop strong technique while having fun.
Class Experience
- Instruction tailored to ages 7-8 (dancers must be the proper age by August 15)
- Focus on proper technique and terminology
- Emphasis on both skill development and creativity
- Options for recreational or competitive training
- Regular progress celebrations
- Professional performance opportunities
Join our thriving community of young dancers as they discover the joy of dance while building confidence, friendships, and lifelong skills.
All dancers must be the proper age by August 15.
Register for
Mini Dance classes
If you have any questions along the way, call or text (615) 804-1177, or email dance@rootsacademy.com. Our team is ready to help you Monday–Friday, from 10am–6pm.
Mini Open Classes
Open classes are available for registration without prior dance experience.
Open classes are available for registration without prior dance experience.
Peewee/Mini Open Classes
Mini/Junior Open Classes
Mini Leveled Classes - Placement Required
Placement Required Details: Students wishing to enroll in placement classes (Levels II and above) must have prior dance experience and be evaluated by a ROOTS staff member. To be evaluated, please submit this form and join the class waitlist. After approval, your dancer will be moved from the waitlist into the class, and you will receive an email notification. Please allow up to one week for communication from our team.
The Proof
11 Years on the Podium.
Voted a top performing arts studio in Williamson County every year since 2015 — music, dance, and musical theatre.
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5.0
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98%recommend
dance mentors
Teaching isn’t just about learning techniques. Our students are led by passionate and well-trained professionals who recognize their greater role in students’ lives.
Competition Company
ROOTS Competition Company is an audition-based program for students ages 5-18 who desire a fun and challenging team experience. Teams are divided into three levels based on commitment and level: Core, Select and Elite.
Company dancers are the most driven and talented dancers at ROOTS and are especially passionate, hard-working, and committed. They take a set amount of hours every week, participate in multiple dance competitions and conventions, outside performances, and weekly rehearsals.
The ROOTS Difference
As a member of the ROOTS community, you’ll enjoy the full array of benefits that all our students receive, even as an in-home student.
important dates
testimonials
Don’t take our word for it. Here’s what some of our families have to say about their ROOTS experience.
My child has gained confidence, leaning technique, and a real love for music thanks to his guidance. We’re grateful for his dedication and highly recommend him/ Roots Academy to any family looking for a great drum instructor.
The mentors are fantastic! They are talented and passionate about their craft and come prepared to work with the kids.
The administrative staff is so organized and the communication is excellent. I love that they keep us informed with quick concise emails. They are also so easy to work with and accommodating (injuries, illness, rescheduling etc).
The facilities are so clean!
Bob and Lisa L
He has a great balance of being friendly and respectful while also knowing exactly how to challenge Vihaan to keep him engaged and growing. The progress in both skill and confidence has been incredible.
Highly recommend — he truly knows how to spark and sustain a love for music. 🎸✨
Good atmosphere.
What first got us in the door was Ms. Liza’s bright, beautiful, beaming smile and the warm, welcoming tour she gave us. From the very first moment, we felt seen, valued, and excited to belong. What has kept us here year after year is the incredible staff and the uplifting, encouraging community they cultivate. The teachers genuinely care about each child’s growth—artistically and personally—and they lead with positivity, kindness, and high standards.
Roots is more than just a dance studio. It’s a place where kids are encouraged to work hard, support one another, and shine as their authentic selves. We are so grateful for the friendships, mentorship, and confidence our daughters have gained here. If you’re looking for a studio that nurtures talent while building character and community, Roots Dance Academy is truly something special. 💛
My child has gained confidence, leaning technique, and a real love for music thanks to his guidance. We’re grateful for his dedication and highly recommend him to any family looking for a great drum instructor.
Our children have been so beautifully mentored both in music and dance. We absolutely adore Ms. Kinsey, Ms. Marta, and Ms. Liv for violin, vocals, and piano...they are not only gifted teachers, but patient, encouraging, and deeply invested in their students. Our girls have also grown tremendously in lyrical with Ms. Meg and in ballet with Ms. Bella and Ms. Ava, who bring both discipline and joy into every class.
Roots is more than a studio; it’s a community. There are no better people to be pouring into our kids and imparting their wisdom than the entire team at Roots Academy. We are grateful to call this place a second home.
our guarantee
We are so confident you're going to love your experience at ROOTS Academy that we guarantee your satisfaction for the first 30 days (four classes or lessons), or your money back.
annual recital
Every spring, ROOTS Academy dancers ages 3-18 take the stage at Belmont University’s prestigious Fisher Center for a professionally produced dance recital. This cherished tradition showcases our students’ growth and achievements throughout the year.
May 30-31, 2026
Belmont Fisher Center
Nashville, Tennessee
THE ROOTS WAY
Our mission is to train & develop musicians and dancers through leadership that inspires, serves and challenges everyone to give their best. We believe passionately in the power of the arts to impact lives and inspire creativity for the benefit of the community and the world.
mindset
matters
(How we Think)
We believe a healthy mindset affects how we show up in and outside the studio.
excellence
matters
(What we Do)
We believe excellence comes when defining & preparing for success is matched with discipline & passion.
people
matter
(How we Act)
We believe a healthy mindset affects how we show up in and outside the studio.
Frequently Asked Questions
questions?
If you have any questions about our dance program, please don’t hesitate to call, text or email us. Our hours are Monday – Saturday from 12pm – 6pm.
SASKIA HARMON – Dance Director
JESSICA STILLMAN – Competition Manager
MELISSA BULLINGTON – Preschool Manager
JEN BURNS – Dance Operations Manager
KATHLEEN MCPHERSON – Dance Operations Coordinator
MEG DEARMIN – Dance/FIT Operations Coordinator
SASKIA HARMON
Dance Director
JESSICA STILLMAN
Competition Manager
MELISSA BULLINGTON
Preschool Manager
JEN BURNS
Dance Operations Manager
KATHLEEN MCPHERSON
Dance Operations Coordinator