Amelia “Amy” Lynn Simmons has been in business for almost 30 years, and has competed in pageants and danced for over 30 years. Simmons is currently the Artistic Director/Owner/Instructor at Dancer’s Dreams Performing Arts Academy.

The performing arts academy is currently held in both Johnson City and Elizabethton, with classes catering to all ages.

“I offer classes for ages 2 through adults and my oldest student currently is in her 70s,” said Simmons.

Classes offered include classes in pre-school dance (beginner ballet, tumbling and creative movement), hip hop, ballet, praise dance, ballet/bollywood fusion, and clogging.

There are currently around 100 students under Simmons who says she loves to make it fun.

“My business goals for 2020 are to continue to reach out to those looking for a FUN way to exercise, get in shape, and bring forth happiness through dance and our ‘dance family,’” she said. ”We have around 100 students and anyone who takes from me, knows how I love to make dance or modeling FUN.”

The dance academy holds two recitals, a Christmas performance and a themed stage recital in June, which is held at T.A. Dugger Jr. High School Auditorium. This year’s theme is “Dancing Through Mardi Gras.”

“This will be one big party for the students and all those attending! We will have a King & Queen of Mardi Gras, King’s Cake and throws for the guests,” said Simmons.

“Dancer’s Dreams Performing Arts Academy” will be offering a special throughout the month to keep prices lower.

“Personally I want to keep tuition costs low, so more people can take advantage of dance and fitness,” she said. ”Keeping classes, shoes, costumes and all other at a low cost, allows parents to keep their children or themselves in a class that is beneficial to their health…mind and body. I want to share my gift and my love with everyone who is interested. We have so many Moms that take classes as well, and even a Dad! We have family and multi-class discounts.”

Another branch of the academy is called “Little Miss Crowning Charm School,” and has been reformatted for 2020 from its previous name, “The Crowning Charm Academy.” This class offers help in etiquette, public speaking, community involvement, recital performance, modeling, fashion, communication, etc.

“Throughout the years I’ve seen manners, grace and poise fall to the wayside,” she said. ”I feel that being and developing into a strong, independent and cultured young lady, that having the tools to put you at the top of your game, can certainly be beneficial and set you apart from the norm. Being raised in the deep south, I was exposed to such upbringing. Stories of my mother and aunts going to “Charm School.” Being a “Little Lady” was very appealing to me, and I saw as I experienced life how these valuable tools aided me through life, performing, modeling, and many forms of competition.”

Simmons will be assisted in this new class by “Miss Tennessee Teen America,” Myra Burchette.

For Simmons, who has competed in pageants as recently as last year and holds the title of “World’s Miss Tourism 2020 Grand Supreme,” the goal is to be a role model for others.

“I have been modeling and competing in pageants for 35 years. Such competitions always interested me due to the talent competitions, and how I saw such title holders become such great role models within the community,” she said. “There is no feeling better than being able to use your title to open doors, and help others. The amazing feeling inside my heart, when a little girl hugs me, and says she wants to be a princess too. Being a good role model for the youth of today is extremely important. They see through my actions, community involvement, and when I share my talents….that they too can do this! They too can shine their light.”

In addition to her work at her business, Simmons is using her latest title to support her platform, “Breaking The Silence To Live In The Light.” This platform aims to bring awareness, help and assistance for women in abusive situations.

Simmons has had a life filled with many roles, from a love of dance at the age of three, to gaining a degree in the Arts, to competing in pageants, to owning a business, to marrying Happy Valley Middle School music teacher and band director, Chris Simmons, to being a mother and grandmother.

“By being ‘you’, you can share this with the world as you grow, learn and ascend to greater opportunities,” she said. “Always challenge yourself and don’t be afraid to fail. We learn as much from failing as we do in the greatest accomplishments. I love the saying “If you fall…. make it part of the dance”!

For more information about “Dancer’s Dreams Performing Arts Academy” which you can attend for only $39 this month (shoes included), you can check out their Facebook page, text/ call 540-392-9138, or email ddreams2000@aol.com.