the dream & dreamer
My name is Fee and for 15 years, dance, acro, and directing was more than something I did—it was a piece of who I was. As an Arlington Heights local I ran and directed talent and dance shows through different park district programs, built an acro dance company, earned my certifications through Acrobatic Arts, coached privately, managed classes, rehearsals and performances, ordered costumes and apparel, stayed up countless late nights stoning and perfecting every detail, and created trips, opportunities, and memories for my students.
But three years ago, when my already serious health issues declined and then I was diagnosed with my tumor and lost my hearing- I had to make the heartbreaking decision to close that chapter and walk away. But not forever.
I may not have a studio of my own today, but the passion, love, and excitement I have for dance never left me. Finding a new path through professional dance photography has allowed me to stay connected to the community I love while giving back to dancers, coaches, studios, and fellow dance professionals who may be facing battles of their own.
And through this new chapter, I’ve realized something beautiful: the joy and excitement never truly leave you. They may change shape over time, but the love and the passion remain. Once a coach, always a coach. Once you’ve been part of this incredible dance community, a little piece of it stays with you forever.
OUR MISSION- Our Vision
At Dance Over Fear, our mission is to create empowering environments, meaningful programs, and unforgettable experiences that inspire dancers to feel confident, beautiful, and worthy—no matter what they may be facing beyond the dance floor.
Through Fundraising Dance Photo Session Experiences, we aim to give back to our local dance community by supporting dancers, studio owners, and teachers who are facing medical or financial hardships. We believe dance should be a place of joy, confidence, connection, and self-expression—not competition.
Through non-competitive photo shoots, community events, meet-ups, trips, and other special experiences, Dance Over Fear creates opportunities for dancers to celebrate who they are, build one another up, make lasting memories, and feel seen for more than just their performance.
Because sometimes, the greatest strength a dancer can show is the courage to dance through fear.
THE RAINBOW & THE BUTTERFLY
“The bigger the storm, the brighter the rainbow.”
Why the Rainbow?
At Dance Over Fear, the rainbow represents the belief that hard seasons do not define the beauty of what comes next. Storms can bring fear, uncertainty, loss, and challenges we never expected. But just as a rainbow appears after the rain, there can still be beauty, hope, joy, and new beginnings on the other side of the storm.
Our rainbow is a reminder to every dancer: Your storm may be big, but so is your light. Keep dancing toward the rainbow.
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“Dance Over Fear believes every dancer has wings within them.”
Why the Butterfly?
At Dance Over Fear the butterfly represents change, transformation, courage, and the freedom to become who you were meant to be. A butterfly doesn’t begin with wings. It goes through a season of transformation that requires patience, growth, and courage before it is ready to fly. That’s much like life—and much like dance, gymnastics, theater, or any perofmrance art sport.
Sometimes we have to grow through uncomfortable seasons, find our strength, and learn to trust ourselves before we’re ready to spread our wings.
Our butterfly also represents the courage to embrace change, the hope to believe in what’s ahead, and the bravery to take that first leap—even when you’re afraid.
Our WHY & the purpose behind THIS SPECIAL PROGRAM
Dance, gymnastics, cheer, and related crative arts programs, are often seen as a world of perfect lines, flawless performances, competitions, trophies, and constant comparison. But behind every dancer and performer is a person with a story. A dancer may be navigating illness, financial hardship, family struggles, anxiety, grief, injury, self-doubt, or challenges that no one ever sees when the music starts.
Dance Over Fear was created to remind those dancers that they are so much more than a score, a placement, a costume, or a performance.
We believe every dancer deserves to feel beautiful, confident, celebrated, and supported—especially during the seasons of life when confidence can be the hardest thing to find.
Through our unique Photo Experiences, community events, meet-ups, trips, and other non-competitive opportunities, we are creating a space where dancers can step away from the pressure to be perfect and simply enjoy being themselves.
We want to stand beside the studio owners, teachers, families, and dance professionals who pour so much of themselves into our dance community. When someone within our dance family faces a medical or financial hardship, we want to help remind them that they don’t have to face it alone.
Dance Over Fear is about giving back. It’s about showing up. It’s about creating connection instead of comparison and confidence instead of fear.
We want to create experiences that make dancers smile, friendships that last beyond the studio, and memories that remind them just how special they are. Because sometimes the most important thing we can teach a dancer isn’t how to win. It’s how to believe in themselves.
