Spreading the Joy for Dance: On Stage School of Dance
Growing up in the dance studio, Lori Fields, owner of On Stage School of Dance, knew that wherever she ended up, she wanted to be dancing.
“I knew from the time I was very young that this was going to be my light and my dream, and now it's come true.” Today, Lori is indeed living her dream right here in High Point.
Lori grew up as a competitive dancer and studied dance at the University of North Carolina - Greensboro. After falling in love with the Triad area and working as a dance teacher, she knew she needed to stay here. That’s when she took the leap and decided to open her own studio.
On Stage School of Dance originally started in the upstairs space of a furniture store until they were able to move into the Adams Farm Shopping Center. As the studio continued to grow, Lori decided to rent a second space and managed two separate studios, one in Greensboro and High Point.
But she quickly realized that she couldn't be in two places at once. That’s when On Stage decided to move into the space they have now and have been here for 17 years.
“After teaching for 29 years, it’s been so rewarding to watch how the studio and our dancers have grown,” says Lori.
What Lori loves most about teaching dance is the ability to share her passion for it with her students.
“The best part about dance is the opportunity to work with young students and introduce them to the world of dance, give them an outlet for their emotions, and spark that joy and love for movement,” she says.
On Stage offers classes for beginners, all the way up to pre-professional. But what really sets them apart is the diversity of their staff and the variety of classes offered.
From ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip-hop, musical theatre and much more, you’ll definitely find something that keeps you twirling into the studio. On Stage even offers free trial classes for those who are interested so they can meet the staff and be in the studio before they decide to take the leap.
On Stage currently has about 500 dancers enrolled at their studio, so Lori and her staff always make sure to have something for everyone.
“We provide lots of opportunities and give individualized focus to our students so they can do what they want with their dancing,” says Lori.
On Stage always makes sure they encourage their dancers to make their own choices on their involvement with dancing.
“We find that this way, they enjoy it more and grow stronger as performers,” Lori says.
One of the most rewarding parts about owning her own studio is that she has seen generations of families come in and out of their doors.
“A part of our philosophy is anytime anyone walks in, we want them to feel welcome and included,” says Lori. “Whether they're one of our top dancers or just a beginner, we want to include them and make sure they feel like they're a part of the family.”
Alumni who return to teach, families who bring in their children and grandchildren, and siblings who grow up in dance together – Lori has seen it all. But these connections extend far beyond the walls of a studio. Lori’s own family is a huge part of On Stage, as they are involved in running the day-to-day business operations.
Her oldest daughter, Michelle, is the administrative assistant, and her son, Chandler, helps with technical lighting and sound for their yearly recital. Darren, Lori’s husband, is the office manager and even drives their bus for travel competitions. Lori’s youngest daughter Cassidy, who is a performer, helps choreograph pieces for competitions and recitals. But what’s special for Lori is the fact that she now gets to teach her two granddaughters to dance.
Something that sets On Stage apart is their approach to dance competitions. For 24 consecutive years, On Stage School of Dance has won the ‘Sportsmanship’ Award at every competition they’ve been a part of.
“Not only are we teaching good technique, but we're teaching them to be good humans and to care for others,” Lori shares. For her, there's so much to be learned from competitive dance like how to win gracefully but also how to be humble.
“Cheering for your friends and building each other up and encouraging each other – that's something that can take them much further in life than any other dance trophy,” she says.
One of the reasons Lori loves what she does and why dancing is her passion is because of the sense of belonging everyone has in the studio.
Last year, On Stage offered its first-ever Shining Stars class to students of differing abilities to come in and learn how to dance. One of the students in this program, Kelsey, decided to enter into a competition in the Shining Stars category. Lori and Kelsey worked hard for months and even planned to have Lori speak to Kelsey through Bluetooth into her hearing aid while she performed. But once she entered the stage, and her nerves took over, Kelsey was joined on stage by Lori herself and several dance assistants. Together, they completed the dance with Kelsey, sparking joy for the whole audience.
Lori shares, “When I looked out, the entire audience was dancing with us too. Everybody was encouraging her, and that was a moment where I said to myself, ‘This is why I do what I do.’”
On Stage School of Dance is involved in our community beyond what we see in the spotlight. With their On Stage Gives Back program, dancers can incorporate community service into their love for dance.
They have canned food drives, partner with the American Red Cross for blood drives, and even host a program for their high school students to teach children who may not have the opportunity otherwise to come in and take dance classes.
“It gives our students service learning hours and in turn gives children the opportunity to learn to dance. It's touched my heart to be able to teach kids who may not have those opportunities in a traditional setting,” Lori shares.
There’s much more to dance than movement. It teaches you confidence, coordination, self-esteem, teamwork, and memorization.
Lori has no desire to stop dancing anytime soon. With the constantly evolving dance world, there is always something exciting and new for her to explore.
“I love watching the little ones grow up and have those ‘Aha!’ moments when they figure out a step. And then in the end when you've worked on the routine, put it on the stage, and performed it for people, that is such a gratifying feeling,” she shares.
One of the most wonderful things about teaching and owning a business is that Lori sees people on their good days and bad days and gets to uplift her students and community through dance.
“It’s not all glitter and trophies, but you just have to remember the joy,” says Lori, “because there are so many lessons that are learned way beyond choreography.”
“It’s not all glitter and trophies, but you just have to remember the joy because there are so many lessons that are learned way beyond choreography.”
Lori Fields, owner of On Stage School of Dance
Discover our High Points,
The HPD Team
Photography by Kelli Gowdy Photography
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