For our 21st Dance Season, we welcome Mrs. Sarah Knapp as our new Artistic Director!
Mrs. Knapp is a strong and beautiful ballerina that also received her Bachelor’s of Science Degree with a concentration in Fitness and Wellness with a Minor in Nutrition at the University of Saint Francis in 2017. She has danced many solo roles in our annual Nutcracker, Storybook Ballets, and Gala performances along with being a soloist in our Company149 throughout many years. Some of our favorite rolls we have watched Mrs. Knapp perform are the following: Arabian (Nutcracker), Harlequin Doll (Nutcracker), Aurora (Sleeping Beauty-Princess Tea), the Red Queen (Alice in Wonderland), Peter Pan (Peter Pan), and The Yellow Brick Road (The Wizard of Oz)! Mrs. Knapp has always been a strong Christian role model to her peers, our tiniest ballerinas, and our entire Studio 149 dance family throughout the 15 years she has danced, mentored, taught as the Lead Faculty Teacher, performed in our Company, and now has been called into the Artistic Director’s Position. Along with Mrs. Knapp’s many accomplishments in dance, she was a competitor in gymnastics at the highest level. Her classical foundation, lyrical quality, and strong Acro background will continue to develop Studio 149’s unique artistic view and Classical Foundation in the years to come. We are so elated to see how God uses her many gifts and talents as she teaches and now directs our students to dance with purpose by “Praising the Lord with dance” (Psalm 149) every step of the way! A special note from Mrs. Knapp:
Hello everyone!
For 15 years now, Studio 149 has been my home away from home. A safe space. A place where I have been surrounded by amazing women and peers who support, love, and encourage me. A place where I have been able to grow in my relationship with the Lord in such a beautiful way!
Little did I know that when 11-year-old me walked into those front doors 15 years ago, that this place would be such a core part of my life, and now my own family’s life.
When I started dancing at Studio 149, I was incredibly shy and frankly unsure about dance. Within a few weeks of classes, I started looking forward to dance each week, wishing I could go more! It became a passion and a joy of mine. There is something so special about dancing with a purpose.
As the years went on, I joined the mentoring team and it was a beautiful time for me to learn how to be a Christian role model, teacher, and friend. I have worked alongside of Mrs. Graf for many years and I cannot thank her enough for what all she has taught and poured into me. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for her and Studio 149.
I am so honored to share with you all that I will now be accepting the position as Artistic Director of Studio 149. I am thankful for this opportunity and am excited to watch God continue to bless and move through this beautiful ministry. I pray that each and every student who walks into this studio feels immensely seen, valued, and understands how deeply loved they are by their Heavenly Father.
Thank you for entrusting me as the new Artistic Director of Studio 149 Dance.
Mrs. Sarah Knapp