Welcome to the

East Texas
Dance Company

East Texas Dance Company has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1957 by Joan Fuller as the Joan Fuller School of Dance. The studio quickly became a staple of the East Texas dance community. In 1986, Tina Grider purchased the studio, renaming it the Tina Grider School of Dance and solidifying its reputation for excellence in dance education.

After 35 years of leading the studio with passion and dedication, Tina Grider-Lyon passed the torch to Alexis Marjason in June of 2021. With this transition, the studio officially became East Texas Dance Company, continuing its legacy while embracing the future of dance education under new ownership.

At East Texas Dance Company, we are deeply committed to staying current with the latest trends in dance education. We provide our students with both modern and time-tested materials, ensuring they receive a well-rounded and up-to-date dance experience. We offer classes and services to the East Texas community, serving students ranging from 16 months to 18 years of age.

Our dance genres include Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Pre-Pointe, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Drill Prep, Kick, Acro, Creative Movement, and Technique-Only classes, all designed to help students grow in both skill and confidence.

East Texas Dance Company offers both Recreational and Competitive programs to meet the diverse needs of our dancers. We believe that every dancer should have the opportunity to flourish in their own unique way, whether they are exploring dance for fun and self-expression or aiming for more intense competition.

• • Recreational Dance
    Designed for those who want to enjoy the art of dance in a supportive and non-competitive environment. Our recreational classes focus on technique, creativity, and self-confidence, allowing students to grow at their own pace while having fun.
  • Competitive Dance
    For dancers who are ready to take their skills to the next level, our competitive teams provide a challenging and rewarding experience. Our competitive dancers train with a higher level of commitment and compete in regional and national competitions, fostering discipline, teamwork, and a passion for excellence.

No matter which path they choose, every dancer at East Texas Dance Company is given the tools and support to grow and succeed both in and outside of the studio.

We are very proud of serving Longview and EastTexas for the last 69 years.

Want to know more?