Our Story
Hi! We're Kathy and Tanya,
Co-founders of Growing Oaks Dance Academy. We've danced together since we were nine years old, growing up side by side in our church's dance ministry, and for the past eight years we've had the joy of leading that ministry together.
Growing Oaks Dance Academy began with a dream we believe God gave us, rooted in Isaiah 61:3 — that we would be oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord, for the display of His splendor.
We’ve spent years dancing together and leading a worship dance ministry, and through those years, we discovered a shared passion that goes beyond movement: walking alongside girls and women as they grow—not only in confidence and technique, but also in their faith.
We believe dance can carry the gospel to people who may never step into a sanctuary — that a city can encounter God through beauty before it ever hears a sermon. Growing Oaks is our answer to that dream: a place where every dancer is planted, rooted, and grown for His glory and the splendor of His name
Our Vision
Our vision is to establish a Christ-centered dance academy in San Francisco, inspired by Isaiah 61:3 and its calling to become oaks of righteousness — a planting of the Lord, for the display of His splendor. Through beginner-friendly liturgical dance programs for girls, teens, and women, dance becomes the vehicle through which every student is discipled — growing in faith, confidence, technique, and a deeper knowledge of God. Each twelve-week season centers on liturgical dance — worship expressed through movement, gesture, and storytelling — with ballet principles woven in to build posture, alignment, and control, opening every class with prayer and a short devotional. Together, we treat movement itself as a way of knowing God more fully, and each season closes with an artistic showcase that takes our faith beyond the walls of the church and into the community.
Our mission is to disciple girls, teens, and women through Christ-centered dance — training technical skill and creative expression inside a season built on prayer, Scripture, and community, so that every dancer grows in confidence — in herself, in her artistry, and in who she already is in Christ.
Your Support Helps Us Grow!
Your Support Helps Us Grow!
How You Can Help Accelerate Our Mission
Growing Oaks is taking its first steps, and you can help us bring this vision to life. Whether you give, share, or open a door, your support helps us move closer to creating a place where girls, teens, and women can grow in faith, confidence, and excellence through dance.
01
Help Us Get Off the Ground
Your financial contribution helps us cover the essential startup costs of our pilot season—from studio expenses and equipment to insurance and business registration. Every gift helps us take root.
02
Help Us Find a Home
We’re looking for a studio or community space in San Francisco where we can host our pilot program. If you know of a church, school, studio, community center, or organization with space available, we’d love an introduction.
03
Spread the Word
Share Growing Oaks with your friends, family, church community, and social network. Follow us, share our posts, and tell someone about the vision. You never know who might be ready to help us take the next step.