Est. 2025 • Port Richey, FL

Our Story

Two sisters, one shared dream — building a dance studio where everyone belongs.

How It Started

From a Dream to a Dance Floor

Samantha Cressman grew up in the dance world. From her earliest memories, she was in the studio — learning plies at the barre, perfecting turns across the floor, and discovering that dance was more than movement. It was expression. It was connection. It was home.

That passion carried her through years of training and into a career in dance education. She taught at studios, mentored young dancers, and eventually became part of a studio in the Tampa area — pouring her heart into building something meaningful for her students and their families.

When the opportunity came to take ownership of that studio, Samantha didn't hesitate. She bought it outright and made it her own, refining the curriculum, deepening the community, and creating a space where dancers of every age could grow. But life had a bigger plan.

A move to Port Richey meant starting fresh — and this time, she wouldn't do it alone. Her sister Ashley McElroy came on board, bringing the organizational talent and warmth that would turn a startup studio into a thriving family business.

Together, they founded Kinesi Dance Complex — named from the Greek word for movement. It's a studio built on the belief that dance should be accessible, joyful, and rooted in real training. Whether you're three years old taking your first ballet class or an adult discovering dance for the first time, Kinesi was made for you.

Meet the Team

The Sisters Behind Kinesi

Samantha Cressman, Studio Director at Kinesi Dance Complex

Samantha Cressman

Studio Director

Samantha is a lifelong dancer and certified dance educator with over a decade of teaching experience. She has trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop — and has a special gift for making young dancers fall in love with the art form. As Studio Director, she designs Kinesi's curriculum, leads instructor development, and personally teaches many of the studio's classes. Her philosophy is simple: every dancer deserves real training in a supportive environment. Samantha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Dance from the University of Tampa, with a focus on brain-compatible dance education.

Ashley McElroy, Studio Manager at Kinesi Dance Complex

Ashley McElroy

Studio Manager

Ashley is the operational backbone of Kinesi Dance Complex. She manages scheduling, family communications, registration, and all the behind-the-scenes details that keep the studio running smoothly. With a natural warmth and an eye for detail, Ashley ensures every family feels welcome from their very first phone call. She believes the studio experience extends far beyond the dance floor — and she's dedicated to making every interaction feel personal.

Samantha Cressman performing a dance pose

What We Stand For

Our Values

Community

We're more than a studio — we're a family. Dancers, parents, and instructors all belong here. Connections made on the dance floor last a lifetime.

Family

Family-owned and sister-operated. We treat every student the way we'd treat our own kids — with patience, encouragement, and high expectations.

Passion

Dance isn't just what we do — it's who we are. That energy shows up in every class, every recital, and every moment we spend with our students.

Growth

We believe in pushing boundaries — for our dancers and ourselves. Real training builds real confidence, and every dancer has the potential to surprise themselves.

Come See Us — Your First Class is Free

We'd love to meet you. Drop in, take a class, and see what Kinesi is all about — no strings attached.

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