Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa McCabe.
Hi Melissa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My dance journey began when I was just 4 years old at the Dance Shoppe, and it truly has been a lifelong passion ever since. I remember watching dancers on Channel 2 when I was young and thinking, “I want to do that someday.” My parents saw that spark in me and signed me up for dance, and from that moment on, I never looked back.
As I grew as a dancer, I had the opportunity to join a competition team and compete both regionally and nationally. Those experiences created some of my favorite memories, and my teams were fortunate enough to receive many awards along the way. One of the highlights of my dance journey was having the opportunity to perform at Super Bowl XXVI when it was hosted here in Minneapolis. Dance opened so many doors for me and gave me a place where I could be myself, challenge myself, and continue learning. It taught me discipline, confidence, teamwork, and so many life skills — while also allowing me to build friendships that have lasted a lifetime.
My love for teaching began in 2000 when I became an assistant at the very studio where I grew up dancing. I was incredibly excited but also nervous because I never imagined myself as a teacher — I always saw myself as the student. Over time, I discovered how much I loved sharing my passion and helping dancers grow. I went on to teach at several studios throughout the Twin Cities, and eventually I started asking myself, “Why don’t I create something of my own?”
In August of 2018, I took that leap and opened Intrepid Dance Company. Over the years, I had listened closely to the families I worked with — learning what they loved about dance and also the challenges they experienced trying to balance activities, schedules, and family life. I wanted to create a studio that provided high-quality dance education while also being welcoming, supportive, and realistic for busy families.
I never could have imagined that after 8 seasons, Intrepid Dance Company would be voted the Best Dance Studio for 7 consecutive years through both the City of Crystal and Reader’s Choice awards across 7 different cities. That recognition means so much, but what I am most proud of is the community we have built.
I am incredibly grateful for the amazing teachers who are part of Intrepid and who share the same core values and vision that the studio was founded on. Our goal has always been to create a place where dancers feel supported, families feel welcomed, and everyone feels like they are part of something special. The fact that families describe Intrepid as feeling like a family and a community is the greatest compliment we could receive.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road definitely has not always been a smooth one. Like any journey, there have been challenges along the way, but those moments have also shaped who we are as a studio and strengthened my commitment to the dancers and families we serve.
One of the biggest challenges came just one year after opening Intrepid Dance Company when COVID hit and everything suddenly came to a stop. It was incredibly difficult to process watching something I had poured my heart into come to a complete halt. Within just a few days, I transitioned the entire studio to online classes through Zoom. Teaching and learning dance through a screen brought an entirely new set of challenges. We were navigating small spaces at home, internet issues, and finding creative ways to keep dancers engaged and connected.
At first, the dancers were just happy to see their friends and teachers, even if it was through a screen. It gave them something positive to look forward to during such an uncertain time. But as the months went on, it became harder for everyone — the dancers, families, and even us as teachers. Dance is about connection, movement, teamwork, and being together, so finding ways to recreate that feeling virtually was a challenge.
I knew I needed to find a way to safely bring dancers back into the studio. I reached out to different resources throughout the State of Minnesota, and there were many conversations and roadblocks along the way. At the time, dance studios were classified similarly to fitness centers and gyms, but I worked hard to communicate that we are a youth arts and sports program focused on children, development, and community. I spent countless hours creating and revising safety plans to show how we could safely return while maintaining distance, reducing shared materials, and creating a positive environment for our dancers.
Finally, in May, that day came — we were able to welcome dancers back into the studio. It looked different than before. We wore masks, stayed six feet apart, and followed many new guidelines, but the important thing was that we were together again.
I also knew our dancers deserved a way to celebrate all the hard work they had put in throughout the season, so I created a recital experience unlike anything we had done before. I worked with the City of Crystal to rent a small space, brought in flooring, created a temporary changing area, and organized dancers in small groups to come in safely. Our videographer recorded each class performing outdoors, and we created a virtual watch party where families and friends could celebrate their dancers together.
It was not the traditional recital experience, but it gave everyone closure to a very difficult year. Families were incredibly supportive and grateful because, after months of uncertainty, they were able to see their dancers shine and celebrate the season they worked so hard for.
Looking back, that was probably the biggest challenge I have faced since opening the studio. But it also reminded me why I do what I do. Dance is more than just steps — it is connection, confidence, friendships, and a place where kids can feel supported. Finding creative solutions and continuing to provide that experience for our dancers has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Intrepid Dance Company is a family-focused dance studio built around the belief that dance is about so much more than just learning steps. It is about building confidence, creating friendships, developing life skills, and giving dancers a place where they can truly be themselves.
We offer dance education for ages 3 through adult, including recreational classes, competitive opportunities, and a variety of styles that allow dancers of all ages and experience levels to find their place. Our goal has always been to provide quality dance instruction in a welcoming environment where every dancer feels valued, supported, and encouraged to grow.
What sets Intrepid apart is the community we have created. From the beginning, my vision was to build a studio that felt like family — a place where dancers are known by name, families feel welcomed, and everyone feels like they are part of something bigger. We focus on meeting dancers where they are, whether they are dancing just for fun, building confidence, trying something new, or pursuing their goals at a higher level.
I am most proud of the culture and reputation we have built. Being recognized as the Best Dance Studio for 7 consecutive years through both the City of Crystal and Reader’s Choice awards across 7 different cities is an incredible honor, but what means the most is hearing families say that Intrepid feels like home. That tells me we are creating the kind of environment I dreamed of when I opened the studio.
Our talented staff is also a huge part of what makes Intrepid special. Each teacher shares the same foundation of providing encouragement, positivity, and high-quality instruction while helping dancers become the best versions of themselves.
I want people to know that Intrepid Dance Company is not just a place to take dance classes — it is a place where memories are made, confidence is built, friendships grow, and dancers are inspired to love the art of dance. Whether someone is stepping into a studio for the first time or continuing a lifelong passion, our goal is for every dancer to leave class feeling accomplished, supported, and excited to come back.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I am also incredibly grateful to be part of a wonderful organization called DSOA, which has allowed me to connect with dance studio owners from around the world. Through this community, I have built so many meaningful relationships with others who share the same love, passion, and dedication for dance, their students, and their families. It has been inspiring to learn from one another, share ideas, and continue growing together as studio owners who are committed to making a positive impact in the dance community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.intrepiddancecompanymn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intrepiddancecompanymn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intrepiddancecompanymn
- Other: https://nextdoor.com/page/intrepid-dance-company
