Tenacity Dance Company

Tenacity Dance Company opened in 2016 in Wichita, Kansas, built on five core pillars: family, humility, teamwork, respect, self-expression, community, entertainment, and inclusiveness. The studio's philosophy centres on creating artists and confident people through what they call the Tenacious Teaching Method—a system of age-appropriate instruction, individualized feedback, and visual-based learning using metaphors and imagery.

The studio is proud to be an American Ballet Theatre (ABT) Certified Teacher studio. Ms. Jayna Lucia has completed the ABT Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3 of the ABT National Training Curriculum, bringing her BFA from the University of Missouri Kansas City and professional training at Broadway Dance Center in New York. Tenacity is also an Acrobatic Arts Certified Studio, using the Acrobatic Arts syllabus—a holistic approach to acro technique developed over 20 years and now followed by approximately 4,000 studios with over 100,000 active participants.

Classes run Monday to Friday, 4:00–9:00 pm, across eight age groups and ability levels. For the youngest dancers (ages 2–4), there's Creative Movement focusing on imagination, space, and basic fundamentals. Ages 4–5 can try the Ballet/Tap/Jazz/Hip Hop Combo, with 15 minutes of each style. Primary Acro is available for ages 3–6 (Wednesdays 6:30–7:15 pm). Dancers ages 6–10 choose from Ballet/Acro Combo (Tuesdays 5:15–6:45 pm), Beginning/Intermediate Jazz/Contemporary (Thursdays 4:30–6:00 pm), Beginning/Intermediate Tap (Tuesdays 4:30–5:15 pm), and Beginning/Intermediate Hip-Hop (Tuesdays 6:45–7:30 pm). Ages 11 and up can take Hip-Hop (Mondays 4:30–5:15 pm), Acro/Jazz (Mondays 6:00–7:30 pm), and Tap (beginning level). The studio also offers Special Needs Classes and Classes for Moms, though specific schedules require contacting TDC directly.

Instructor Rainin Carreno was raised in Topeka, Kansas, where she trained at Fuzion School of Dance in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, and musical theatre, with particular depth in hip-hop. She attended Stephens College working towards her BFA and has just completed her Acrobatic Arts Module 1 certification.

The studio's core support system is the Tenacious Teamwork Triangle—student at the centre, parents and teachers as foundation—built on the belief that students thrive with encouragement, hard work, and positivity from every member. All dancers and parents sign a TDC Promise committing to their role in success. Classes emphasize technique alongside character: pointed toes and strong arabesques matter as much as student spirit and self-expression.

You'll join small, age-grouped classes led by ABT and Acrobatic Arts certified teachers using imaginative, metaphor-based instruction. Classes include warm-up, technique instruction, and combinations; most require a uniform and specific dance shoes. Expect an encouraging environment where dancers progress at their own pace and are recognised for small and large milestones.

Ms. Jayna Lucia, founder and ABT Certified Teacher (Pre-Primary through Level 3), trained professionally in New York at Broadway Dance Center and holds a BFA from the University of Missouri Kansas City. Miss Rainin Carreno teaches hip-hop and other styles; she studied at Fuzion School of Dance in Topeka and Stephens College, and is newly Acrobatic Arts Module 1 certified.

The Ballet/Tap/Jazz/Hip Hop Combo for ages 4–6 is described as 'the perfect class for the first time dancer'; beginners at all ages are welcome and taught in an encouraging, safe environment at a pace that suits them.