Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Loyd.
Hi Melissa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey with dance began at a young age, and it quickly became something I knew would always be a part of my life. I went on to earn degrees in Kinesiology/Exercise Science and Theater and Dance, and I began teaching dance over 20 years ago.
What started as a passion for teaching eventually grew into something much bigger. I found Alton Academy of Dance, became the owner, and over the years I have had the privilege of watching it grow into a studio and community that means so much to me. Today, we are entering our 13th season, and I am incredibly proud of how far we have come.
For me, it has never just been about teaching steps. It is about helping dancers build confidence, work hard, discover their individuality, and learn that they are capable of more than they may realize. I have been fortunate to grow alongside so many dancers and families, and that is what continues to inspire me every day.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Getting to where I am today definitely hasn’t been easy. There have been seasons when enrollment was low and I questioned whether I could keep the studio going. One of the biggest challenges was navigating COVID. Like so many small businesses, we faced uncertainty about whether we would be able to stay open, and there were many moments when I had to get creative, adapt, and simply keep moving forward.
There have also been challenges that come with working with people. Dance is emotional for dancers and families, and sometimes navigating different expectations, opinions, and difficult conversations with parents can be challenging. I’ve had to learn how to communicate better, stand firm in my decisions, and remember that not everyone will always agree with me—and that’s okay
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Alton Academy of Dance, I teach and mentor dancers of all ages and experience levels, with a focus on strong technical training, performance quality, confidence, and personal growth. My background in Kinesiology and Exercise Science also helps me approach dance with an understanding of anatomy, conditioning, injury prevention, and healthy movement. I specialize in creating a well-rounded dance education that challenges students while still making them feel supported and inspired.
I’m known for building meaningful relationships with my dancers and families and for creating an environment where students can work hard, have fun, and feel comfortable being themselves. I want every dancer to leave class feeling more confident than when they arrived, whether they hope to pursue dance professionally or simply want to enjoy the many benefits dance provides.
What sets our studio apart is the balance between high expectations and genuine encouragement. We care about developing strong dancers, but we also care deeply about developing kind, resilient, confident people. I’m most proud of the community we’ve built and of the growth I’ve witnessed in our students—not only in their technique and performance abilities, but also in their character and confidence.
Through all of this work, I’ve learned that owning a studio takes so much more than knowing how to teach dance. It takes resilience, patience, leadership, and a willingness to keep learning. There have been plenty of hard days, but there have also been so many incredible moments that remind me why I started in the first place.
For me, it has never just been about teaching steps. It’s about creating a place where dancers feel encouraged, challenged, supported, and confident.Watching a dancer grow—not just as a dancer, but as a person—is what makes all of the hard work worth it. I’m incredibly proud of how far Alton Academy of Dance has come, and I’m excited for what the future holds
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, my biggest goal is to continue helping dancers grow—not only in their technique and performance abilities, but also in their confidence, character, and love of dance. We recently expanded into three rooms, and I’m so excited to see what that growth will bring for the future. Having more space allows us to welcome more dancers, expand our offerings, and continue building a strong, supportive studio community.
I’m looking forward to bringing in more clientele and sharing the love of dance with even more students and families. I want Alton Academy of Dance to continue being a place where dancers feel encouraged, challenged, and inspired to reach their goals, whether they dream of pursuing dance professionally or simply want to enjoy everything dance has to offer.
As the studio continues to grow, I’m excited to keep creating meaningful opportunities for our dancers and to see where this next chapter takes us. There are always new goals to work toward, but my focus will remain the same: helping dancers become the best versions of themselves while sharing the joy and lifelong benefits of dance.
Pricing:
- $65 for a hour class
- 30 min are $50
- 45 min classes are $60
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.altonacademyofdance.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altonacademyofdancestudio?igsi=aHN1NGt1M3A2c3dm&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19VEux4S2o/?mibextid=wwXIfr
