TDS PHILOSOPHY

The TDS philosophy is rooted in the foundation built by founder, Toni Morrison. Toni started TDS in 1978. Over the years she found true delight in sharing the gift of dance with anyone and everyone. At TDS Toni taught dance as an art form rather than an act of competition. In 2022 Toni handed over the reigns of TDS to Kelsey Arnold and Helen Kilgore, who began teaching for her in 2015 and 2016. Creativity and equality are still encouraged in each class. Students are presented with the opportunity to find interesting and beautiful challenges no matter their level or previous dance experience. TDS is known for its fun, wholesome and loving environment, where true work ethic and passion for dance are believed to lead to success. Healthy discipline and goal setting are promoted as exciting opportunities to grow and learn! TDS’ main goals for students are increasing self-confidence, creativity, passion, skill, positivity and relationships.

Kelsey Arnold

Kelsey Arnold is co-owner and instructor that teaches all ages at TDS. She is a TDS alumni that began studying dance at age 3. Kelsey is a graduate of Columbus State University where she received a degree with honors in Health Science. Kelsey is trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary and hip hop styles and is a certified Pure Barre Instructor. Her favorite style of dance is contemporary. Lyrical and Jazz Technique are her favorite classes to teach!

"TDS is my home away from home! It is my pride and joy to run a staple dance studio that has contributed to the arts for many years in Columbus, GA. TDS has continuously provided a happy and loving learning environment where students are confidently educated in dance. I love being able to use my gifts and passions to teach a generation of dancers! Developing a relationship with our students and families is my favorite part of my job. We are a family! I’m continually fulfilled as a teacher. It is incredibly rewarding seeing students progress and achieve in both dance and life skills.”

      HELEN KILGORE

Helen is co-owner and instructor who teaches all ages. She has been studying dance since she was three years old. Helen has been trained in ballet, tap, and jazz. She preformed in the Nutcracker, with the Columbus Ballet. Helen also studied ballet with the Orlando Ballet Company in the summer of 2013. She graduated from Columbus State University with a degree in Kinesiology. Helen’s favorite style of dance is ballet. You can find her at the head of our Ballet & Pointe Technique classes!