Kris Robinson left her job in the tech industry to open Hill Country Tippi Toes Dance Studio in 2016, which began by teaching dance to children in on-campus after-school programs.

The company’s instructors still teach at schools throughout the Central Texas region, but Robinson also expanded into a studio space in Kyle in 2019.

She said that unlike many dance companies, Tippi Toes is not a competitive environment, and the focus is on enjoyment and students’ self-esteem.

“We are here to make kids feel good,” Robinson said. “We want them to be challenged. We want them to accomplish things, but ultimately it’s their confidence [we prioritize].”

Tippi Toes teaches a variety of styles, such as jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, ballet, tumble and pom dance.

Another benefit of the non-competitive teaching style is that students with no experience can begin taking classes at any age.

Tippi Toes’ students range in age from 18 months to 12 years old, and Robinson said the relaxed atmosphere sets it apart from other dance companies.

“If you’re an 8-year-old and you’ve never danced before and you want to take a dance class, good luck finding one for beginners at any other dance studio,” she said. “You can come and take a dance class with us when you’re 8 years old and be in a class full of other 8-year-olds that are starting out new as well.”

Despite being non-competitive, Tippi Toes students still have multiple recitals and performances throughout the year.

All students, whether enrolled in the studio or after-school program, are invited to dance at a San Antonio Spurs game.

Last year’s showing was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, but Robinson said she expects a return to the court in the future. Roughly 160 students performed at the Spurs’ AT&T Center in 2019.

“They love it. They get to be on TV,” Robinson said. “All of our hip-hop, pom and jazz dancers who are elementary school kids perform [at] halftime.”

Other Tippi Toes performances include parades and recitals at the Hays CISD Performing Arts Center.

The pandemic interfered with those performances as well in 2020, but instructors dressed like princesses and drove through neighborhoods to celebrate their students.

Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on classes and performances, Robinson said she plans to expand the business later this year—with either a larger studio or a second location.

“You’ll see kids that are on stage that are having a blast,” she said. “That’s the goal. Build confidence in kids through dance.”