Pursuit School of Dance

Pursuit School of Dance opened in 2019 with a dream and three dancers. Founded by Michaela McAlpine, who has over 14 years of experience teaching, choreographing and directing, the studio exists to inspire dancers to pursue their dreams, equip them with quality training, and give them a platform to express themselves through movement. Michaela and her husband Brandon, who also teaches at the studio, are both passionate about the performing arts and helping individuals discover their God-given purpose.

The studio teaches ballet across six structured levels, from Early Childhood (ages 2–4) through Advanced (ages 14 and up). Dancers progress through a clear training pathway designed to support technical development, artistry and performance. Class sizes are kept small, and the studio emphasizes both technique and character development in an encouraging, supportive environment. Multiple instructors bring diverse backgrounds: Abby Dill has trained in ballet, pointe, contemporary, jazz, musical theatre, tap, ballroom, Scottish Highland and Israeli Folk Dance. Shelby Davenport teaches Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary. Addison Smith, who has been dancing for over 13 years and has been at Pursuit since the beginning, performs leading roles in productions. Ameilya Hundley teaches Advanced Contemporary and Jazz, bringing experience from the University of Tennessee's student dance organisation BOSS.

Performance is central to the Pursuit experience. Students perform in productions throughout the year including The Nutcracker, Spring Recital, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and The Wizard of Oz. Older dancers (ages 9 and up) can join the Company Program for additional performance and training opportunities. Recent productions have featured roles including the Sugar Plum Fairy, Cinderella, the Lilac Fairy, Alice in Wonderland, Beauty and the Beast, A Christmas Carol and Peter Pan.

Typical weekly commitments range from 1–2 classes for Level 1 dancers up to 5–7 classes for advanced students. Monthly tuition runs from $80 for one class to $280 for seven or more classes, with an annual registration fee of $35. Nutcracker and Spring costume fees are $65 each. The studio offers a 10% sibling discount and a 5% discount for full annual payment. The studio is located in Suite 201 at 11921 Kingston Pike in Knoxville, Tennessee.

When you visit Pursuit, you'll find classes organised by age and level, with small class sizes and an emphasis on both technique and a supportive community. Dancers are placed based on age, experience and maturity, and progression moves through a clear training pathway with regular performance opportunities.

Michaela McAlpine is the Owner and Artistic Director, with over 14 years of teaching and directing experience. Her husband Brandon McAlpine teaches and brings a background in musical theatre, worship and media production. Abby Dill is Studio Manager and Instructor, dancing since age two and training across eight styles. Addison Smith, an Instructor and Company Soloist, has danced for over 13 years and has been at Pursuit since the beginning. Shelby Davenport teaches Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary, having trained across multiple styles and performed at Dance Revolution's Convention. Ameilya Hundley teaches Advanced Contemporary and Jazz, with over 15 years of dance experience including training in hip hop, modern, jazz, pointe and ballet.

Early Childhood classes (ages 2–4) and Level 1 (ages 5–6) are designed for dancers new to structured ballet training.