Gym Bugs

Revolution Dance is a Knoxville-based studio offering classes for ages 3 through 12th grade. The studio runs a tiered programme: Gym Bugs for ages 3–4, classes for ages 5–6, and progressive core classes for grades 1–2, 3–4, 5–6, and 7th grade and above. The studio also operates a Performance Team and a competitive Company dance programme (RDC).

Owner Julie was a Tennessee Vols cheerleader in the late 90s and served as Captain in her senior year. She later coached the UT dance team, leading them to a second-place finish at the UDA Collegiate Dance Nationals, before spending five years at Children's Hospital Rehab Center. She then opened Revolution Dance. The teaching staff is led by Melody as Gym Bugs Director and lead instructor, Cristin Lewis as RDC Director and lead instructor, and Ashley Williams as Performance Team Director. Cristin grew up in Murfreesboro with 15 years of competitive dance experience and was a member of the University of Tennessee Dance Team for 4 years, winning the national championship title in her senior year. She has been teaching at Revolution since 2013 and also serves as assistant coach and jazz choreographer for the UT dance team. Ashley Williams danced at Bearden High School, competed in Pom and Jazz at state and national levels, graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Psychology, and danced with BOSS Dance Company for four years before joining the REV staff in 2019. Jordan McLaughlin, RDC Lead Instructor, trained in Nashville and attended Nashville School of the Arts while competing at DC Dance Factory. She holds two National Championship titles from the University of Tennessee Dance Team and has been choreographing for over 10 years. The broader team includes additional teaching staff: Leigh, Jordan, Mati, Keegan, Brooke, Alexa, Alex, Taylor, Micaela, McKayla, Annie, Kellsie, Summer, and Bridget.

The studio offers summer camps and hosts a Recital in 2026. Beyond regular classes, Revolution Dance runs Parent's Night Out events, Open Gym sessions, and birthday parties in the Bug Room. Birthday parties run for 1–1.5 hours on Saturdays or Sundays (Sundays typically after 2:00 PM) and cost $250, with a $125 deposit to reserve. Parties accommodate up to 15 children in the playroom and include playtime in the Bug Room, time in the party room with picnic tables, staff assistance with decorating, helping with children, and cleanup. Families provide their own food and decorations. The studio also offers dance intensives called The Spin, and students may audition for the Company and Performance Team.

The studio describes its approach as encouraging dancers to work to the best of their abilities, gain confidence, value the importance of practice, and learn life lessons that carry into all areas of their lives. The aim is to grow students into self-assured yet humble young men and women. Registration for regular classes opens in June for classes starting mid-August.

Classes are offered for ages 3 through 12th grade, from Gym Bugs for the youngest to competitive company and performance teams for older students. The studio emphasises a supportive, family-like atmosphere where instruction focuses on building confidence and life skills alongside dance technique.

Owner Julie trained as a Tennessee Vols cheerleader and UT dance team coach. Melody directs the Gym Bugs programme. Cristin Lewis, RDC Director and lead instructor, brings 15 years of competitive experience and a University of Tennessee Dance Team national championship title; she has taught at Revolution since 2013 and currently serves as assistant coach and jazz choreographer for UT. Ashley Williams, Performance Team Director, danced at Bearden High School and with BOSS Dance Company at the University of Tennessee. Jordan McLaughlin, RDC Lead Instructor, holds two UT Dance Team national championship titles and has been choreographing for over 10 years. Additional teaching staff include Leigh, Mati, Keegan, Brooke, Alexa, Alex, Taylor, Micaela, McKayla, Annie, Kellsie, Summer, and Bridget.

The studio welcomes dancers new to dance and those with previous professional training, and aims to help all students reach their dance goals in a fun and supportive atmosphere.