Our History

Our company was founded and is currently directed by a dedicated group of compassionate leaders who are driven by a love for our students to make this program the best it can be. 

This program was founded by Erika Reynolds, who saw a great need for athletic and artistic offerings for disabled children in the area after she struggled to find extracurricular activities for her son with autism, Christopher. In 2019, with the help of her daughter, a trained ballerina, Erika decided to start a dance program for children with disabilities to provide them a creative outlet on the weekends. The class began out of Erika’s home and was self-funded. Shortly after launching the first class, Erika realized there was more demand and began to search for a more appropriate and dedicated space for volunteers and dance teachers. With expertise in both the special needs and dance fields, Erika is particularly knowledgeable about how to best run a program like this.

Our faculty is made up of experienced dance professionals who are passionate about teaching and dedicated to helping students reach their full potential. They create a supportive and nurturing environment where students can thrive.

Rick Long is a multifaceted professional based in New York City, specializing in dance, choreography, personal training, swim instruction, and wellness coaching. With a rich background in dance, Rick's expertise encompasses dancehall, jazz, and hip-hop styles. He has trained under renowned choreographers such as Frank Hatchett and Wade Robinson. Throughout his career, Rick has performed in over 50 major cities worldwide and has collaborated with artists like Lisa Lisa and Daddy Yankee. Notably, he appeared in the feature film "Step Up 3D." ​dancemogul.com

In addition to his dance career, Rick is a dedicated personal trainer and wellness coach, operating under the brand "GETRickFit." He emphasizes mental, physical, and spiritual fitness, offering training sessions and packages tailored to individual needs. He believes in the power of dance and fitness to bring joy and confidence, striving to inspire others through his work. ​Rick Long exemplifies dedication to his craft and a commitment to fostering wellness and positivity in others. This makes him an engaging and uplifting instructor to our students, always pushing them to get the most out of class. 

https://www.instagram.com/getrickfit/

With an extensive dance background, expertise in neurodivergence, and a positive spirit, Ana is an invaluable member of our staff. Ana has been dancing since she was three years old. She started her dancing career in Mexico City at a competitive dance studio, participating in competitions in Chicago and LA. After moving to the U.S., she joined Greenwich Dance Studio and performed every year with them at the SUNY Purchase Performing Arts Center in jazz, contemporary, and hip hop styles. Ana was also part of the Greenwich High School Varsity Dance Team, where she performed in football and basketball games during halftime and earned third place with her team in the 2024 state competition. Now, she continues to dance as a part of the Fairfield University Dance Ensemble. At Fairfield U, Ana is also pursuing studies of neurodiversity. Her learnings from the classroom are able to inform the way she teaches in our studio, and this makes her a phenomenal asset to our program. Ana has been a volunteer at Flower Petals since January 2023 and is now leading the instruction of our Beginning Dance class alongside Emma McDermott. 

May is a Senior at Greenwich High School and has been dancing since the age of two. She received her Adaptive Dance Teacher Training certification in 2025 from Boston Ballet. She is a member of the Greenwich High School Varsity Dance Team, performing at halftime for football and basketball games and competing in several competitions a year. May is also a member of the Greenwich Dance Studio Company (her cherished studio since first grade), which is a 10-person select group of dedicated, highly technical dancers and strong stage performers. May has spent six summers dancing in the prestigious Joffrey Intensive in New York City. She is also a dedicated student at Greenwich High School, doing independent research in women’s history and acting as a member of the Rho Kappa Honor Society. May has been a volunteer at Flower Petals since her freshman year, and it is her passion to bring dance to children of all abilities.