Today we’d like to introduce you to Salena Myers.
Salena, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
“I started Dance with Purpose Dance Company very humbly — just one day a week at Scheffer Rec Center, with about six students. It was a small class, but the energy and passion were there from day one. As interest grew, I added another class at North Dale Rec Center, and from there, I started organizing dance showcases to give my students a platform to perform and feel proud of what they were creating.
Eventually, I transitioned the classes into a more structured dance team, and we entered our very first competition on February 29, 2020. That moment was a huge milestone — but just a week later, COVID hit, and like so many others, we had to shut down. We were paused for about three months, but we came back in June 2020 with even more determination — and we haven’t stopped since.
Since then, we’ve grown tremendously. We’ve hosted large-scale dance showcases, we travel to compete, and we even had the honor of performing at a Minnesota Timberwolves game recently. This summer, we’re preparing for a busy competition season with even more travel and opportunities.
At the heart of it all, my goal has always been to give back what was given to me as a child — a safe space to create, to be myself, and to shine. Dance with Purpose is more than a team; it’s a community built on love, purpose, and passion.”
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
“I’d definitely describe the journey as more of a rollercoaster — with more ups than downs. It hasn’t always been smooth, especially when it comes to funding and securing a consistent space. We’ve had to move around the city quite a bit, which was challenging, but every transition showed us just how much support we have in the community.
One of the biggest headaches has been dealing with team-hopping, which is something a lot of dance teams face. It can create drama between teams and coaches, and navigating that hasn’t been easy. But despite those challenges, the highs have always outweighed the lows.
We’ve won trophies, performed at incredible events, met inspiring people, and created memories that will last a lifetime. At the end of the day, all those experiences — good and bad — have made us stronger and brought us closer together as a team.”
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
“As the founder, director, and head coach of my dance company, I’m involved in every aspect of the work. From marketing and scheduling performances to running rehearsals, selecting student leaders, directing creatively, and choreographing — especially for my younger dancers — it all falls under my role. I also design costumes and handle behind-the-scenes logistics. It’s a lot, but it’s a labor of love.
I’ve always been known for my creativity and for standing out, and I bring that same energy into how I run the company. We don’t follow trends or mimic what we see — our style is our own. Our transitions, our movement, our energy — it’s all uniquely us. And I think that’s why we’ve earned so much respect. I’m incredibly proud of the growth of my team, and even more proud of the fact that we’ve created something that feels timeless.
The tradition we’ve built can live on through the dancers who come through our program — they carry our spirit forward in their own journeys. I started this company simply because I loved to dance and had the skills to build something real. And every time I watch these kids perform — to see them light up on stage — it honestly brings tears to my eyes. That’s how I know I’m doing what I was meant to do.”
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
“What matters to me most is me — because when I take care of myself, love myself, and stay grounded in who I am, I’m able to pour into others from a full cup. Self-love is the first love I focus on, and from there, I can spread that same love and energy to the people around me.
Genuine connections matter to me — being real, being present, and showing respect not only to myself but to others. I truly believe that how we treat people says a lot about who we are.
And above all, what really matters is being able to wake up every day and do what I was guided to do. I believe I’m walking in my purpose, and because of that, I feel a responsibility to give back, inspire, and help change lives. That’s what keeps me going.”
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/dancewithpurposedancecompany
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/dancewithpurposedancecompany
