Over the past nine years, I have taught the children of Northwest Alabama, and since 2015 I have had the privilege to be the director and co-owner of Alysse Nicolle’s School of the Arts with my husband, Brian Beasley.

        I began teaching dance with Jessica Turner in January of 2011 when she was the director of Grace School of Dance in Hamilton. In 2015, when Brian and I learned that the Turners were deciding to move and close Grace School of Dance, we had two very different thoughts. My thought was “We’ll open a studio. I have always wanted to have a studio. But most importantly, I love these kids dearly and I want to see them continue to grow in the arts. I wanted them to have an opportunity as I did as a child. I wanted them to change the world with their gifts.”

        Brian’s thoughts were a little different. He was thinking “Absolutely not. We have no business experience, and I am not excited about the responsibilities that come with a business.” This was our discussion almost daily during that summer. We both knew that if this was the direction God wanted us to take in our lives then we needed to have some sort of confirmation from Him. So we asked, and He answered. That summer, in a matter of a month, we got the studio ready to open for that school year. We honestly had very little understanding of what we were doing, but we were being obedient to what He told us to do.

        Anyone in any business, especially a leadership position within that business, can tell you it is not an easy job. There have been days of great laughter, and days of great pain. We have laughed, cried, and probably have had every emotion in between in the past five and a half years. We have seen miracles come out of our prayers prayed before class with the students. And most importantly, we have seen our students love God and love others, which has made me truly honored to be called their dance teacher. I can tell you one thing through all of this; He has always been leading and guiding us this entire time.

        Last November, we heard the news that our building, that we rented for our dance studio, was going up for sale. This led us to a time of prayer, seeking the Lord, and financial council of what to do moving forward. After much prayer and discussion between Brian and myself, we knew we were to continue with the studio. We would continue to stay in the building until an offer was made and then we would begin the process to look for optional facilities.

        This year we transitioned the entire studio to be known as Alysse Nicolle’s Company which allowed more performance and competition opportunities for all of our students. This year has been a wonderful time full of great memories and milestone moments. One of my favorite moments would be our Winter Showcase. It truly allowed the students to have their moment in the spotlight and it felt like family with all the love and support everyone gave.

        We have had some pretty wild moments with the building issues, such as flooding and our air conditioning going out. You have been amazing at staying positive through it all, and I am truly grateful for this! However, our year was unfortunately cut short. Due to the sudden auctioning off of our building and the pandemic, it didn’t leave room for us to finish our competition year or have a Spring Celebration. But once again, I am so thankful our Company students were able to all go to a competition, as well as, have a huge performance opportunity with our Winter Showcase before all of this happened.

        At the beginning of 2020, Brian and I began seeking the Lord specifically on what He is leading us to do with the studio. The studio throughout the years has been an amazing tool to not only teach the arts but also teach about the love of Jesus. The fruit that we have seen in each child’s life has truly been the fuel to continue. Although we began to feel that we wouldtransition out of the studio recently this year, it was too difficult of a thing  for me to accept because of my love for the kids. It honestly was something I didn’t want, but I know from my journey with God that it is far better to be obedient than to continue something in my own strength. As difficult as it is for me to say, as tears are rolling down my face, Brian and I have decided to close Alysse Nicolle’s School of the Arts.

        I will miss the hugs, laughter, and “aha” moments all our students have. I will miss hearing their sweet voices saying “Hi Mrs. Alysse” and running to give me hugs. I will miss their excitement when they get to try on their dance costumes. I will miss every one of them and their passion for the arts but most importantly, I will miss their growing love for Jesus week after week.

        I am thankful for more and more opportunities arising within Hamilton and the surrounding areas for the arts within both schools and after school programs, and I would encourage each student to continue with the arts. Search out new opportunities, and if I can help in any way to help find those opportunities, please let me know. I want them to continue, and I am truly cheering for every single one of them. Above all, I would encourage them to seek God and His plan for their lives. I desire they be confident in who He has called them to be and His love for them, which in turn will make them passionate followers of Jesus.

        Finally, I want to say that I am always here to encourage and help in any way I can. Although the studio is closing, my love for all the students and families is still more alive than ever. If you or your child ever needs me, I am here. We will still be in Hamilton and available to help in any way. Whether you were at one time a part of the studio or are a current family, thank you for allowing us to teach your child. One of the greatest blessings we have is our children, and I am truly honored that you would trust me to teach yours and help grow them. This has been a tremendous journey and I know the best is yet to come both for us and each one of our students, both past and present! My final prayer over you is this, Psalms 1:1-3 (TPT):

What delight comes to the one who follows God’s ways! He won’t walk in step with the wicked,
 nor share the sinner’s way, nor be found sitting in the scorner’s seat. His pleasure and passion is remaining true to the Word of “I Am,” meditating day and night in the true revelation of light. He will be standing firm like a flourishing tree planted by God’s design, deeply rooted by the brooks of bliss, bearing fruit in every season of his life. He is never dry, never fainting, ever blessed, ever prosperous.

I pray this over you and your families. I love you all and thank you for joining us on an amazing journey with Alysse Nicolle’s School of the Arts!