About
Dance by Design is a recreational studio where students take classes in tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, hip hop, Irish, and tumbling. The studio is described as faith-based and Christ centered, with a focus on providing a positive environment where children can explore their gifts, build a positive self image, and freely express themselves. Parents describe Dance by Design as a warm spiritual environment where children do not dance provocatively or wear revealing costumes.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
Dance by Design’s mission is to see the Lord glorified through dance in the way it fashions music, movement, and presentation. The studio is described as a perfect studio for children ages 3 to 18 who want to join a fun and supportive environment to express themselves through dance.
The leadership team includes Melissa Mahoney (Co-owner & Tap Teacher), Meryn Rathert (Co-Owner & Tap Teacher), Kirsten Mullins (Studio Manager), and Michelle Parks (Choreography). Melissa Mahoney studied tap and jazz with local dance studios over fifteen years, was a four-year member of her schools’ drill and dance teams, and coached dance teams for Central Middle School and Columbus North High School. Emily Alesia was team captain of her high school dance team at Perry Meridian High School and captain of the college Butler University Dance Squad. Michelle Parks has 40+ years of combined experience as an instructor, choreographer, director, and past dance studio owner, has been involved in studio dance, high school and college dance teams, pageants, high school musicals, coaching high school dance teams, and productions and programs at church, has received numerous awards and accolades in these roles, and graduated from UIndy as a registered nurse (RN).
Parent testimonials describe Dance by Design as having a variety of classes and caring teachers and staff, and as a place where recital weekends feature shows that tell a story and are very entertaining. One parent notes that the studio is faith-based and that the kids do not dance provocatively or wear revealing costumes. Another parent describes the studio as a warm spiritual environment where the coaching staff cares for each child, helps boost morale, and is kind, helpful, and supportive in all they do, including being thoughtful and accommodating for a child with alopecia areata. A third parent describes Dance by Design as a great place for kids to explore their dance talents, with exceptional, kind, and warm staff, a huge variety of dance styles including ballet, jazz, Irish, hip hop, and tumbling, and as a Christ Centered establishment that nurtures a child’s spirit as well as body.
Last updated May 13, 2026.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
Dance by Design’s mission is to see the Lord glorified through dance in the way it fashions music, movement, and presentation. The studio is described as a perfect studio for children ages 3 to 18 who want to join a fun and supportive environment to express themselves through dance.
The leadership team includes Melissa Mahoney (Co-owner & Tap Teacher), Meryn Rathert (Co-Owner & Tap Teacher), Kirsten Mullins (Studio Manager), and Michelle Parks (Choreography). Melissa Mahoney studied tap and jazz with local dance studios over fifteen years, was a four-year member of her schools’ drill and dance teams, and coached dance teams for Central Middle School and Columbus North High School. Emily Alesia was team captain of her high school dance team at Perry Meridian High School and captain of the college Butler University Dance Squad. Michelle Parks has 40+ years of combined experience as an instructor, choreographer, director, and past dance studio owner, has been involved in studio dance, high school and college dance teams, pageants, high school musicals, coaching high school dance teams, and productions and programs at church, has received numerous awards and accolades in these roles, and graduated from UIndy as a registered nurse (RN).
Parent testimonials describe Dance by Design as having a variety of classes and caring teachers and staff, and as a place where recital weekends feature shows that tell a story and are very entertaining. One parent notes that the studio is faith-based and that the kids do not dance provocatively or wear revealing costumes. Another parent describes the studio as a warm spiritual environment where the coaching staff cares for each child, helps boost morale, and is kind, helpful, and supportive in all they do, including being thoughtful and accommodating for a child with alopecia areata. A third parent describes Dance by Design as a great place for kids to explore their dance talents, with exceptional, kind, and warm staff, a huge variety of dance styles including ballet, jazz, Irish, hip hop, and tumbling, and as a Christ Centered establishment that nurtures a child’s spirit as well as body.
Last updated May 13, 2026.
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