By: Tracy Sanders, Publisher
tracy@thewoodrufftimes.com
For Lindsey Anderson, dance has always been more than movement. It has been a source of friendship, confidence, and belonging.
Today, as co-owner and artistic director of Priority Dance Company in Woodruff, Anderson is helping young dancers and their families find that same sense of connection.
A self-described military brat, Anderson began dancing at age six. With her family relocating every few years, dance became the one constant she could count on.
“Because my family moved every 2–4 years, dance became a constant in my life,” Anderson said. “Dance was a place where I could make friends, build confidence, and feel at home no matter where we lived.”
Her passion for dance eventually led her to attend the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities as a residential high school dance student. She later attended the University of South Carolina, where she met her husband, Kevin, a Spartanburg native.
The couple now has three sons, ages 12, 10, and 3, and two of their children are active dancers at the studio.
The journey to opening Priority Dance Company began in an unexpected place—during the COVID-19 pandemic while the family was living in Houston.
As dance studios closed and families searched for ways to stay connected, Anderson began offering private dance lessons from her home. To support the growing interest, Kevin converted a loft in their house into a dance studio.
“What started as a temporary solution quickly grew into something much bigger,” Anderson said.
As more families joined, the Andersons rented studio space, formed Priority LLC, and began building a dance community centered on relationships, encouragement, and quality instruction.
A few years later, the family made the decision to move back to the Upstate and pursue their dream full-time.
“Today, Priority Dance Company is the realization of that dream,” Anderson said.
Priority Dance Company offers instruction in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, and acro for both children and adults. The studio also features a competitive dance team and athletic conditioning programs for young athletes. This summer, the studio is expanding its offerings with Moms Morning Out and Parents Night Out events.
Classes are available for children as young as 18 months old through adulthood.
While dance instruction is at the heart of the business, Anderson says the studio’s mission goes far beyond teaching steps and routines.
“Priority is unique because we want to be a center of community and support for our students and families—not just an activity for kids,” she said.
She describes the studio as having a conservatory-style approach, focusing on building strong technical foundations across multiple styles of dance rather than emphasizing short-term competition goals.
The approach has proven successful throughout her teaching career. Several of Anderson’s former students have gone on to become dance instructors, collegiate dancers, professional performers, and even an NFL cheerleader.
After more than two decades of teaching, Anderson says the relationships she builds with students remain the most rewarding part of her work.
“Being a cheerleader for my students and helping them reach their potential brings me incredible joy,” she said.
Anderson also appreciates the welcoming atmosphere she has found in Woodruff.
“Woodruff is the perfect combination of small-town closeness and growing opportunities,” she said. “We meet so many families who have moved here recently, and I like to think we are a conduit for them to get connected and make friends in the community.”
One fact that may surprise people is that Anderson has been teaching dance for 21 years—more than half her life.
As Priority Dance Company continues to grow, Anderson hopes more families will discover what makes the studio special.
“We would love to serve and welcome you to our PDC family,” she said.
Priority Dance Company offers complimentary trial lessons for those interested in exploring dance classes and programs.
