Our Story
A Quest More than 30 Years in the Making
From our beginning in 1995 to the Dance Quest community of today, every season has added a new chapter to our story.
A Vision Without Boundaries.
4,000+
“It began with a vision that God placed on my heart—to bring the joy, discipline, creativity, and confidence that dance provides directly into the lives of children.”
What started as a small dream in Central Florida quickly became a growing ministry and business — partnering with preschools, private schools, Christian schools, and childcare centers so thousands of children could experience professional dance instruction right where they already learned and played.
1995 → Today
Three decades of growth, guided by the same values we started with.
1995
Founded in Central Florida
Dance Quest International opens with a mission to bring quality dance education directly into schools throughout the Orlando area.
1995–2000s
Growing School Partnerships
Preschools, private schools, Christian schools, and childcare centers across Central Florida welcome our in-school dance programs.
2000s
Move to Tampa Bay
After relocating, we rebuild school partnerships one at a time — growing steadily as families and administrators see the impact firsthand.
2011
Brandon Studio Opens
Parents ask for more, and Dance Quest opens its first permanent studio in Brandon, Florida, for training beyond the school day.
2010s
Outgrowing Our Space
Demand exceeds every expectation — we move into a larger Brandon facility to serve even more dancers and families.
Today
30+ School Partners
We proudly partner with more than 30 schools across Brandon, Tampa, Plant City, Lakeland, Clermont, Ocoee, Winter Garden, Oakland, and Central Florida.
Our Mission
Excellence with Encouragement.
Every class, every relationship, and every decision we make as a studio is guided by one quest: to help every dancer grow through excellence, while feeling seen, supported, and believed in.
The Dance Quest Difference
Built on Purpose. Guided by Values.
At Dance Quest, dance is about more than learning choreography. Every class is shaped by the values that define who we are and how we invest in every student.
Excellence
We pursue excellence in every class, performance, and interaction—encouraging every dancer to grow through hard work, discipline, and a commitment to doing their very best.
Impact
We believe dance can make a difference beyond the studio—encouraging every dancer to build confidence, serve others, and use their gifts to positively impact the world around them.
Family
We strive to create a welcoming community where students, parents, and staff build lasting relationships rooted in trust, belonging, and encouragement.
Encouragement
We believe every dancer grows when they feel supported and believed in—celebrating progress, building confidence, and encouraging each dancer to keep reaching for what’s possible.
We believe the strongest communities are built through encouragement, connection, and shared purpose. Every class strengthens not only our dancers, but the families and friendships that surround them.
Meet Our Team
The leaders, instructors, and staff who bring excellence and encouragement to every class.
Leadership
Mary Beth Maynard
Executive Director
Dawn Walker
Director of Operations
Allison Houghtaling
Director of Staffing & Scheduling
Gineen Counterman
Director of Communications
Jeni Varn
Director of Company
Madelyn Maynard
Director of Partner Engagement
Faculty
Malia Easler
Instructor
Bio coming soon.
Dakota Broughton
Instructor
Bio coming soon.
Amelia Dobrescu
Instructor
Bio coming soon.
Adriana Mussenden
Instructor
Bio coming soon.
Hadi H.
Instructor
Bio coming soon.
Explore Our Performances
Looking Forward
Our Quest Continues.
Our story is still being written, and we look forward with excitement to the lives that will continue to be touched through the gift of dance for generations to come.
