Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristina Duncan.
Hi Cristina , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey with The Gift of Dance began from a place of both passion and purpose. As a young mother finding my way through life’s challenges, dance was my refuge the space where I could breathe, rebuild, and reconnect with myself. I wanted to create that same kind of safe, empowering space for youth in my community, especially those who might not otherwise have access to the arts.
In 2012, I started small with just nine students in one community center. We organically grew the program offering classes onsite at different amenity centers and eventually we began offering classes in preschools and elementary schools. Those early days were full of trial and error, but they also showed me something powerful, dance has the ability to build confidence, connection, and joy in a way that moves far beyond the classroom.
What started as one class has now grown into a thriving mobile dance program that offers classes all across St. Johns County. Over time, the vision expanded to include Gift of Dance Gives Back, our nonprofit arm, which provides scholarships, costumes, mentorship, and leadership opportunities for youth — especially those in Title I schools and group home settings. One of my favorite programs is our Leaders in Training (LIT) initiative, a 20-week experience that blends ballroom dance, leadership development, and service. Watching students who once doubted themselves walk with confidence, dressed up for their graduation ball is one of the greatest joys of my career.
Today, we serve hundreds of students weekly, and our instructors receive specialized training in child development and trauma-informed teaching to better meet kids where they are. Looking back, I’m amazed by how far one simple idea has come. The Gift of Dance isn’t just focused on the stage worthy moments, it’s about giving students the tools to believe in themselves, express their emotions in healthy ways, and discover their own rhythm in life. At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to make the world move with heart, one child, one class, and one community at a time.
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?
I always say that the rhythm of my life feels like two steps forward and one step back at any given moment! But then I have to remind myself, that’s all dancing is anyways! And the steps back are sometimes much needed and help us learn, improve, and grow.
Running a business while raising a family on my own, came with its share of long nights, self-doubt, and so many learning curves. I didn’t have a roadmap or investors; I just had faith, a vision, and a willingness to show up every day even when it was hard.
There were seasons where I wore all the hats: teacher, administrator, marketer, accountant, all while trying to maintain balance at home. I’ve faced burnout, unexpected financial setbacks, and moments where I questioned whether I was really making a difference. But every time I thought about stopping, I’d picture the students who light up when they walk into class — the ones who finally feel seen, confident, and connected. That’s what always pulled me forward.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the power of persistence and grace. Grace for others is important, but also as leaders and business owners, we have to give ourselves the same grace we extend to others! Growth doesn’t always look glamorous. Sometimes it’s just taking one step at a time, trusting that the hard days are preparing you for the next steps forward. Looking back, I can see how every challenge refined my leadership, deepened my empathy, and strengthened my purpose.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At The Gift of Dance, our mission is to make quality dance education accessible, empowering, and heart-centered for all students. We are a mobile dance company that brings the arts directly into schools and community spaces, meeting students where they are and removing barriers to participation.
What makes our approach unique is that we combine technical dance instruction with character development, leadership skills, and social-emotional growth. We believe dance isn’t just movement, it’s a pathway to confidence, discipline, and self-discovery. Over the years, we’ve expanded from a handful of students to serving hundreds each week all across St. Johns county.
We partner with preschools, elementary schools, and youth programs to deliver structured, developmentally appropriate classes led by instructors trained in both child development and trauma-informed teaching. I’m most proud of the community we’ve built one where every child feels seen, valued, and capable of greatness.
Through our nonprofit, Gift of Dance Gives Back, we’re able to offer scholarships, costumes, and leadership opportunities to students who otherwise wouldn’t have access to the arts. What sets The Gift of Dance apart is the heart behind every class. We aren’t in this work for the stage worthy moments only, we help students step into confidence, express themselves, and move through life with purpose.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I grew up here in Jacksonville, so I’m a native! It’s the city that launched me and nurtured my passion to make a difference. Jacksonville has an established community that is full of creativity, collaboration, and heart! People genuinely care and show up for one another. The city is big enough to dream boldly, yet small enough to still feel the supported in a way that brings ideas to life.
Even though I don’t currently live in Jacksonville, it will always feel familiar to me. Like any growing city, there are always challenges that come with expansion. Making sure every community has access to enough opportunities, creativity, and connections can be difficult to navigate. But I see so much potential here, and I’m excited to watch how Jacksonville continues to evolve and inspire surrounding areas like St. Johns County.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://giftofdance.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giftofdanceclass/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegiftofdanceclass
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristina-duncan-0716b0148/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegiftofdance6607
Image Credits
Joe Dykeman Photography
Megan Womble Photography
