Rising Stars: Meet Terra Hitchcock of Macon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Terra Hitchcock.

Hi Terra, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Kali Dance Studio for the Arts was born out of my love for dance and my passion to share it with my community. My journey began when I decided to take a class at a local dance studio and was invited to join an African Dance Troupe. It was during this time that I fell in love with African Dance, even having the incredible opportunity to perform in the opening act for the late Mr. James Brown. I went on to receive professional dance training from Masters such as Yousouff Kombassa of Guinea, West Africa; Dijon Tie of the Ivory Coast; FungAfrica Congolese Pride Assemble; and Sabrina McKenzie of Dance Nia Studio in Atlanta, GA. Over the years, I’ve also become certified in Zumba, Ballet Barre, Functional Flexibility, and Fascia Training. Beyond dance, I also have a love for bodybuilding and earned Pro status in figure, swimsuit, and sportswear competitions. I strive to be a positive example and mentor for my students, encouraging not only artistic excellence but also a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Kali Dance Studio officially opened its doors in March of 2007, and since then we’ve had the privilege of serving over 5,000 children. Our studio has become a place where young people not only grow as dancers but also as leaders and role models in their schools and communities. We are honored to have been recognized as Best of Middle Georgia Dance Studio in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and we are proudly certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE). At its core, Kali Dance Studio is about more than just movement — it’s about building confidence, discipline, and community, one eight count at a time.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. When I first started, I had never owned a business and didn’t really know what to do. One day, while walking downtown, I saw a man working on a building. Out of curiosity, I walked upstairs and introduced myself, sharing that I wanted to open a dance studio. He told me to call him the following week, and that conversation led to me securing my very first building. I didn’t have a loan from a bank or a large financial cushion — just a deep passion for teaching the kids in my community and a faith that if I opened the doors, the children would come. And they did. For 18 years, families have trusted Kali Dance Studio as a place where their children can grow not only as dancers but also as confident young people. The journey has come with challenges — from navigating the business side of ownership, to sustaining operations through difficult times, to making sure no child is turned away for financial reasons. One of the toughest times was during COVID-19. Like so many small businesses, we faced uncertainty, but instead of giving up, we pivoted. We moved to online classes to make sure our dancers could continue training, connecting, and finding joy through dance even in the middle of a pandemic. It wasn’t easy — not every family had the same access to technology, and teaching through a screen was a learning curve — but we made it happen. Those experiences taught me resilience and reinforced the heart of our mission: Kali Dance Studio isn’t just about teaching steps, it’s about creating a space where children and families know they belong, no matter the circumstances. I’ve learned that when you lead with heart, faith, and perseverance, doors open that you never imagined possible.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a full-time dance teacher with a school district as well as the owner of Kali Dance Studio for the Arts. I am widely known as the teacher who leads with heart, especially when it comes to inspiring and nurturing children through the power of dance. What I am most proud of is maintaining and growing a successful business for 18 years—an achievement that stands out in an industry where many small businesses struggle to survive beyond the first three. What sets me apart is my resilience and determination to create opportunities regardless of challenges. Whether it was starting my studio without traditional financing, pivoting to online classes during the pandemic, or continuing to expand our programs to serve thousands of children, I have always led with the belief that dance builds confidence, discipline, and community. This commitment to both excellence and heart is what defines my work and makes Kali Dance Studio more than just a place to dance—it is a safe space for growth and empowerment.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can work with Kali Dance Studio by collaborating on community events, youth enrichment programs, and wellness initiatives that use dance as a tool for empowerment. We are always open to partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and local businesses that share our vision of building confidence and discipline through the arts. Support can also come in the form of sponsorships for student scholarships, attending and promoting our showcases, or offering professional services that help strengthen small businesses like ours. At the heart of our mission is connection — and we believe working together allows us to create even greater impact in the community we serve.

Pricing:

• $80.00 individual classes
• $160.00 combo dance classes
• $80.00 private classes

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kalidancestudio.com
• Instagram: @kalidance
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KalidancestudioMacon/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terra-gallemore-650a42126/

Image Credits
Moye Photography
Christopher Turner Photography
PB. Lockett Photos