Our Story

“Dance Theatre was designed and created by God.  It was certainly not by me. I went to East Carolina University to get a degree in education. 

My dream was to be a stay-at-home mom but if it was absolutely necessary that I have to work outside the home, then I would be a teacher.

In 1974, I was asked and then pressured to teach dance at Dixon Elementary. I finally said yes to a plan to teach only a few hours a day, twice a week. I loved my students and enjoyed being a part of something that brought them so much joy. The program grew and I continued teaching in the Dixon area for 13 years. 

In 1986, I was asked to teach for a studio in Jacksonville that had just lost a teacher.  I was very reluctant because my heart was at home with my four children.  I decided to take the temporary position because I knew most of the children and I would love being their teacher.

In 1987, I opened Dance Theatre of Jacksonville and I know that by all these small steps God had a plan for me. He knew my passion for children and He knew I would have to be led into this venture by taking small steps. 

I have been so blessed by all the children and families that have passed through Dance Theatre. On top of all these blessings, He gave me a wonderful and talented daughter (Debra Baile Becerra) to carry on Dance Theatre of Jacksonville.”