Our Philosophy
Dance and Grow is centered on cultivating a
LOVE OF LEARNING through the ART AND JOY OF DANCE.
We believe movement is integral to the growth and development of all children and that dance has the power to enrich their lives physically, intellectually, and emotionally. Our classes are specifically designed for young bodies and brains, incorporating age-appropriate play-based learning, balanced student-led and teacher-led activities, growth mindset development, and body positivity. This is dance to support the developing child.
Plant the seeds of dance and watch them grow.
Our Staff
Lisa Dietz
Owner
Instructor
Lisa's love for dance and children is at the heart of Dance and Grow. She began dancing at the age of 3 and has been sharing her passion with her students for over 20 years. Teaching dance is her calling. She has taught in studios, daycares, preschools, nonprofit organizations, public schools, and community centers throughout Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, South Carolina, and Michigan. She infuses her classes with play and positivity, exploration and encouragement,
love and laughter!
In 2023, Lisa took a leap of fai
Lisa graduated Magna Cum Laude from The Ohio State University with a BFA in Dance Education and has performed with People Dancing Company, Dance Nonce, Annex Dance Company, and Louisville Ballet among others. She continues her artistic endeavors choreographing and performing in the Detroit area.
Lisa is excited to bring her dance programming to the children and families of Southeast Michigan - to grow bodies, minds, and hearts with the joy of dance!
Noor Kaffarani
Instructor
Noor Kaffarani is a dance artist, educator, and choreographer based in Southeast Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Dance from Wayne State University and has performed with Contexture Dance Detroit, Detroit Dance Collective, To Sangana African Dance Company, and Dance Workshop. As a choreographer, her solo work, Meeting Grounds., was selected for Wayne State University's Annual Spring Dance Concert, and she has been selected for artist residencies and intensive training programs throughout the country.
Passionate about working with young dancers, Noor creates classes that blend creativity, confidence-building, and age-appropriate movement exploration. Her teaching style emphasizes imagination, musicality, and joy while helping children develop coordination, self-expression, and a lifelong love of dance. She is excited to inspire the next generation of movers through Dance & Grow's engaging camps and classes.
Christina Hawkins
Instructor
Christina Hawkins is a dance educator and choreographer with over 25 years of experience training dancers across ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and modern styles. Raised in Virginia, she began dancing at age six and went on to train at the Richmond Ballet, Broadway Dance Center in New York City, and Hubbard Street Dance in Chicago. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance & Choreography and a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling, both from Virginia Commonwealth University.
For 17 years, Christina taught at the Martinique School of Dance in Richmond, shaping generations of students in technique, performance, and dance philosophy. Her performance credits include the Byrd Theater's Rockette-style holiday spectacular and Ballet Petit's annual production of The Night Before Christmas. She has since taught throughout Florida and Michigan, including as a K-3 dance teacher at Academy DaVinci charter school in Dunedin, Florida, and most recently leading the Timeless Tappers, an adult tap class in Florida.
Our Story
In 2023, I took a leap and started Dance and Grow—a business born from my belief that dance can be so much more than learning steps.
I wanted to create opportunities for children and families to experience the joy of movement while building confidence, creativity, connection, and a strong sense of self. Through my work as a dance educator, I saw firsthand how dance can help children grow not only as dancers, but as people.
Dance and Grow was created to bring that philosophy to life - dance to move, dance to connect, and dance to grow.
What began as an idea in 2023 has continued to grow into a collection of classes, programs, and experiences designed to make dance welcoming, accessible, and meaningful for people of all ages and abilities.
I’m incredibly grateful to every student, family, organization, and community partner who has been part of the journey so far. Dance and Grow continues to evolve, but the heart of the business remains the same - helping people discover the joy of dance and all the ways it can help us grow. - Ms. Lisa
Our Partners
Dance and Grow is proud to partner with the following organizations to bring high-quality dance programming to the community!
