Kelly Norris, founder of In His Steps Dance studio, is no stranger to the works of what God and Dance can do.

In fact, she wants to share that with others as she holds an open house dance party from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the new studio off the Luverne Highway.

In the 10 years of the dance program being open, Norris has seen more than 600 students walk through the doors to share an experience she defined as “Inspiring life achievement one dancer at a time.”

“We use a different approach: Letting the kids become something they are proud of,” Norris said.

In His Steps is a non-profit organization run through the Vine Church of Troy and was originally established in 1999. “They have really supported us and are the financial backing for this organization,” Norris said.

Due to the support from the Vine Church of Troy prices for students are reasonably low starting with $20 a month per dancer or $30 per family. There are scholarships for children of families who can’t afford the dance classes paid for by the church and fundraisers.

Norris works a full-time job and teaches dance night and is supported by her seven-member staff all on a volunteer basis. “I have danced off and on since I was 11 years old,” she said. “God called me, impressed upon my heart to help kids have a fun happy connection through dance and teach them about God in the process.”

Originally the studio itself was in one room in the Vine Church of Troy and thanks to church administrator Larry Parrish they are now in a three-room studio.

Staff members come from all walks of life and some are Troy University students. These students gain up to four years of teaching experience, explained Norris. “I have given away over 900 hours of community service to students who have come through and taught here during their time at Troy,” said Norris. “Long-term goal I would like to see us as an educational facility, helping to take dancers to another level.”

Each dance class is started with prayer and a devotional, which is tied in with the theme of the recital for that semester. This semester’s themed recital is called Amazing Grace and will be featured at Troy Fest and touring churches in the community. “We’re made up of several churches. Not just one church in the community and we just want people to know it’s here,” Norris said.

A big reason behind developing this dance studio is Norris’ daughter, Angel, who is now 19. “I wanted a place that allowed her to be her, that gave her the opportunity to in a safe environment to find confidence within her,” Norris said.

Dance classes offered cover a vast variety from classical ballet, creative movement, cheerleading, gymnastics, Pointe, hip-hop and even Irish dancing.

The open house features a tour of the new facility, refreshments, and a dance party where parents are encouraged to dance along with their children.

and celebrate them.