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Paula Himschoot Owner /Director
Paula began dancing at the age of two and a half after doctor's recommendations, following foot surgery. She has been dancing ever since. Her earlier training was predominately in New Orleans with Rosa Spilka of the NYC Ballet, and Rosemary Clement, a former Rockette dancer. She continued her training with Briarwood Ballet in Alabama. Additionally she has received teachers training at Ballet Magnificat! and Dance Revolution. Paula has over 30 years teaching experience in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, acro, and worship dance to all ages.

Currently teaching: Mom and Tot, Joyful, Ballet Jazz 2

Jorie Evangelista
Jorie began dancing when she was two years old in Minnesota. She studied at Jill Hoggard's Academy of Dance until she moved to Florida in 1994. Once here, she began competing all over Florida through high school. Jorie spent many summers taking classes in NYC at Broadway Dance Center and Steps. Teachers included SYTYCD's choreographer Mia Michaels. In 1996, Jorie gave her heart to the Lord and a sudden love for her dancing was taken to a new level. Three years later Jorie met Miss Paula at Maranatha and began her walk in learning the art of worship through dance. In 2004 Jorie was invited to be on staff with Dance Revolution, a professional Christian dance company that toured all over the US. That is where her passion for polishing His praise really set on fire! Jorie continues to enjoy teaching others how to use their gift and talents for the Lord and to bring a message of hope and salvation through the movement and art of dance.

Currently teaching: Jazz 2, Jazz 2-3 Lyrical 2-3, Hip Hop 2, Hip Hop 3, Hip Hop 4

Erin Rivera
Erin's passion for dance began at the age of six. She began exploring many styles of dance such as jazz, tap, ballet, gymnastics, and lyrical. At the age of 10, God showed Erin how to use dance as a gift in worship through her church ministry team. She then began focusing on what God wanted her to do rather than focusing on only herself. Erin danced through middle and high school at Cypress Lake Center for the Arts. She received a full scholarship to Florida School of the Arts. There she was trained in mastering the arts of ballet, modern dance and had many master classes in African, jazz, and modern. Since college Erin has taught ballet, modern, jazz, beginning gymnastics, lyrical, and pointe. Her love for dance has helped others to glorify God with their gifts of dancing.

Currently teaching: Ballet 3, Ballet 4, Ballet 5-6, Pre Pointe, Pointe, Jazz

Sarah Buchanan

Sarah started dancing at the age of three and has had a passion for dance ever since. She began her training at Pearman Dance Studio where she took classes for twelve years. During these early years she was instucted in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, pointe and hip hop. She was also on a dance team that competed three of those years. Throughout high school she was trained by professional dancers Jerry and Mia Armelli, owners of The Dance Center in Independence Kentucky. It was at The Dance Center that she began teaching various styles of dance. With a God-given passion for dance, Sarah decided to pursue dance as a career. After graduating high school she enrolled in classes at the Cincinnati Ballet. She attended numerous dance conventions and seminars, and continued her teaching career. During that time God laid on Sarah's heart a desire to start a dance ministry at church called Grace in Motion. This ministy grew to be a place where young girls could share life together and worship God through the art of dance.

In early 2010, Sarah and her husband, moved to Fort Myers. Soon after moving she began teaching at Maranatha. Her desire is to glorify God through the gift of dance and to encourage others to do the same.

Currently teaching: Ballet /Jazz 1, Jazz 1, Joyful, Ballet 1 & 2, Hip Hop 1

Danielle Irons

Danielle has been studying dance since she began her first ballet and tap class at three years old. Since then, she has studied many aspects of dance, including: ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, pointe, acro, baton and musical theatre. As a native of Fort Myers, she attended Evangelical Christian and graduated from Bishop Verot High School. She earned her degree in Elementary Education from University of Central Florida where she took classes towards a minor in dance focusing on tap, jazz and choreography. Danielle is a certified gymnastics instructor who has taught recreational dance, baton, musical theatre, and gymnastics and coached competitive gymnastics and acro teams. She has studied under Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Johnson. Although she has been an elemetary classroom teacher since 2001, she has never given up her love for dance, baton, and gymnastics.

Currently teaching: Lyrical 1, Tap 1, Teen Adult Tap, Jazz Acro, Beginner Acro, Intermediate Acro, Advanced Acro, Baton Jazz