Our Legacy

Jan Tripp, Our Founder

In the Fall of 1982, Jan Tripp fulfilled a lifelong dream of opening a dance studio.  She started her studio in the old racquetball club where she rented two small courts they put together for her with mirrors and barres!  We had about 120 dancers the first year, ranging from 3 years old through adults.

In our early years, we had many gymnastics classes with appropriate equipment, aerobics classes, in addition to regular dance classes.  Jan worked 6 days a week to get our program off the ground.  After a couple of years, Jan’s School of Dance needed more space. They moved their business to 2nd Street, only to stay until the Fall of 1993; This is when they built our current dance studio. Having a lobby where parents could watch classes, as well as safe parking, was very important to Jan!

We had our first competition group in the Fall of 1984.  We wanted to challenge our more determined dancers, yet keep a strong program for our recreational dancers.  Building a studio that feels like a second home to all was our goal.

“It’s been an honor to be a part of three generations of dancers at Jan’s School of Dance! Sam and I have so many fond memories throughout the years and lots of laughs as well.” – Jan Tripp

Kayla Sohn, Owner

Kayla Sohn started dancing at Jan’s School of Dance when she was just 2 years old. She continued on to receive her 15 year award and graduate with Jan’s School of Dance. Even after graduation, Kayla never truly left her home away from home. After graduation, she started teaching for Jan and eventually purchased the studio in 2022. Decades later the studio is still a second home to many dancers. 

“I am thrilled to be able to continue this amazing legacy. This studio is a place that has shaped me into the person I am today and I am so grateful to continue to help shape future dancers .”- Kayla Sohn