Exploring Together. Moving Together.
Hixon Dance offers a different approach to dance education in central Ohio. Located in the Clintonville neighborhood of Columbus, our program emphasizes collaboration, creativity, community, and a healthy approach to training with a growth mindset. We accept all people into a friendly and fun environment in which both children and adults can realize their physical and creative potential!
Our classes are accommodating, welcoming, and relaxed. Whether you are an absolute beginner, an advanced dance practitioner, or someone looking to “get in shape” or for a fun recreational outlet, we offer something for you.
We are all about collaboration, not competition. Progress over perfection. Diversity, not conformity. We don't just teach dance, we teach artistry at all levels. Through a nurturing and brave environment, we encourage students to be curious and creative.
No matter your age or previous dance experience, you will find space to grow, to create movement, and to build inner and outer strength with guidance and support from our knowledgable staff. We believe in dance as both a physical and mental practice, and we empower students of any age and any experience level to experiment, explore, and collaborate.
We cultivate an inclusive community of people who find joy in moving together.
Whether embodying dinosaurs, building your own dances, or making personal discoveries through movement, we invite you and your family to become part of our community of movers.
We can’t wait to meet you and have you join the Hixon Dance family! Come experience dance with us, become creative problem-solvers, and cultivate your imaginations.
No Leotards, No Limits!
Hixon Dance offers a totally unique approach to dance training and education. Grounded in Modern Dance and somatic practices, our classes inspire students to enjoy the freedom and joy of dancing. We offer classes in a variety of dance styles, and serve students ages 2 through adult.
Dr. Rachael Riggs Leyva, director of Education, leads our highly-trained and experienced staff. Our teachers have higher education degrees in Dance as well as additional certifications in specific modalities. They bring years of teaching experience in a broad range of age groups to our program, including early childhood development, dance literacy, mentorship, and social activism. They have a comprehensive knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology to ensure that training is safe, effective, prevents injury, and teaches students how to understand their own bodies.
We believe that dance is an art form, not a sport. Each dancer brings their own unique ideas, perspectives, and value into the studio and we celebrate all contributions to the learning or creating process. Since 2017, we have been providing a home for students who want to express themselves, who love to ask questions, and who love dancing!
Our Educational Values
-
Building Creativity
-
Inclusive Community
-
Body-Positivity
-
Healthy Technique and self-care
-
Growth Mindset
Our Teaching Artists
Rachael Riggs Leyva is a dance notator, educator, scholar, and performer. She has taught for Denison University, The Ohio State University, and CATCOisKids, and presented research at CORD/SDHS, Dance Studies Association, International Council of Kinetography Laban, and Trinity/LABAN. She earned a PhD in Dance and Literacy Studies, and an MFA in Dance Documentation from The Ohio State University. She currently serves as Education Director for Hixon Dance.
Sarah Hixon has more than 20 years experience as a dance educator. She has taught for The Ohio State University, the American College Dance Festival, BalletMet, Wittenburg University, New Albany Ballet Company, Dublin Dance Center, Columbus City Ballet, & the OhioDance Festival among others. She holds a BFA in Dance from George Mason University and an MFA in Choreography from OSU.
Dr. Rachael Riggs Leyva
Sarah Hixon
Shannon is a graduate of Fort Hayes Performing Arts High School. He performed in many local productions under the direction of Shelly Steward, Lawerance Lemons and Gamal Brown. He has worked with local artists in various projects while dancing and choreographing for festivals and concerts. His choreography has been featured in productions for Xclaim Dance Company since 2011. His award winning choreography has been featured throughout the Midwest, including at Richland Academy, Cutting Edge Dance, Columbus Dance Academy, Infusion Dance Company, Funklab of Dayton and Millennium Dance of Pittsburgh Z company of the Arts. In 2017 Shannon became a co-director and co-founder of Tru Kingdom Mega Dance Crew Inc., an all styles dance crew.
Alicia Hann received a BFA in Modern Dance at Ohio University. She is a Dancing Mindfulness Facilitator, certified through The Institute for Creative Mindfulness and Mindful Ohio. Dancing Mindfulness is a form of dance which incorporates meditation, improvisation, music, and community. She has facilitated at Amethyst Inc, a treatment center which helps recovering drug and alcohol dependent women and their families. She has taught dance with various studios in central Ohio including Dublin Dance. She values the Hixon Dance community of movers and their progressive approach to dance education.
Shannon Filmore
Alicia Hann
Elyse Kassa
Elyse Kassa is a performer, choreographer, writer, and artist based in Columbus, Ohio. Kassa holds a BFA in Dance from Ohio University, as well as a Minor in English anda Certificate in Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies. Kassa finds her creative niche in multi-media work. Drawing from contemporary dance techniques, improvisational practices, and somatic knowledge, her work is a wholly immersive experience that blurs the lines between performer and audience. Kassa’s work was selected for performance in the 2020 East-Central ACDA Gala Concert. She has recently appeared in works by John Boushlawsky, Alexandra Beller, and Benny Simon. She is currently collaborating with choreographer and performer Maya Kristianna to produce dance for film.
Joyce Patrone
Bio coming soon
Grace Glowacki
Bio coming soon
Jasmine Shafley
Jasmine Shafley is a former company dancer, teaching artist, and now is our Administrator. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a minor in Somatic Studies from Ohio University. Jasmine has taught Yoga and Pilates courses for Ohio University, taught ballet at Factory Street Studio in Athens, OH, participated in Now & Next Mentoring project in Boone NC, and attended The Movement Project's summer professional intensive in Cleveland, OH. Jasmine is an early childhood educator, and recently worked with North Broadway Children's Center.
