Meet Missy Ragone of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Missy Ragone.

Missy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started dancing at the age of two. My mom says I was always twirling around the kitchen, so Ballet seemed like the obvious choice! I was fortunate to stay at the same studio, James Dance Center in Warren, Ohio, from the age of two through high school. I tried it all—Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Acro and Baton. I was in the studio almost every night and began assisting with classes when I was twelve to help offset the cost of my dance tuition. I also competed in countless dance competitions, marched in a parade at Disney and danced on my high school Majorette line. Dance was a HUGE part of my childhood. I would come to learn it would be a lifelong love of mine.

After high school, I moved to Chicago and continued taking dance classes whenever I could. Then, in my 30s, I became a mom, and dance took a back seat while I focused on raising my kids. I was fortunate enough to stay home with them while they were young.

When it was time to return to the workforce, I assumed I would go back to an office job because it felt like the safe and steady choice. During a conversation with my husband, he asked me a simple question: “What would make you happy?” Without hesitation, I said, “Dancing with kids.”

The next day, he came back with a crazy idea: “What if you did just that?”

He helped me figure out the logistics, built my website and encouraged me to go for it. I began developing a curriculum, working on marketing and learning everything I could along the way. In 2018, Twinkling Toes Dance was born.

My original goal was simple: get a few accounts, teach a few kids and earn enough to help support my family. I never imagined it would grow into what it is today. I truly took a chance, worked hard, learned as I went and built something I absolutely love.

Today, I get to share my love of dance with children every day, while running a business that allows me to be creative, connect with families and continue doing something that makes me happy. I feel incredibly fortunate that one simple question from my husband led me to where I am today.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. In the beginning, I struggled with confidence and had a lot of self-doubt. I had to learn to trust myself and recognize that I was capable of much more than I gave myself credit for.

I also didn’t have a mentor to lean on, so when I had questions or ran into challenges, I had to figure things out on my own. There was definitely a lot of learning as I went!

Two years into starting Twinkling Toes Dance, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. I had surgery and treatment, and thankfully, I was able to heal in time for my next sessions of classes to begin. That diagnosis changed me in many ways. I faced it head-on, and today I am much more proactive about my health and wellness.

I have a much greater sense of gratitude for my health and for what my body allows me to do. I work hard to take care of myself, fuel my body properly and stay active and strong. Looking back, the challenges I’ve faced—both personally and professionally—have made me more confident, resilient and appreciative of the life and business I’ve built.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Twinkling Toes Dance is a mobile preschool dance enrichment program. I bring Ballet and dance classes directly to daycares, preschools, churches, schools and recreation centers, primarily serving families in Cumming, Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Suwanee. I specialize in working with young children, primarily ages 3–6, and creating classes that are fun, engaging and developmentally appropriate.

What I think sets Twinkling Toes apart is that I’m not just teaching children dance steps. I want them to fall in love with dance. My classes incorporate imagination, music, props, storytelling and monthly themes to keep little dancers excited and engaged. At this age, they are learning so much more than Ballet—they’re developing confidence, coordination, listening skills, teamwork and the ability to follow directions, all while having fun.

I’m also very intentional about building relationships. I love getting to know my students, their families and the directors and teachers at the schools where I teach. Because I travel to the children, I’m able to make dance accessible and convenient for families without adding another trip to their already busy schedules.

What I’m most proud of is the community I’ve built. When I started Twinkling Toes in 2018, I never imagined it would grow to the level it has. I’m proud of the relationships I’ve developed, the teachers I’ve been able to bring onto my team and, most importantly, the number of children who have discovered a love of dance through my program.

I think my biggest strength is that I genuinely care. I care about the experience each child has in my class, I care about the families I serve, and I care about creating a program that feels special. For me, Twinkling Toes has never been just about teaching Ballet—it’s about creating happy memories and giving little dancers a positive first experience with dance.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are so many ways people can work with or support Twinkling Toes Dance! The biggest opportunity is through our school and community partnerships. I’m always interested in connecting with daycares, preschools, churches, schools, recreation centers and other organizations that would like to offer a quality dance enrichment program to their families. I love collaborating with directors and teachers to create a program that works well for their community.

Families can support us simply by spreading the word. If you know a preschooler who would love Ballet, tell their parents about Twinkling Toes! Word of mouth has been incredibly important to the growth of my business, and many of our best opportunities have come from families and school directors recommending us to others.

I’m also always open to collaborating with other local small businesses and organizations that serve children and families. I love finding creative ways to partner, cross-promote and support other small businesses in our community.

And, of course, people can support us by following Twinkling Toes Dance, sharing our classes and events, and cheering on our little dancers. Every referral, introduction, share and kind word makes a difference.

Ultimately, I love connecting with people who believe in the importance of giving children positive, enriching experiences. If there is an opportunity to bring dance into a school, business or community, I’m always happy to have the conversation.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.twinklingtoes.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twinklingtoesdance