A Movement Built on Heart

The Legacy

DanceMakers, one of the first dance conventions to open its doors in 1978, was founded by Marjorie Perry, a visionary who sought to create a space where young dancers could not only perfect their craft but also connect with a larger community of artists and mentors. Perry's influence on the dance world was immeasurable, and under her stewardship, DanceMakers became a beloved institution, admired for both its commitment to excellence and its inclusive, family-like atmosphere. When Perry passed away in 2006, the company was at a crossroads — but it was also poised to embark on a new era, one shaped by the leadership of Doug Shaffer.

Shaffer, who had spent over 20 years as the director of the Tremaine Dance Convention, brought with him an extensive understanding of the industry and a philosophy that would define the future of DanceMakers. "Doug was more than a mentor to us," says Brad Taylor, who would go on to purchase DanceMakers with his wife, Felicia, in 2014. "He was a teacher in every sense of the word — someone who understood the dance world inside and out, but who also understood that what you create goes far beyond the steps you teach." Shaffer's approach to DanceMakers was rooted in a commitment to mentorship, not just technique. He understood that a dance convention could serve as a place for young artists to find their voice, to be inspired, and to connect with others who shared their passion.

Brad Taylor's relationship with DanceMakers began long before he became its owner. As a young dancer, he attended the convention as a student, captivated by the energy and the opportunity to learn from some of the industry's best. At 14, he began assisting faculty members at events across the country, slowly but surely becoming part of the company's fabric. In 2005, at the age of 21, Brad was invited to join the faculty as a hip-hop teacher — a role that would shape not only his career but his relationship with the company. "It wasn't just about teaching dance," Brad reflects. "It was about creating a space where dancers felt supported, where they felt seen. I wanted to contribute to that energy."

It was during these early years that Brad met Felicia, his girlfriend at the time, who would later become his wife. "I didn't want to sit on the sidelines," Felicia remembers. "I was always the one jumping in, helping with whatever needed to be done. If there was a task, I was doing it." Together, the couple became an integral part of DanceMakers' success, with Felicia taking on the role of Tour Director and Brad becoming Creative Director. By 2008, after graduating from college, they moved to California, ready to work behind the scenes to ensure the convention's continued growth.

Their deep connection to DanceMakers was not just about their roles but about the larger mission of the company. In 2014, they took the monumental step of purchasing the company from Doug Shaffer. "We didn't want to be just owners," Brad says. "We wanted to be stewards of something that's bigger than us — something that has been built over decades by so many incredible people. It's important to us that the values of this company stay intact." For the Taylors, DanceMakers is not a personal project but a legacy that they are committed to nurturing and passing on to the next generation of leaders.

As the stewards of DanceMakers, the Taylors have always been focused on the larger purpose of their work. "We don't train dancers in three days," Brad explains. "It's impossible to train a dancer in such a short time. What we do is create an environment that inspires dancers to go back to their home studios and continue their education. We want to provide a space that encourages them to push themselves, to grow, and to find confidence in who they are." Felicia adds, "It's so much more than dance. It's about giving these young people the confidence to stand in their own skin, to be proud of who they are, and to feel inspired not just by the faculty, but by the other dancers in the room."

The Taylors' commitment to preserving the spirit of DanceMakers while continuing its evolution has become the hallmark of their leadership. "It wasn't one thing that made DanceMakers what it is," Brad reflects. "It was a group of people, all aligned with the same vision. Over time, we've found our tribe — our community of dancers, teachers, and families who share our passion for this work." That sense of belonging and connection is what, in the end, makes DanceMakers what it is — a space where people feel seen, valued, and loved.

Though the Taylors have never sought to be the biggest dance convention, they recognize that it's time to expand the tour into new markets. This year, they are adding a dozen new cities across the country, eager to share the energy and spirit of DanceMakers with even more dancers. "We feel that like energies attract like energies," Felicia says. "And that makes it so exciting to bring in new friends, new members of our dance family. Each new city is an opportunity to meet people who are aligned with our values, who want to be part of this amazing community."

For the Taylors, the expansion of DanceMakers is not about achieving dominance in the industry; it's about continuing to grow the family. "It's about bringing more people into the tribe, helping them find their place, and inspiring them to grow in ways they might never have imagined," Brad says. "That's the heart of DanceMakers."

As they look toward the future, Brad and Felicia remain steadfast in their commitment to preserving the values that have made DanceMakers a beloved institution for over four decades. "The legacy of this company isn't ours," Brad says. "It's the people who have come through these doors — the dancers, the teachers, the families who have made DanceMakers what it is. We're just here to help guide that legacy until it's time for the next generation to take it on."

In this way, DanceMakers continues to be what it was always meant to be: not just a dance convention, but a place of connection, growth, and inspiration. And for the Taylors, that's the greatest legacy they can offer.