What began as a lifelong passion for movement has grown into a community-centered dance studio focused on confidence, creativity and inclusion.
Kayla Stubbs, owner and operator of Dancer’s Dreamhouse, recently shared her journey and mission on the Real Estate 101 Show with Host Mary Gill. She shared how her studio came to life and what it aims to provide for families in the Austell area.
Ms. Stubbs, a Miami native raised by Caribbean immigrant parents, said her early exposure to diverse cultures helped shape her outlook. She began dancing at age 3 and explored multiple art forms, including ballet, figure skating and musical theater. Ballet ultimately became her foundation, and dance remained central even as she pursued a communications degree and experimented with the corporate world.
“I’m a creative,” Ms. Stubbs said. “When you’re creative, it’s very hard to just sit in one place.”
That realization pushed her to take a risk. After teaching classes at a local recreation center, Ms. Stubbs opened Dancer’s Dreamhouse House in 2023. The studio later relocated to a historic building in Austell’s Threadmill complex, a move she described as a full-circle moment because Austell is where she first began teaching.
The studio’s environment is intentionally designed to feel welcoming and calming. Stubbs described the space as whimsical, filled with mirrors, flowers and bright details that reflect her personality and help students feel at ease.
“I really wanted to create an atmosphere that was comfortable for my students,” she said.
Dancer’s Dreamhouse House primarily serves children ages 3 to 10, with a focus on ballet, tap, jazz and hip-hop. Classes are kept small to allow for individual attention, and private lessons are also offered. According to Ms. Stubbs, the goal extends beyond dance technique.
“We’re not just dancing,” she said. “We are building community. We’re building a place where they feel comfortable. They feel like it’s home for them.”
Ms. Stubbs emphasized that confidence, coordination and social skills are core priorities, particularly for young children who may still be rebuilding social connections after spending extended time at home in recent years.
In addition to youth programming, the studio offers adult classes, including line dancing, and periodically hosts styles such as salsa and Chicago step. Ms. Stubbs said these offerings help extend the sense of community beyond children and families.
The studio is also expanding its mission through a fundraising campaign called “The Gift of Dance,” which supports the launch of Limitless Dreamers, an adaptive dance program for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. An open house and dance party is scheduled for Jan. 10, featuring a sensory-friendly hour and activities for all ages.
Ms. Stubbs said Dancer’s Dreamhouse is about more than steps and choreography.
“It’s about belonging,” she said.
Registration for classes is open, and more information is available through the studio’s website and social media platforms.
To listen to the full interview, click the link above.