In 1980, Cindy Thompson opened the doors of Backstage Dance Studio with little more than a love of dance and a dream of sharing it with kids in the Conroe area. Cindy had been dancing since she was four years old, trained in classical ballet, and held a degree in dance from Sam Houston State University - but what she really wanted was to give local children a place to fall in love with dance the way she had.

 

More than four decades later, that dream has grown into two studio locations, a devoted team of instructors, and thousands of dancers who grew up in our studio. Generations of families have walked through our doors, some returning years later to enroll their own children, a testament to the trust and connection Backstage Dance Studio has built one class, one performance, and one memory at a time.

 

That legacy took its next step forward in 2023, when Cindy's son, Trey Thompson, became Co-Owner of Backstage Dance Studio. Trey quite literally grew up at the studio - he started out as a part-time receptionist before working his way into overseeing operations at both locations. With a business background from Texas A&M University, Trey now carries Cindy's original vision forward for the next generation of dancers.

 

Our Mission

 

Our mission is to foster a culture of respect, excellence, and professionalism within our dance studio, where individuals receive a quality dance education and are empowered to achieve their fullest potential through the art of dance.

 

Whether a dancer trains with us for one year or eighteen years, our goal is the same: to help them become more capable and more confident - from a two-year-old's first plié to a senior's final bow.

 

Our Programs

 

Weekly Classes

From our youngest beginners to our most advanced students, our weekly classes meet dancers exactly where they are. With training in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, and more, every dancer receives the individualized instruction they need to build a strong technical foundation and a genuine love of dance.

 

Backstage Dance Company and Dance Club

For our most committed dancers age 5 and up, our competition teams offer high-level training, performance opportunities, and competitions that challenge dancers to grow their artistry and technique alongside a team that becomes like family.

 

The Nutcracker

Each year, our dancers bring the magic of the holiday season to life in our beloved production of The Nutcracker, a Backstage tradition that gives dancers ages 7 and up the opportunity to perform a full-scale production and share the stage with their studio family.

 

Our Impact

 

Great dancers are built on a strong foundation, and we take that seriously. Our instructors bring extensive training and performance experience into the classroom, so every dancer, no matter their style or skill level, has room to grow, be challenged, and feel proud of what they've learned. We want every dancer to leave class not just stronger, but more confident in what they can accomplish.

 

That growth happens because we know our dancers. We celebrate their successes, encourage them through challenges, and create classrooms where kids feel safe to try, safe to fail, and safe to be exactly who they are - and the confidence that is gained from that follows them well beyond the studio doors.

 

We're proud to call Conroe and Montgomery home, because these towns aren't just where we're located, they're part of who we are. From Cindy's first classes in 1980 to the legacy she and Trey continue to build together today, we remain committed to the same belief that Backstage isn't just a place to take a dance class. It's teachers who know your child by name, other families cheering your dancer on like their own, and friendships that outlast the recital costumes.