We were lucky to catch up with Donna Murray recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Donna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

I’ve been teaching dance for over 25 years and have built a reputation of being a loving, energetic, positive instructor that will bring out the best in each child. My mission is to teach and develop students to their full potential, with me every child counts, not just competition kids or the ones who can afford it. My goal is to produce not just beautiful dancers with quality training but help raise beautiful humans, young people who are disciplined, kind, resilient and empowered. For me this is about more than dance, it’s about shaping the next generation. Because our children are our future and I want to pour into them now, so they can lead with strength, creativity, and heart later. I’ve seen firsthand how dance can build confidence, character and community-I want every child to have that opportunity.

Donna, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I created Apex Dance & Performing Arts because I am a dancer  not just by profession, but by calling, it is my God given talent. I fell in love with dance as a child, even though my path wasn’t easy. I was raised by my grandparents, and we couldn’t afford classes not enough to be in a dance company. In fact, dance wasn’t something they believed in nor was it a real career path. But I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship, and that opportunity changed my life.

From that moment on, I knew I wanted to one day build something that would offer the same gift to other children – especially those with talent, passion, and drive, but without financial means of family support to pursue it.

Over the last 25+ years, I’ve worked as both a performer and instructor in the industry, and I bring that experience into every class. My discipline and foundation include jazz, hip hop, tap, ballet, musical theatre, liturgical, contemporary and lyrical. I’m known for being an energetic and positive teacher, someone who helps dancers push past limits while feeling truly seen, valued and uplifted.

My creative and problem-solving approach: At Apex we offer recreational and competitive training, private coaching and solo mentorship, choreography for community events, performances, and auditions. Original musical theatre programming and scholarship opportunities for underserved youth as well.

One thing that sets me apart is my ability to meet kids where they are – emotionally, financially, and artistically. I’m not just training dancers. I’m helping kids navigate confidence issues, home life challenges, school stress, and the pressure of performance. I’ve helped students prepare for college programs, overcome stage fright, win scholarships, and in some cases find a second home with us when they didn’t feel they had one. We are also family focused and smaller in size which makes it more personal and truly every child counts – not just the ones who are winning trophies. We celebrate growth just as much as we celebrate talent.

What I am most Godly proud of is that Apex is not just a dance studio – it’s a safe, joy-filled community where kids can express themselves, be challenged, and be loved. Watching a child walk in shy and uncertain and then leave confident, strong, and glowing with pride that is the real win. I am proud that we stay true to our mission, so much so that we have started a nonprofit sector so we can offer scholarships keeping dance accessible for everyone, because I know what it’s like having a gift but not the resources.

At Apex we don’t just train dancers. We build character, discipline, confidence, and connection. And when those dancers step out into the world – whether it’s to perform, teach, or just show up as strong people – I know we’ve done our job.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most defining moments in my journey was when I first launched Apex. We started small – teaching classes out of local recreation centers (started with one on one day a week ending up teaching five days a week at six different locations) but had a big vision and a heart for creating something special.

Then COVID hit.

Everything shut down. We lost access to the recreation centers, and like so many others, we didn’t know what was going to happen next. But I refused to give up on the kids who depended on us – not just for dance, but for joy, structure, and a sense of normalcy. So we moved to the parks. We danced outside, masked up, socially distanced, in the heat, on the grass – whatever it took. For months we created make-shift studios under open skies because we weren’t just a dance program – we were a community.

Eventually we were able to sublease a space holding classes indoors again and then a year and a half later we were finally able to move into our own studio space we’ve now called home for almost four years now.

That experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about having all the answers – it’s about staying rooted in your mission and being willing to pivot, adapt, and hustle with heart. I am glad that we never stopped dancing, even when the world did.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

When I first started Apex, I wore every hat – teacher, admin, costume organizer, fundraiser, janitor, marketing team, all of it. I thought asking for help meant I wasn’t working hard enough or didn’t have it all together. I was afraid that if I didn’t carry everything myself, it would all fall apart. But the truth is that mindset was burning me out.

I am at the point now where I am finally opening up and asking for help from parents, mentors and friends and eventually staff. To my surprise the community didn’t let me down. I am still learning how to let go of some things but every time I do, it makes me a stronger leader, a more present mentor, and a better version of myself. Most importantly, it allows Apex to grow into something bigger than just me. Asking for help is not a weakness `it’s wisdom!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.apexdanceclasses.com
• Instagram: @ApexDPA
• Facebook: Apex Dance & Performing Arts

Image Credits

Kauwuane Burton Studios