Our Mission
To use dance as a vehicle for physical health, mental wellness, creative expression, and youth development empowering children and teens to build healthy habits, confidence, discipline, and real-world readiness.
Our Vision
A community where every young person has access to high-quality dance education and wellness programming regardless of their background.
OUR STORY
Rooted in Community, Driven by Purpose
ICE Studios was founded with a simple belief: dance can change lives. What started as a small community dance program has grown into a comprehensive youth development organization serving hundreds of young dancers each year.
Our programming goes beyond technique we integrate physical health, mental wellness, nutrition education, and life skills into everything we do. We're committed to creating pathways for our dancers to succeed both on and off the stage.
As a nonprofit organization, we're dedicated to making quality dance education accessible to all, offering scholarships and reduced tuition to families in need.
Passion
We believe in the transformative power of dance and artistic expression.
What We Believe
Our Core Values
Community
Building meaningful connections between families, mentors, and dancers.
Excellence
Pursuing the highest standards in dance education and youth development.
Authenticity
Celebrating cultural identity and individual expression through movement.
Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
Many companies also provide paid volunteer hours that employees can use to support nonprofit organizations. Ice Studios has volunteer opportunities throughout the year, including:
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Assisting at recitals and performances
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Administrative support
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Studio organization and upkeep
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Fundraising and special events
Every dollar donated, every volunteer hour given, and every employer match secured helps provide a stronger studio, better opportunities, and a richer experience for your dancer.
We encourage you to check with your employer to see whether they offer matching gifts or volunteer time off. If they do, we'd love to partner with you to put those resources to work for our dancers.
Leadership
Meet Our Team
Our dedicated team brings decades of experience in dance, education, and youth development.
Isha "ICE" Williams
Founder/Artistic Director/Dance Teacher
Isha C. Williams is better known as “Ms. Ice” is one of the most talented and creative choreographers/dancers/ in Kansas City, MO. Her training in performing arts began when she was only five years old in St. Louis, MO at a small dance studio called “Pledge Wren Green School of Dance”. Even though she began her career and experiences of dancing in St. Louis it continues today into the streets of Kansas City, MO.
Ms. Ice has over 20 years of experience in dance. Some of her dance specialties are Praise Dance (liturgical dance), Hip Hop, Tap, African Dance, Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theater, and Step. Some of the organizations that she has worked for are Chameleon Youth Arts, Theatre of Imagination, City in Motion Dance Studio, Tajazz School of Dance, Providence School of the Arts, Association of Black Collegians Dance Company, Warrensburg, MO, University of Missouri Jackson County 4-H, and Kacico Dance Company.
Dancing has really changed her life in a positive way. Her ability to dance over the years has made her the great instructor/dancer that she is today. Dancing has always been a way of life for Ms. Ice because she loves using her gifts to help others.
AuJanai Hawkins
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Level I Contemporary/Jazz
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Contemporary/jazz class Level
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Leaps and Turns
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Contemporary Jazz Comp. Coach
Anaja Arthur
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Leaps and Turns
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Contemporary. Coach
Devon Anthony
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Dance Teacher
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Comp. Team Coach
ISSOD BOARD
Vice Chair of the Board at Ice Studios
Tara Alder
Tara is the Founder and Root Strategist of Rooted Giving. She brings a deep understanding of community-driven philanthropy and nonprofit growth. Goal driven and well-accomplished professional with 15 years of experience in the nonprofit field in Kansas City. Developed in all aspects of nonprofit management, including administrative, fundraising and development, staff management, volunteer management, program development, and expansion with a wide range of continued education in the field.
Offering fractional development services, strategic guidance, and hands-on support to help organizations with:
✔️ Development strategy and fundraising
✔️ Donor cultivation and stewardship
✔️ Campaign development
✔️ Grant strategy and writing
✔️ Executive coaching and board support
Sergeant-at-arms
Claude Hawkins
Claude Hawkins is a seasoned IT asset management professional with a proven track record of optimizing IT assets for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. He excels in the complete lifecycle management of assets, from procurement to retirement. Claude's expertise lies in developing strategies aligned with organizational goals, negotiating vendor contracts, and ensuring compliance with licensing agreements. He leverages data analysis and industry trends to make informed technology investment decisions. Claude's proficiency in asset management tools, strong communication skills, and commitment to continuous learning make him a valuable asset for enhancing IT infrastructure and driving organizational growth.
Secretary
Adrienne Story
Adrienne Story is an executive administrative assistant in Impact for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, where she provides executive-level administrative and project management support to the chief impact and strategy officer.
Prior to joining the Foundation, Story was an executive assistant and community engagement coordinator for WeCode KC. Her professional nonprofit sector experience includes supporting executives, customer service, community engagement, and client and project management. She is a part of the Solace Photography Board, an organization that serves families whose children are at the end of life or born still to give them an opportunity to commemorate their memory through photos.
Story earned her Associate in Arts degree in music therapy from Metropolitan Community College – Blue River in Independence.