Le Rose Dance Academy Turns 30

In 1995, at the age of 18, Amanda Nixon, then known by her maiden name Purlee, took over a well-known and well-established dance studio previously owned by Verna Purdy Cross. Over the past 30 years, Nixon has not only maintained the studio’s reputation, but also significantly expanded its influence. Her dedication and passion for dance have touched the lives of countless young dancers, both novices and seasoned performers, as well as their families. Now, as she prepares to celebrate three decades of leadership, the impact of her commitment is evident in the thriving community she has fostered and the numerous dancers who have flourished under her guidance at Le Rose Dance Academy in Franklin.

In 1970 Cross, a determined single mother who had developed a love for dancing at the age of 21, embarked on a journey that would leave a lasting legacy in the City of Franklin. She is deeply grateful to her first dance instructor, who played a pivotal role in her journey. After enrolling her two daughters, Tara and Angel, who were 5 and 3 years old, Cross decided to join them and explore dancing too. “I just started dancing for fun,” she recalls.

However, her passion for dance quickly grew and her instructor recognized her potential, encouraging her to open her own studio. This encouragement marked the beginning of what would become a significant and enduring contribution to the Franklin community’s dance culture.

Cross converted her garage on Palmer Street into a modest dance studio, beginning with just five dancers. Despite the humble beginnings, her passion and dedication to dance quickly attracted more students, causing her to outgrow her garage. Over the years she relocated her studio several times to accommodate the growing number of dancers. Eventually she found a permanent home in the upstairs rooms of a historic downtown Franklin building.

Throughout her years of running the studio, Cross instructed many young dancers who cherished their time at her school. Among these early students was Lisa VanVleet, who passed on her love of dance to her daughter, Jessica. Cross’s then-stepdaughters, Molly Munn and Laura Britt (their maiden name is Baxter), also found their passion for dance at Cross’s studio. “My dance years were some of my best memories growing up as a child,” Munn says. “I learned self-confidence beneath those blinding lights on stage, while of course imagining everyone sitting in the audience in their underwear, as Verna would say!”

Another notable student was Nixon, who would later take over the studio and continue Cross’s legacy. In their youth, Munn and Nixon showcased their exceptional talent in a tap routine that won them a regional competition under Cross’s instruction. Their victory earned them the opportunity to travel to New York City, where they competed against dancers from around the globe. The experience was unforgettable, as they not only represented their hometown, but also demonstrated their skill and dedication on an international stage.

Their performance in New York City marked a significant milestone for the dance studio, and an incredibly proud moment for Cross. “Dance partners share more than steps; they share trust and develop a unique bond,” Munn says. “Amanda was not only my dance partner. She became part of my forever family along with her immediate family. When I am old and can barely remember my name, I’ll still remember the steps to our tap number we did in NYC, ‘Cleaning Up the Town.’”

The bonds formed at Cross’s dancing school were strong and enduring, creating a close-knit community that spanned generations. As these former students grew up, they often reminisced about their formative years spent dancing under Cross’s watchful eye. Her teaching extended beyond just dance; it instilled confidence, discipline and a sense of belonging in each student.

Just as Cross’s first instructor had encouraged her in her career path, Cross began to train and encourage Nixon to pursue a career in dance. “She was extremely organized and had a passion for dance,” Cross recalls. Nixon also had tremendous support from her parents. Her late father, Lee Purlee, always encouraged her to spend her life doing what she loved. Her mother, Barbara Purlee, was an early fixture behind the scenes while Cross was the owner, and remains essential to the studio three decades since her daughter took over. “They were the perfect package, and I knew the studio was meant to be hers,” Cross says.

Nixon took over the business at 18, freshly graduated from Franklin Community High School in 1995. She always knew she wanted to pursue dance, but was unsure of how it would play into her life. At the time she was an instructor for Cross, while also employed by the National Cheerleaders Association. When the opportunity to take over the studio presented itself, she made the life-changing decision to do so, with encouragement from her parents and Cross. Cross remained an instructor for another 10 years. Nixon renamed the studio Le Rose Dance Academy and stayed at the Jefferson Street location in the historic Wigwam building for three more years, before moving to the current location on Commerce Drive in 1998.

Since then, Nixon not only continued to grow and expand the studio, but also became a mom. Balancing motherhood with her career as a business owner and instructor wasn’t always easy, but Nixon says her son, Tyler Williams, “has always been the brightest light” in her life.

Through the years, Nixon continued to expand her studio space, while also creating a competition team named The Rosettes in 2003. In addition to numerous competitions, her team was selected to dance at the Indy 500 and has performed at the Circle of Lights celebration in downtown Indianapolis six different times. Nixon also took The Rosettes to Disney World on a few different occasions to attend their impressive dance workshop, providing her students with remarkable opportunities to showcase their talent and gain an invaluable experience.

One student was Dr. Amanda Dininger, owner of Blue Iris Optometry in Franklin. Dininger was a student from 1985 to 2003, and then taught at the studio part time from 2012 to 2020. Now her daughter, Mollie Rose (named after Nixon’s middle name of Rose), is a dancer for The Rosettes. “When I was little, I remember watching the older girls and idolizing them, Amanda especially,” Dininger says. “As I got older and moved up to their group, Amanda took me under her wing and instantly became the big sister I never had. We’d spend hours dancing together every Saturday. She would even let me hang out with her when we weren’t dancing. The transition when Amanda took over the studio from Verna was seamless. Amanda has continued the legacy Verna created, and has continued to elevate it in an ever-evolving dance climate. Now I get to watch Mollie dance under the direction of my best friend.”

Through all of the competitions and monumental dance experiences, Nixon consistently prioritizes the well-being of her students and their families. She not only runs a successful and impactful dance studio, but also contributes significantly to the community. She offers free dance workshops at Franklin elementary schools, provides yearly dance scholarships, participates in parades, and was a 2023 Leadership Johnson County graduate. Her dedication and love for every student and Franklin underscores her commitment to making a positive difference through dance.

Nixon continues to honor Cross’s vision, celebrating the impact the studio has had on countless lives. The studio remains a vibrant part of Franklin, filled with echoes of laughter, music and the rhythmic sound of dancing feet. Cross’s dream, which began in a humble garage on Palmer Street, has blossomed into a beloved institution at 717 Commerce Drive, with 290 dancers enrolled in 2024. It consists of five studios, a kids lounge where dancers can do homework or have a snack between classes, as well as two lobbies for parents to bond while their kiddos dance. Le Rose Dance Academy represents 30 years of building confidence, and is cherished by the generations of dancers who have passed through its doors.