MIDDLEBURG — When a dancer steps on stage, there's always a sense of passion that rakes through their body.

The lights are bright. The floor is polished. The room is full. Yet, their confidence is radiant. Each angelic step they take is defined by a rhythmic flow and a desire to leave the audience in awe.

Every dancer has that feeling. And at All-Starz Dance Studio, it's universal for all that glide through.

"Once they get on the stage, they're hooked," said owner Cindy Brown.

The dance studio is a safe haven for aspiring performers around Clay County. Whether its lyrical, jazz, musical theater, ballet or hip-hop, dancers starting at 2 years old can find their niche and a style that fits them best.

The studio originally opened in 2002, Brown said. At the time, her daughter, Lauren, was an assistant. When its original owner relocated to Orlando, Brown decided to jump right in.  As an avid dance lover, and someone who had always wanted to own their own business, it was a match made in heaven. 

"I purchased the studio and took over her lease. So, I helped her out," Brown said. 

All-Starz was first located on County Road 220 near the Walmart Neighborhood Market. They then moved to the Shoppes of Eagle Harbor, where they remained for the next 18 years. They will officially open at their new location at 1635 Farm Way on July 18, expanding to three total studios and additional office space. 

One-hundred and fifty-five students have called the studio home for the last 24 seasons. Going into its 25th, Brown said the hard work and grit from each dancer remains the same.

Whether prepping for yearly recitals, rehearsing for the award-winning competitive team, or taking recurring classes through the summer, Brown said off days are rare. And most don't come once or twice. They stick around for good.

"Our dancers average about three classes a week," Brown said. "My little babies, we added tumbling to them this year. So, I saw a lot of my tots and my 2-and-a-half, 3-year-olds taking two classes a week, which is crazy."

Over the years, Brown said, dance styles and interests have evolved. But the studio prides itself in meeting the demand. Tumbling and tricks have become a necessity, while hip hop continues to progress with each teacher that takes it on. Ballet, she said, remains the foundation, with eight levels overflowing with students every year. 

The teachers, some who have called All-Starz home since they were children, take the ropes when it comes to creating defining choreography for the dancers. It's all about accentuating all of their unique assets, Brown said. 

"They spend a lot of time with these dancers and they do whatever makes them shine the best on stage."

Although perfecting every routine is key, the family atmosphere shines through. That's what Brown said makes the studio so special.

"We have such a great dance family. They have mom's and the kids, and they work so hard together. Of course, winning is amazing. But it's so much about the family, camaraderie and friends that they make along the way."

When they're not confined to four walls, Brown said the dancers are still pivoting their way through the community. Their performances shine during the Fleming Island High Homecoming Parade, Orange Park Fall Festival and Green Cove Springs Christmas Parade, the Clay County Fair and local senior living centers. Some students even take a step in the professional direction. Last year, six dancers participated in the First Coast and Community Nutcracker shows.

They don't just provide opportunities to competitive dancers, but the entire studio. Something that sets All-Starz apart. 

"I don't take just my competitive dancers to those five events. I invite the entire studio ... it's great to get on the stage before you get on the big stage," she said. 

Brown said All-Starz is changing the lives of students beyond the studio. Dance has a way of bringing people together. And when dancers leave the studio, they're always sharing how it has become a way of life.

"They're out in the community, too. They're out there talking about how dance is amazing and [how] it's affected their lives. And how much they love it."

During the grand opening of its new location on July 18, the studio will be hosting food, giveaways and free mini classes to see what it's all about.

Brown said there's a lot to look forward to, including more classes, growth and everything in-between.

"We are open to everyone that wants to dance," she said.