Today we’d like to introduce you to Lacey Ingersoll.
Lacey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Fitch Dance Company is more than just a business to me. It is a legacy. The studio was founded nearly 50 years ago by my grandparents, and I quite literally grew up inside its walls. Some of my earliest memories are of being in the studio, watching classes, taking lessons, and eventually stepping into leadership roles as I got older.
Taking over a long standing, community rooted business comes with both pride and pressure. When I stepped into ownership, I was not just continuing something. I was responsible for evolving it. I had to learn how to honor the foundation my grandparents built while also modernizing the studio to meet the needs of today’s dancers and families.
Over the past few years, that is exactly what I have focused on. I have worked to expand our programs across all ages and levels, from preschool dancers just starting out to advanced students training seriously in multiple styles. I have developed structured curriculums, strengthened our technical training, and created a studio culture that balances discipline, growth, and a genuine love for dance.
At the same time, I have stepped into the role of not just a dance educator, but a business owner, learning marketing, operations, branding, and long term strategy. I have been intentional about growing the studio in a sustainable way, increasing enrollment, and building systems that will support the next chapter of the business.
At its core, my story is about continuing a legacy, embracing growth, and creating a space where dancers feel challenged, supported, and inspired every single 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?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Stepping into the ownership role after being a dancer for so many years was a huge shift. I went from being a student to suddenly running the business and working closely with families, including parents of dancers I had grown up alongside. That dynamic was uncomfortable at first, and I had to learn how to step confidently into a leadership role while earning trust in a new way.
There were also seasons where I had to take on a lot at once. During my senior year, we were short on instructors, so I was teaching many of my own classes while also navigating the responsibilities of running the studio. That period really pushed me to grow quickly, both as a teacher and as a business owner.
Like many small businesses, Covid was another major challenge. It forced us to adapt, rethink how we operated, and find ways to continue serving our dancers through a very uncertain time. It tested our resilience, but it also made us stronger and more intentional about how we run the studio today.
Each of these challenges came with a learning curve, but they ultimately helped shape the way I lead now. They pushed me to become more confident, adaptable, and focused on building something that can thrive long term.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the owner of Fitch Dance Company, a legacy studio started by my grandparents. For nearly 50 years, we have had the privilege of teaching generations of dancers in our community, and that is something I do not take lightly. Today, I lead the studio while also continuing to teach, develop curriculum, and oversee the overall growth and direction of the business.
We offer training for dancers of all ages and levels, from preschool classes introducing movement and confidence, to more advanced programs focused on strong technical foundations across multiple styles. We even offer classes for adults. I have put a strong emphasis on creating structured training that helps dancers progress while still maintaining a positive and supportive environment.
What I am most proud of is the community we have built. There are families who have been with us since the very beginning, and every new dancer who walks through our doors adds to that foundation. It truly feels like an extended family. Our staff plays a huge role in that as well. They are incredibly talented, dedicated, and genuinely care about each dancer’s growth both inside and outside of the studio.
What sets us apart is that sense of community and history. We are not just a business. We are a long established part of this community, and that comes with deep relationships, trust, and a shared sense of pride. At the end of the day, we are not just teaching dance. We are creating an environment where dancers feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow.
What does success mean to you?
I define success as impact rather than numbers. For me, success is seeing dancers grow in confidence, discipline, and self belief over time, not just how many trophies or titles they earn.
Success is also about longevity and consistency. It is building something that continues to serve families year after year, and creating a space where generations of dancers feel at home. When former students come back to visit, or when I see current students developing a genuine love for dance that carries into other areas of their lives, that feels like success to me.
On a business level, success means sustainability. It is being able to run a strong, organized, and growing studio that supports both our staff and our families, while still staying true to our values and culture.
Ultimately, success is knowing that what we are doing inside the studio is making a positive difference outside of it. If dancers leave our program feeling more confident, more capable, and more connected to themselves and their community, then I consider that a success.
Pricing:
- Summer schedule pricing is listed in the photos below.
- Pricing for our regular classes is available on our website
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fitchdancecompany.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitchdancecompany23
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CN4HNesgP/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fitchdancecompany
