'This is my life's mission': Local dance school teaches students rhythm and life-long skills

A local dance school in the Triangle is teaching dancers more than just rhythm.

“You can dance however you want,” Belinda Brown said.

Brown is the founder of Expressions in Rhythm Studio, a dance studio in Raleigh, that teaches students, ages two through 18, 21 different styles of dance, including tap, ballet, hip hop, jazz and more.

The dance studio began in 2014 after Brown moved to the Triangle from New York. She said she wanted to enrich children's lives through dance and music.

But the students enrolled at the dance school are learning much more than mere dance steps.

“This is my life’s mission, that they become who they’re truly meant to be,” Brown said.

Brown said students leave with self-confidence and self-esteem and say they’ve grown to become better people.

“Expressions in Rhythm Studio teaches all of that,” Brown said. “I’ve seen teenagers transform, come out of their shell, become who they’re truly meant to be.”

Twice a year, Expressions in Rhythm Studio holds public performances. This year's theme is Primetime, in which dancers bring classic TV theme songs to life.

The spring concert is Saturday, June 20, and people can buy tickets online.