TO WATCH US DANCE

IS TO HEAR OUR HEARTS SPEAK

*Hopi Indian Saying

Sonya’s Dance Zone began as a dream of a 7 year old girl who would rather dance than do anything else. In 2005, Sonya Denney started the Dance Zone at a local gymnastics facility with nearly 20 dancers, and only 6 competitive. By 2008, Sonya’s Dance Zone out grew the space they leased at the gymnastics center and they moved into her new location in Fashion Shop Center on National Road in Columbus. In their first year at there new location they doubled in size and began looking for more space. In 2009, they expanded their program to include ZUMBA, Cheerleading and Tumbling. Sonya’s Dance Zone moved into their current location in 2011 and has over 300 students, 100 of which dance at a competitive level and 4 dance rooms.

 

Sonya’s Dance Zone offers dance to everyone: To those who dance for fun, to those who dance to compete and to those who dance for fitness.  SDZ has a class for everyone!

Quality Instruction

All of our instructors are highly accomplished and professionally educated in both dance and coaching; many with over 20 and 30 years of experience.

We Love What We Do

No one gives their lives to the art of dancing who does not possess a love for it. We are committed to what we do and love every minute of it.

Family Oriented

We place a core value on family and believe that it is our job to create an atmosphere that supports a family-friendly environment.

TEAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Sonya’s Dance Zone Competitive team has won 7 World Dance Championships as well as numerous Regional Competitions. Some of SDZ’s highest accomplishments include:

  • 2019 National Champions – Sr Line
  • 2013 World 13 & Up Small Group Champions
  • 2013 World 13 & Up Overall Champion
  • 2013 Creational Regional Technical Excellence Award
  • 2013 Creation Regional Super Studio Award
  • Creation Regional Studio Sportsmanship Award
  • 2012 World 12 & under Duet / Trio Champions
  • 2012 Applause Choreography Award
  • 2012 World Large Group 13 & up Champions
  • 2011 World Large Group and Overall 13 & up Champions

OUR STAFF

SONYA DENNEY

Owner / Director / Instructor / Choreographer

Miss Sonya realized a dream when Sonya’s Dance Zone was started in 2005.  Dance and Children have always been a passion of hers.  She studied at Dixon Dance Studio, Battin School of Dance and Ball State University where she was a member of the Ball State Dance Theatre.  She has choreographed two national winning routines.  Miss Sonya teaches Tap, Jazz, Ballet and Lyrical, as well as tumbling classes.  She is also actively involved in her church and has two daughters.

MELISSA ENGELKING

Team Director/Owner/Dance Instructor/Choreographer

Miss Melissa is the daughter of Sonya Denney and is taking over ownership of Sonya’s Dance Zone and is stepping into her role at the studio! Melissa started dance at the
age of 3. Melissa trained in dance, gymnastics, and cheer through high school. She attended college at Anderson University and graduated with a bachelors of Music in Musical Theatre and a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. Her original goal was to always go to New York City and perform but with me graduating college in the middle of Covid, that
was not going to work. Sonya’s Dance zone was needing someone to take on a larger role at the studio and all the pieces fell into place. Melissa loves the new role and we love having her leading our studio. Miss Melissa is married with 2 daughters.

SARAH McFARLAND

Dance Instructor / Choreographer / Assistant Team Director

Miss Sarah has been involved in dance since she was 8 years old. She received most of her training at Dance Plus Studio. She was a member of Columbus North High School’s dance team, Pepsteppers all 4 years, being the captain her senior year and choreographing routines her Sophomore- Senior years. Miss Sarah has been a SDZ staff member since 2006, teaching all styles of dance! Her choreography has won many choreography awards, overalls and special awards. Outside of SDZ Miss Sarah is a TA in Lifeskills. She is also a proud mom of 1 son, Jacob and proud aunt of her nieces and nephew, Brelin and Preston and Margaret! She is also a proud Gigi to Kendrick!

KIYA DENNEY

Dance Instructor, Choreographer

Hi! I am Miss Kiya. I was a dancer for 17 years at Sonya’s and am now entering my 6th year as a teacher! I love all styles, but I have a sweet spot for hip hop and lyrical. My favorite thing about teaching is watching their progress from the beginning of the season to the end, and being there with them for their “ah ha!” moments when they finally master a skill. 

When I’m not in the studio, I’m taking college classes as a Marketing major, and next semester will be starting another degree under Business. I love listening to music, traveling, trying fun hairstyles and makeup, and hanging out with my family and friends. I’m so glad that I can share my love for dance with your kiddos!

JESSICA FOSTER

Dance and Acting Instructor / Choreographer

Hey all! I’m Miss Jessica. I started dancing at age 4 and haven’t stopped since! In college I danced on the University of Indianpolis dance team and graduated with a degree in psychology, a minor in Spanish, and concentrations in pre-physical therapy and theology (and then on to my Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy).

In first grade, I drew a picture of myself as a dance teacher to the prompt “what do you want to be when you grow up” and now I’m living the dream! I have been teaching creative movement, tap, hip hop, lyrical, and ballet at Sonya’s Dance Zone since 2018 and I LOVE being part of the DZ family! It is a joy to pass on my passion for dance to the next generation – including my own little dancing queen!

When I’m not at the studio you can find me drinking coffee, spending time with my family, and crafting!

RACINE DAVIS

Dance Instructor, Choreographer

Miss Racine started dance at the age of 5 with Dance Time Studios. At age 9, her Aunt opened what is now Sonya’s Dance Zone! She competitively danced with Sonya’s for 11 years and then began teaching. This is her 10th year teaching at SDZ!

Miss Racine has taught all styles but her heart lies with hip hop and tap. When she’s not at the studio, you can find her in the classroom or under a sewing machine! Racine is a 1st grade teacher by day and also a business owner where she creates custom dance costumes by night. 

Miss Racine’s favorite thing about SDZ is that we are one big family and our instructors strive to create great humans – not just amazing dancers!

AMANDA WOODALL

Dance Instructor, Choreographer

Amand Woodall’s passion for dance began at Jana’s Jump Shop in North Vernon, where she honed her skills in jazz for years. her dedication led her to join the dance team and show choir in midle school, and later, the high school dance team. As an adult, Amanda expanded her expertise by becoming certified in Zumba and various fitness modalities. She has choreographed dances for the Jennings County Middle School cheerleaders and served as a judge for tryouts. Amanda also showcased her talents in lead roles in Jennings County High School’s “Fiddler on the Roof” and the Jennings County Players’ live production of “The Secret Garden.” With a deep love for singing, dancing, and performing, Amanda feels most at home on stage. 

SCARLETT GREEN

Student Instructor

Hey! I’m Scarlett and my favorite things in life are dance, Dr. Pepper, and my doggos!! I have been a dancer at SDZ for 14 years. I have been recognized as a national champion at Triple S national Competition. I have won many overall high scores, special technique, scholarships, and judges awards. My favorite styles are Jazz and Lyrical but I love all of them! I also cheer for Columbus North High School and I love to design things in my free time!