Today we’d like to introduce you to Elya Coleman.
Hi Elya, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I own A Time to Dance Studio, where family, faith and mission matter! I first walked into A Time to Dance Studio as a six-year-old, simply excited for my first dance class. My mother had no idea that bringing me to that class would be the beginning of something much bigger — that one day, I would be called to carry on the very mission of A Time to Dance Studio
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After graduating high school, I began teaching at the studio, and it quickly became clear that my heart was deeply connected to the mission of A Time to Dance. The owner, Pam McCurley (who has her own amazing story that needs to be shared as well! ) encouraged me to step into leadership, championing me as I launched Oaks Dance Company and our assistant program. As I grew as a teacher, I also began working in the studio office, eventually becoming Pam’s right hand and a trusted leader within the ATTDS family.
In 2015, Pam felt it was time to step away as Owner. She approached me about purchasing A Time to Dance and continuing the calling that had been placed on the studio. Without hesitation, I said yes — having already felt in my heart that God was preparing me, my husband and my family for this next chapter.
What started as a little girl in a pink Ballet room grew into a life of purpose, calling, and legacy. And today, I continue to lead A Time to Dance with the same heart, vision, and faith that Pam began it with and our motto stays the same – “The Dancer is More important than the Dance.”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, I wouldn’t say smooth, but I would say it’s been a meaningful one.
When I bought A Time to Dance Studio, it was already 26 years old. (I’ve now owned it for 10!) That came with incredible perks: a rich legacy, a loyal community, and a studio full of history. But stepping into ownership of a long-standing business also meant stepping into deeply rooted habits. Implementing growth and change wasn’t always easy.
I had to learn how to be brave enough to make the changes I knew were necessary, while also being wise enough to honor what already existed. I couldn’t “turn the ship” too quickly without risking throwing us off course. Every decision required intention, patience, and trust in the process.
I’ve always loved dance, the freedom, vulnerability, strength, and resilience it brings out in people is unlike anything else. That is why I wanted to own A Time to Dance Studio, not because I dreamed of being a business owner.
But I quickly realized that loving dance wasn’t enough. To truly protect and grow the studio, I had to step away from the dancer role and learn how to run a business: how to lead people, navigate hard conversations, and raise up incredible employees.
That learning curve was steep. It took a lot of work. I failed often and made plenty of mistakes in those early years, and honestly, I still do. But the biggest lesson I’ve learned is the power of a growth mindset. No matter how good, how hard, or how confusing a situation may be, if I grow from it, then it’s a win.
And that mindset is what has shaped the studio into what it is today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Time to Dance is more than a dance studio to me. It is a place of purpose, calling, and legacy. It was founded in 1990 by Pam McCurley after she felt a clear calling from God and a deep conviction that the dancer is more important than the dance. From the very beginning, this studio was created to be a space where children would not only learn technique, but would be reminded of their God given worth and hear the truth that they are fearfully and wonderfully made and deeply loved.
What began as a one room studio now lovingly known as the Pink Room has grown over the past 35 years into a thriving community that has welcomed thousands of dancers through its doors. We specialize in excellent dance education while also using dance as a powerful tool for storytelling, worship, ministry, and transformation. Everything we do is intentional. Our goal has always been to develop strong dancers, but even more importantly, strong people with confidence, character, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
What I am most proud of is that through every season of growth and change, A Time to Dance has remained faithful to its original purpose. Over the years we have launched ministry teams, outreach opportunities, an assistant teacher program, and Oaks Dance Company, all with the heart of using dance as a way to serve others and tell meaningful stories. Growth has never been about numbers or recognition. It has always been about stewardship and obedience to what God has asked of us.
What truly sets A Time to Dance apart is that this studio has never belonged to one person. When Pam stepped away from ownership and entrusted me with continuing the mission, we both held tightly to the truth that this studio belongs to the Lord. I see my role not as an owner, but as a steward of something God began long before me and will continue long after I am gone.
I am incredibly proud of the community that exists here. Our teachers, students, and families have made this studio a home. We are now blessed to teach multiple generations of families, which is one of the greatest testimonies to God’s faithfulness and the impact of a mission rooted in love and purpose.
At its core, A Time to Dance is not about trophies or looking like the rest of the dance world. It is about life lessons, character, and pointing every dancer toward the truth that they were created with intention, value, and purpose. Whether a student is with us for one year or eighteen, my hope is that they leave knowing they are deeply loved and wonderfully made. That is what I am most proud of.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happiest is my family and the freedom I have to be both a mom of five and a business owner. My kids range from six months old to twelve years old, and being present for them in this season of life means everything to me. I am incredibly grateful that through intentional boundaries and thoughtful systems, I’ve been able to lead my team well while also being fully present with my children.
I get to do school drop off and pick up every day. I get to take them to their activities in the evenings and be there for the moments that matter most. That was not always the case, and I don’t take it lightly. We’ve worked hard to build the business and define my role in a way that allows me to truly be present when I’m with my family and fully focused when I’m at work. That balance brings me so much joy.
Dance also makes me incredibly happy. Watching the next generation rise up and step into their roles as students, leaders, and teachers with confidence, character, and resilience is something I will always find joy in. There is nothing quite like seeing dancers use movement to worship God, express their emotions, and share their hearts with the world. Being a small part of that journey, both as a leader and a mentor, is deeply fulfilling and something I’m incredibly thankful for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.attds.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atimetodancestudio?igsh=MXd0dXFrMXZjamJmOQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atimeto.dance.3
Image Credits
Kelli Robertson
Aubrey Spear
