In a world where trends come and go, Le Rose Dance Academy has remained a pillar of strength, creativity and community for three decades. Now celebrating its 30th anniversary during the 2024-25 season, Le Rose reflects on a legacy built from the heart — one rooted in dedication, community and the transformative power of dance.
Le Rose was established in Franklin, and the community continues to be integral in its growth and identity. Franklin is more than just the studio’s location; it’s the hometown of owner and director Amanda Nixon, where she was born, raised and first fell in love with dance. Her journey began as a young student at a local studio owned by the beloved Verna. Thirty years ago, Amanda purchased that very studio and created what would become Le Rose Dance Academy, a name that now carries deep meaning and even deeper community roots.
From the beginning, Amanda’s mission was clear: to provide a positive and caring environment for all dancers. That vision has not only endured but flourished. Over the past 30 years, Le Rose has served around 5,000 children, offering each dancer the opportunity to grow in confidence, creativity and self-expression. “It has always been important to me to be able to provide dance to as many people as possible and try to keep my prices as low as possible,” Amanda said.
Le Rose Dance Academy thrives in Franklin not just because of its strong programming but because of Amanda Nixon’s enduring connection to the community. Knowing so many local families from her own childhood allowed her to build a solid foundation for the studio early on. Today, Amanda continues to give back to Franklin through donations, outreach and support for countless local causes. Whether sponsoring events, providing scholarships or offering free after-school classes at elementary schools, Le Rose maintains a deep commitment to community engagement and service.
The heart of Le Rose lies in its people. Along with Amanda, the leadership team includes Assistant Director Holly Handlon and Program Director Mackenzie Haney. Amanda has also cultivated a team of 12 dedicated instructors and two supportive office staff. Impressively, most of the teachers grew up at Le Rose, returning as adults to give back to the very place that shaped them. Reflecting on what made her return to Le Rose to instruct, Mackenzie said, “This was such an integral part of my early life. Amanda made it such a positive and supportive environment. She treats everyone like a person and not just a number.”
Assistant Director Holly Handlon said, “I joined Le Rose in 2011 in fourth grade. Our prior studio had closed down and we were looking around. I came here and felt comfortable. Ever since, I danced as a Rosette.” Following many years of dance, she began teaching in 2018. “I really love seeing kids come in with a passion for dance and nurturing that,” she said. “Everybody is having a good time.”
Instructor Wynter Hawk first began working with Amanda in 2016. “I used to sub before 2016. In 2016 she needed a little help. After being close friends with another instructor, I helped cover classes and then took a permanent position in 2017.” After taking time off to start a family with her husband she’d met through Le Rose, she returned in 2021. “I love teaching because it’s a privilege for me to know each person, to watch them grow and to be a part of their journey.” Wynter credits Amanda’s unwavering support: “She is supportive of everything else I want to do. I really appreciate that.” With Wynter’s career goals, she said, “Amanda is so supportive of our dreams outside of the studio.”
The dancers themselves speak to the culture and impact of Le Rose. Abby Zahm, a 17-year-old in her 11th year at the studio, said, “Tap is my favorite style of dance because it involves a lot of dynamics.” Following in the footsteps of her brother, she shared, “It’s really a community and a family here and everyone is really supportive.”
Fourteen-year-old Addison Schifeling has been dancing at Le Rose since she was only 2 years old. She said, “Ballet is my passion. I feel like I can express myself the best.” Describing the culture and her longevity at Le Rose, Addison said she loves “how supportive everyone is and I feel like I’ve learned a lot.”
Visiting each week from Center Grove, Charley Thomas, who has been coming to the studio for four years, summed it up simply: “I love the family atmosphere and dance.”
Another long-time dancer, Abby Mueller, 17, said, “Ms. Holly is an instructor I really look up to. I got to dance with her when I was younger.” She continued, “I started because of my sister. She was on a dance team and we decided to come to a studio.” Sitting with friend and peer Abby Zahm, Mueller added, “I love that I get to express myself in a different art form and we have such close friendships here and outside of here.”
Parents also recognize the unique values instilled at Le Rose. Pam Kruger, whose daughter Kimber is 12 and dances in all styles, said, “I love that it’s not just about dance. It’s about the friendships, manners, etiquette and being there for your team. The older dancers are leaders for the younger ones.” She added, “Amanda puts her heart and soul into this. She cares as much today as she did her very first day.”
The dance season at Le Rose runs from August through June, ending with the highly anticipated annual recital, where dancers showcase the work they’ve poured themselves into all year long. But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Throughout the year, the studio hosts a dynamic mix of pop-up classes and themed events such as adult dance nights, show choir workshops, seasonal one-day camps like Princess Camp, Grinchmas, Valentine’s Dance and a fun/game night. In the summer, Le Rose offers three-day dance camps and “Try It” classes, allowing dancers to sample different styles before committing to a new season.
The open house for the upcoming 2025-26 season will be on Saturday, July 12, from 9 a.m. to noon and Wednesday, Aug. 6, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Le Rose’s open house is the perfect opportunity to get information and register for classes, meet the staff and shop dancewear. For more information, visit lerosedance.com.
Amanda Nixon also ensures her staff continues to grow professionally with ongoing training throughout the year. This focus on continuous improvement ensures that dancers of all ages and levels are learning from knowledgeable, passionate instructors who genuinely care about their students’ progress, on and off the stage.
At its core, Le Rose Dance Academy is a studio with heart. Its mission — to provide a positive and caring environment for all dancers — is more than just a slogan. It’s a lived commitment felt in every class, every performance and every community event. From its humble beginnings to its current role as a trusted and thriving local institution, Le Rose has become a vital part of the fabric of Franklin.
As the studio steps into its fourth decade, Amanda Nixon and the Le Rose team remain dedicated to inspiring joy, building confidence and fostering a lifelong love of dance in every student. With deep community ties and a focus on excellence, Le Rose continues to lead with grace — one dancer, one routine, one family at a time.
