About
Rise Up & Dance offers dance classes for kids and adults. Classes are taught by Alison Smith, a professional dancer and actress in Southern California for 30 years.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
Alison Smith is the founder of Rise Up & Dance. She has been in numerous plays, musicals, television productions, and industrials, and has traveled the world with her talents. She grew up on the stage dancing, transitioned into film and television in her 20s, learned make-up artistry in her 30s, and has also worked as co-owner in a photography business. She has taught dance as a guest artist at many studios from Kansas City to Southern California and continues to teach dance at her studio in South Pasadena and at local schools. She is involved in the South Pasadena Unified School District, directing productions, talent shows, musicals, and school choirs. She also auditions commercially and works as a Teaching Artist for Disney Musicals, Upstage Theater schools, and Cultural Arts Programs for LAUSD.
Rise Up & Dance states that it offers a supportive, non-competitive environment. Its mission is that every child has a place to move, grow, belong, and shine, and that children build confidence, creativity, friendships, and a lifelong love of movement through the joy of dance. Alison Smith states that she believes every child deserves the opportunity to discover their unique talents and explore their creativity in a positive and supportive setting, and that her goal is to promote diversity and acceptance by celebrating differences and encouraging collaboration. She states that she strives to foster a sense of belonging and community by providing a space where every child feels valued and respected.
A parent testimonial describes that “Ms. Alison brings her infectious spirit and love of dance to the heart of each and every student. You can’t help but move your body in her class!“
Last updated July 25, 2026.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
Alison Smith is the founder of Rise Up & Dance. She has been in numerous plays, musicals, television productions, and industrials, and has traveled the world with her talents. She grew up on the stage dancing, transitioned into film and television in her 20s, learned make-up artistry in her 30s, and has also worked as co-owner in a photography business. She has taught dance as a guest artist at many studios from Kansas City to Southern California and continues to teach dance at her studio in South Pasadena and at local schools. She is involved in the South Pasadena Unified School District, directing productions, talent shows, musicals, and school choirs. She also auditions commercially and works as a Teaching Artist for Disney Musicals, Upstage Theater schools, and Cultural Arts Programs for LAUSD.
Rise Up & Dance states that it offers a supportive, non-competitive environment. Its mission is that every child has a place to move, grow, belong, and shine, and that children build confidence, creativity, friendships, and a lifelong love of movement through the joy of dance. Alison Smith states that she believes every child deserves the opportunity to discover their unique talents and explore their creativity in a positive and supportive setting, and that her goal is to promote diversity and acceptance by celebrating differences and encouraging collaboration. She states that she strives to foster a sense of belonging and community by providing a space where every child feels valued and respected.
A parent testimonial describes that “Ms. Alison brings her infectious spirit and love of dance to the heart of each and every student. You can’t help but move your body in her class!“
Last updated July 25, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.