About Legacy Performing Arts | Lake City, FL

Welcome to Legacy Performing Arts

Dance, music, theatre, and art studio located in Lake City, FL.

We are conveniently located near the baseball, softball, and soccer fields at 1832 SW Tomoka Terrace, next door to the Florida School of Gymnastics.

At our studio, we go beyond just honing talent and ability. We are committed to shaping the whole person, with a strong emphasis on socio-emotional skills in the classroom. We believe in nurturing performers, leaders, and well-rounded individuals. Our aim is to instill confidence from an early age, allowing students to be part of something that inspires them to leave a positive legacy.

Meet our team

Studio Owner
Dance Instructor
LDC Coach
Sarah Chapman is 31 years old and is married with two boys, aged 2 and 8. She has 15 years of experience teaching dance. In 2013, she earned her Associate's degree in Dance from Santa Fe College and went on to complete her Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Ministry at Palm Beach Atlantic University in 2016.
Over the next few years, Mrs. Sarah served as the Artistic Director and choreographer for the modern dance company, Dancing Waters, based in West Palm Beach. The company traveled nationally and internationally, where she choreographed, performed, taught, and spoke about dance, inner healing, and the arts.
After returning to Lake City, she became the director of Fancy Dancer Studio and founded the Phoenix Competitive Dance Company, now known as Legacy Dance Company. In 2024, she opened Legacy Performing Arts. Additionally, she has been the the head Tigerette coach at CHS for 5 years.
Mrs. Sarah's favorite dance focuses include improvisation, ballet, contemporary, and developing young leaders.
She instructs our Ballet 1-4 classes and coaches our competitive dance company.

Dance Instructor
LDC Coach
Amanda Cason is a passionate choreographer, dance instructor, and certified personal trainer who believes movement is more than an activity—it’s a way of life. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from the University of Florida in 2017 and became NASM-certified in 2018, combining her formal training with a deep understanding of the body and how it moves.
With over seven years of teaching experience, Amanda brings a unique blend of artistry and fitness to every class she leads. Her approach focuses on intentional movement, injury prevention, and progressive training, all while creating a space where creativity and confidence can thrive.
Outside of the studio, Amanda is a devoted wife and mom to a spirited 3-year-old daughter, with another little one on the way. Her passion for movement extends into every area of her life, inspiring others to move with purpose, passion, and joy.

Dance Instructor
LDC Coach
Ms. Amber is a 25-year-old mom of three, and dance instructor with six years of teaching experience. Amber is also the LCMS Falconette Dance Team coach. She began her dance journey at the age of three and has continued to dance ever since. Amber also grew up participating in pageants and dance competitions. After attending college in Tampa, she joined the “Pro Dance Prep” audition training program. Amber is also a former “Miss Olustee”, and has served as an assistant director of a pageant organization benefiting children with leukemia.
In 2023, Amber returned to Lake City as a dance teacher and has since worked in local schools and daycares. Amber loves to focus on helping dancers explore their individuality, develop their artistic and emotional skills, create a positive learning environment, and foster a love for dance.

Dance and Music Instructor
Mrs. Lindsay is a 25 year old pianist, singer, actress and dancer, currently living in Live Oak with her husband and precious daughter. Lindsay has had the rare privilege to train with MIU University, a professional certification program that trains in Horton and Graham modern dance. While attending MIU, Lindsay has had the opportunity to take masterclasses from individuals such as: Fana M. Tesfagiorgis, Aleksandr Koynov, Varsha Bansal, and many more. She has also trained in ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, and musical theater. Lindsay has also attended dance intensives with the Moscow Russian Ballet and Ballet Magnificat.
She began classical piano lessons at the age of 9, and began operatic vocal training at 16 under Dr. Zink, the Director of Opera Theater at Carson Newman University. Lindsay has 5+ years of teaching experience, and has sung as a lead in The Impresario in Dallas, Texas, as well as appearing as Maria in The Sound of Music at Florida Gateway College.

Dance Instructor
Charizma Green is a dance instructor with five years of experience in teaching. Charizma specializes in advanced tap, but has also instructed Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, and Pointe at various studios in Florida. She is passionate about fostering student growth and confidence. Charizma holds certificates in "Intro to Teaching" and "Dance Psychology for Teachers" and is completing her studies in "The Science of Flexibility". She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Science in Management, expected to graduate in 2026. She has also instructed English Horseback riding for eight years, instilling discipline and respect in her students. Charizma is currently teaching Modern Ballet at Legacy and will also be substituting in our other classes throughout the season!

