About Us

          LaJoy Dance Center was named in honor of Ms. Sarah's Aunt, Charla LaJoy Douglas. Charla accompanied Sarah to almost all of her dance lessons and would sit beside her in front of the mirror copying her movements. Although her disabilities kept her in a wheelchair, she was still able to experience the joy of dance. Sadly, Charla passed away at Vanderbilt in February of 2018. Her legacy lives on through those who knew her. 

          Ms. Sarah wants to share the joy of dancing with all of her students, which led her to open LaJoy Dance Center in her hometown. 

​

          Ms. Sarah brings over 20 years of dance experience in various styles including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and ballroom to the Hartsville, TN area. She credits Patricia Cross, founder of Rejoice Ministries School of Ballet, with her early ballet training at Smartt Steps in Hendersonville. At the urging of her teachers, Sarah went on to train at the School of Nashville Ballet where she learned the Vaganova (Russian) method under the tutelage of Gonzalo Espinoza and Donna Delsini. While at Nashville Ballet she performed alongside their professional company as a youth cast member for 6 years. 

​

           Her teaching career began in 2010 and has included dance studios, summer programs, and theatre troupes. She has taught for Adonai Arts Academy, Nashville Ballet, and has choreographed in North Carolina for Jacksonville Performing Arts, a theatre company that seeks to give back to the military community. Ms. Sarah has performed for audiences of a few thousand as well as a handful of people. She says that each of the people and places she has encountered through dance hold a special place in her heart.