FLUX FLOW Dance Center

Flux Flow Dance Center, founded in 2017 by Fili Pelacchi and Russell Lepley, is a queer-led studio built on the conviction that all dancing bodies are beautiful regardless of age, race, size, gender expression, and dis/ability. Located at 200 Crestview Road in Columbus, the studio operates two dedicated spaces: Studio Flux (42 × 25 feet with sprung Marley floors) and Studio Flow (40 × 25 feet with padded Marley floors). Both have 8-foot mirrors, sound equipment with AUX input, and mirrors that can be covered by curtain if desired.

The studio offers open dance classes for adults across multiple styles. Leiland Charles teaches ballet; he trained at The Juilliard School (BFA, spring 2014) and has danced as a soloist and principal with BalletMet and Alberta Ballet. Mara Frazier, with 25 years of teaching experience and an MFA in Directing from Ohio State University, teaches ballet, contemporary, and youth creative dance. Candice Igeleke leads Dance Vibes + Exploration, drawing on Traditional West African, Hip Hop, Contemporary, HBCU style, and African Diaspora-inspired movement. Jeffrey Clark teaches tap; he has performed with Tapestry Dance Company in national and international venues. Alicia Hann teaches Modern Technique + Dancing Mindfulness and is certified as a Dancing Mindfulness Facilitator through The Institute for Creative Mindfulness. Co-founder Fili Pelacchi, from Florence, Italy, and Russell Lepley, a Columbus native, each had international dance careers spanning a decade before founding the studio.

Classes run Sunday (9:00–3:00 PM), Monday–Thursday (5:15–9:00 PM), and Saturday (10:45–2:45 PM). All scheduled classes offer both in-person and livestream options. New students pay $49 for unlimited classes for one month; drop-ins are $18 ($14 for virtual/student/senior). A 10-class pass costs $130 ($100 discounted). Monthly unlimited is $110 ($85 discounted for virtual/student/senior 65+). Pay-What-You-Can rates are available on request for passes and classes. The studio has a late-cancellation and no-show fee policy: canceling within an hour or missing class incurs a credit deduction or $10 fee depending on your pass type.

Flix Flow also hosts community performances and creative projects. Recent events include the contemporary ballet Piazza (December 2025), created by Fili and performed by a multigenerational troupe of more than 30 dancers. The studio runs seasonal community dance projects open to all levels; the Contemporary Community Project (September–October) requires no prior movement experience. The studio offers a Baby Dance Club™ programme, workshops, Italy retreats, and gift cards. Space rental is available at $20 (student/non-profit) or $25 (standard) per hour for rehearsals; workshops rent for $30–$50/hour. Maximum 15 bodies per rental; no heels, outdoor shoes, furniture, food, or beverages except water inside the studio.

All classes except Beginner/Intermediate and Intermediate/Advanced Ballet are open to true beginners. Wear whatever feels comfortable to move in—no dress code, no required dance shoes, and you can arrive up to 10 minutes late (5 minutes for ballet). Expect a welcoming, body-positive environment focused on connecting you with movement in the way that feels right for you.

Leiland Charles (ballet, trained at Juilliard, danced with BalletMet), Mara Frazier (ballet, contemporary, youth creative dance, 25 years teaching, MFA OSU), Candice Igeleke (Dance Vibes + Exploration, West African and contemporary styles), Jeffrey Clark (tap, performed with Tapestry Dance Company), and Alicia Hann (Modern Technique + Dancing Mindfulness, certified facilitator) all teach at the studio. Co-founders Fili Pelacchi and Russell Lepley create and lead community dance projects and performances.

All classes except Beginner/Intermediate and Intermediate/Advanced Ballet welcome true novice dancers; come as you are and learn in a welcoming environment.