My Journey: From Shy Little Girl to Dance Studio Owner and Mentor

I began dancing at the age of three at the Landrum School of Dance, tucked above the Whitestone Post Office, under the direction of Frances Landrum and Ted Mangrum. I was painfully shy back then, but Frances and Ted, along with the entire Landrum community, rallied around me to help build my confidence. They quickly became like a second set of parents, and Landrum became my second home. Under their loving guidance, I didn’t just dance—I flourished. I took singing lessons, private acting classes, modeling lessons, and every dance class I could possibly sneak into. You name it, I took it. Before long, confidence became my middle name. As a young child, I landed a few television commercials and was selected to participate in a city-wide competition recognizing teens making a difference in their communities. I had always been taught that “the good you do will come back to you.” I saw this modeled daily by my parents, who were active in giving back, so it felt natural to follow their example. I began organizing dance events at senior centers, orphanages, churches—anywhere I could bring a little light and joy through movement. At 15, I was honored with the Mario Biaggi Scholarship for Outstanding Teen in NYC. The award was presented at The Waldorf Astoria by Congressman Mario Biaggi himself, who spoke about my leadership qualities and my unique ability to bring people together. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the weight of his words—but today, I cherish that moment deeply. At 18, I auditioned for the Radio City Rockettes and was offered a contract and a coveted spot “on the line.” It was a dream come true—like winning the lottery. But soon after, life took an unexpected turn. My mother’s health began to decline, and I felt called in a ne direction—one that would change my life forever. At just 18 and a half years old, I made the decision to take over the Landrum School of Dance. It was both terrifying and exhilarating. But deep down, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be. I wanted to help young children discover their confidence and passion—just as my teachers had done for me. Now, 45 years later, I’m still the proud owner of this incredible school. It has evolved in so many amazing ways, but one thing has never changed: our mission to empower every student to become the best version of themselves. I’m endlessly grateful to be a part of so many beautiful journeys, and it remains the greatest honor of my life to help young people find their light—just as others helped me find mine.