Dance Instructor
Leah is a professional dancer/choreographer based in Orlando, Florida and has been training in various styles of dance since the age of four. Throughout her training, she has assisted top industry choreographers across the US and has had the opportunity to share her knowledge in Florida, LA, the UK, and more. Her work has been presented in a variety of industrial projects, music videos, and competitive stages. Leah’s most recent performances have been with “The 407”, Orlando Magic’s official co-ed hip-hop dance team, as well as with Penguin Entertainment in Tiger Woods’ TGL Golf! As well as performing, she has a growing passion for education and encourages her students to cultivate discipline, integrity, and humble hearts, giving glory to God through movement and artistry.

Office Manager
Theatre Program Director
Dance Instructor
Mrs. Heidi Haley brings over 35 years of professional studio experience to Legacy after a break to settle in Live Oak and welcome her first grandchild. Her background includes roles as HOA treasurer, wedding coordinator, and vice president of a large homeschool association in Dallas, Texas. She has also served as an administrative assistant in real estate.
Heidi’s primary focus has been choreography, dance, and directing. She started dancing in Southwest Florida as a child, competing in various competitions. In high school, she was the captain of the color guard team, incorporating her marching band training into her choreography. Following high school, she received extensive ballet and pointe training under Madame St. Laurent, a former Royal Scottish Ballet member.
She has studied multiple dance styles, including Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Irish, and Beginner Ballroom. Heidi began teaching high school drama in 2004 and has since choreographed numerous theater productions for students of all ages and community events. She has also worked with local and state-level pageants. Her competitive dance students have achieved local, state, and national titles and have performed at Winterfest.
Her experience includes trips to Uganda, Washington DC, and New York City, where she performed and worked with children in the arts. She helped establish the dance program for the Salvation Army Arts School in Texas and served as choreographer and assistant director for Phoenix Repertory Players. Over her career, she has worked on over 50 shows, including Guys and Dolls, Seussical, Cinderella, and Grease.
A significant highlight was starting her own nonprofit dance company in Dallas and having it headline at the Uganda National Convention. Since choreographing her first theater show in 1997, her passion for the arts has only grown. She enjoys mentoring students and parents at Legacy Performing Arts and looks forward to what the future holds.

Art Instructor
Miss Arwen is a painter, dancer, actress, makeup artist, nail technician, and Esthetician. She graduated top of her class at Riveroak Technical College as a licensed Full Specialist and was awarded "Most Outstanding Student" in both of her programs.

She has been painting for as long as she can remember and began taking private art lessons at the age of 5. She has won various art competitions around Suwannee and Columbia County, and in 2023, she joined the 'Walldogs' and painted murals in downtown High Springs, FL, depicting its history. She was commissioned to paint a large photo stand-in that is displayed at Hearthstone Gardens in Wellborn, FL, and she has experience painting home murals.

Arwen has performed in over 30 productions, showcasing her skills in both dance and acting. She has trained in ballet, pointe, contemporary, modern, jazz, tap, Horton, and lyrical dance. She was trained in Dallas, TX, and was a member of Studio Arts for Dancers and Go! Contemporary Dance Works in Knoxville, TN. She performed in The Sound of Music at Florida Gateway College, The Nutcracker with the Moscow Russian Ballet, and most recently, with Legacy Performing Arts. She has also attended dance intensives with the Moscow Russian Ballet, Ballet Magnificat!, and studied under Eric Lindemer, Marlayna Locklear, and Jere Hurt with Rioult Dance New York.

Administrative Assistant
Carmen Nuetzi serves as the Administrative Assistant at the studio, where she supports both staff and families through organization and communication. She connects with families through Band App and email, helping answer questions and ensure everyone stays informed and up to date. Carmen also assists with scheduling, document formatting, accounting tasks, and day-to-day office operations.
Carmen brings a personal connection to the studio as a dance mom, with her daughter actively involved as a company dancer. She also has a background in dance herself, having trained in ballet, tap, and jazz for 10 years. Her experience both in and out of the studio allows her to support families with understanding, care, and a genuine passion for the dance community.

Social Media Manager
Tiny Tot and Mini Dance Program Instructor

Assistant Teacher
Ms. Ashley is a middle school teacher and mom to a 14-year-old son, 11-year-old daughter, and 1-year-old son. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Florida in 2009 and a master's degree in agricultural education in 2011. She has been a teacher for over 13 years. Ms. Ashley is a Florida native who grew up in Palm Beach County, FL and has been living in North Central FL since 2005. Ms. Ashley's daughter is also a dancer at Legacy!