Since opening its doors in 2002, Colorado School of Dance has become a staple in the Douglas County community. Founded by Lisa Tuska, the studio began with a vision to be more than just a place to learn dance. “We want to be your family outside of family,” says Lisa. Now celebrating nearly 23 years in business, the studio continues to offer a full journey experience for dancers aged 18 months to 18 years.
A Multi-Genre Journey Through Dance
With genres ranging from ballet and tap to hip hop and musical theatre, Colorado School of Dance encourages students to explore and find their niche. “Dance is so much more than dance,” Lisa explains. “We teach life skills, build confidence, and help kids discover who they want to become.” The impact is evident—many graduates have gone on to careers on Broadway, professional cheerleading and dance, touring with dance companies, and entertainment production.
Growth and Evolution
What began with students attending weekly classes has grown into a robust program serving about 550 enrolled students and over 2,300 weekly class visits. “We’ve shifted from being primarily recreational to a more pre-professional studio,” says Lisa. With a focus on quality over quantity, the Colorado School of Dance emphasizes intensive training for those pursuing a serious future in dance. The Nutcracker of Parker, which started in 2003, has also grown under their leadership, becoming an annual holiday tradition in the community.
A Legacy of Mentorship and Community
One of the studio’s greatest strengths is its people. “Many of our instructors have been with us for five, ten, even twenty years,” Lisa shares. These long-term relationships have helped create a culture of mentorship and stability that students and parents cherish. The school has also expanded its professional development, attending national conventions and conferences to raise the bar continuously.
(At Redstone) They know my name and I know theirs. A real person always answers the phone, and they can help me immediately. That’s the kind of relationship banking I grew up around and wanted for my business.
Partnering with Redstone Bank
Lisa’s journey with Redstone Bank began after two decades with her original bank. “I just felt like my business needed a little innovation, a little change,” she says. A serendipitous moment sealed the deal: driving by the new Redstone Bank building being built in Parker and seeing “In God We Trust” displayed proudly. “As a Christian business owner, I was looking for that connection.”
Upon entering the bank, Lisa was reunited with Ryan Johnson, her very first banker from over 20 years ago. “It felt like a match made in heaven.” She appreciated the competitive rates, personalized service, and most of all, the people. “They know my name, and I know theirs. A real person always answers the phone, and they can help me immediately. That’s the kind of relationship banking I grew up around and wanted for my business.
Meeting Unique Business Needs
As the studio evolved post-COVID, Lisa found herself running a more cash-focused business. “We’re handling competition fees and large transactions several times a year. Having a bank that understands that and works with us is huge.”
Redstone Bank helped her open a second business and made the process seamless. She also praised the bank’s online tools, which have made business banking easier than ever. “It just feels like a family,” Lisa adds. “And I haven’t seen that kind of community banking in Colorado in a while.”
Looking Ahead
The future looks bright for the Colorado School of Dance. With new plans to enhance their facilities with upgraded sound and lighting, and a continued focus on staff training, the school is poised to keep growing. “We want to share our success with other dance companies and help them grow too,” Lisa says.
For Lisa, the mission remains clear: to inspire, mentor, and uplift young dancers while maintaining deep roots in the community. With Redstone Bank by their side, the rhythm of progress continues.