History of Suzanne's
Suzanne Moreau
Suzanne Moreau grew up in Orange, Texas, dancing at Ingram School of Dance under the direction of Mary Alice Callahan. She continued her training as a member of Beaumont Civic Ballet Company.
Suzanne shares, “I realized at a young age that I wanted to share my love of dance with others. I never dreamed that this would come true in the way it did! Teaching children to dance was what I desired but had no idea God would wait to give me this gift when He was certain I would give it all back to Him!”
Suzanne’s School of Dance was founded in September of 1992 on a solid foundation of honoring the Lord and giving all the glory to the Giver of Gifts! It all began at the Royal Oaks Raquet club with 32 little dancers ages 3-12 learning the love of dance. The word was spreading about this little dance studio that had something special. Year two had an enrollment of 86 dancers eager to learn! More space, more hours required, more classes offered. Year three was a big transition as the studio moved to a lovely space at 809 University Drive E. in College Station.
Suzanne remembers, “This year was a big recital with painted back drops, props and even a dad of one of our dancers playing the role of Jesus! Dancing For His Glory was our theme and I feel this is when I clearly remember realizing this really is happening! There was a very special 5 year old that stole my heart that year and I knew God had created her to dance for His Glory! What a great theme for Bethany to start her dancing at Suzanne’s!”
The Growth of the Studio
The 5th year was the opening of A Dancer's Truck located in the front of the studio. Each year led to more community involvement for the studio. Suzanne’s dancers began participating at Christmas in the Park when the city brought this to Bryan/College Station. 1999 was the inception of Company AbunDance!
Suzanne celebrates, “I clearly understood and witnessed the power of healing that dance and music brought to others. I was overwhelmed with Joy and thankfulness that God used this special studio to serve and love so many in our community.”
Year Ten added more classes by renting space next door to the main studio which allowed the studio to expand in preparation for the move into the brand new building on Rock Prairie Rd.
Suzanne reflects, “I had the honor of teaching Bethany Brantley for 9 years! In 2004 Bethany moved to Houston to pursue the next step of her dance career. She began training with Dance Ad Deum. Bethany trained and danced in this amazing Christian Dance Company under the direction of Randall Flinn. She then traveled across the world for dance ministry and to meet her soulmate! It was so hard not having her beautiful spirit twirling through the studio, teaching our students and worshipping with all her heart on stage each year! I reflect back when she was 9 years old and I clearly knew that one day Bethany would be the one to carry on the legacy of Suzanne's School of Dance! I had to be willing to let her go at a young age. He knew that she would be returning one day. I love the quote If you love something set it free: If it comes back, it's yours. If it doesn't, it never was.”
Suzanne and Bethany (Recent)
The studio family continued to grow over the years. Lifelong relationships are being developed, dancers are in one another’s weddings and births are celebrated!
Suzanne releases, “I love this part of my story! What an honor it was to enter our 20th year! So many amazing and special experiences! I shared with others at the beginning of my 20th year that I felt this would be my last year to teach on a regular basis. God was already preparing me for the next season ahead. I received a very special email from Bethany during Christmas in 2011. She shared that God was calling her and Patrick home to Texas within the next two years. Her question for me was if I still wanted her to continue the legacy of Suzanne's School of Dance one day. My heart was racing with excitement, although I knew I wasn't quite ready. The answer was absolutely yes! I had a couple of years to prepare for this transition and the honor of passing the torch! I have never experienced so much peace in my life! I love to share that Bethany's precious grandmother asked if this was all happening too soon. I spoke with peace and confidence that if God is bringing her home from across the world at this time, this is His perfect timing! All for His Glory.”
