Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryann Westrop.
Hi Ryann, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Dance has been so many things for me in my life: a friend, a therapist, a motivator, a cheerleader, and a storyteller. I love being able to teach young dancers the art of expression, correct and safe technique, as well as healthy mental and emotional habits. Dance is what taught me that I can do more than I ever thought I was capable of, and that hard work and passion can manifest amazing things in your life.
The Refinery Academy of Dance is a holistic dance studio that prioritizes the health of the dancers body, heart, and mind. We believe that unhealthy competitive attitudes kill creativity and artistry, and the dance world should be about building each other up, inspiring one another, and creating art that has meaning.
My pathway to studio ownership was not planned. I didn’t grow up saying, “One day I’ll own a studio.” Instead, my life has unfolded step by step, each choice leading me closer to what ultimately became my dream job, surrounded by a dream team and a dream clientele. I started dancing at age three at Lifehouse Performing Arts Academy in Salem, Utah. As a child I was serious and focused; I loved the discipline, the beauty, and the challenge dance provided. But by age 13 the competitive culture — combined with bullying at school and my own perfectionism — pushed me into a deep depression. I was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, along with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. I kept dancing, but my mental and emotional struggles made it impossible to fully invest myself.
At 17 my therapist gave me a stark choice: change or be hospitalized. I quit dance. That pause gave me space to heal. I relearned how to eat regularly, exercise without the mirror as a judge, and rebuild relationships with friends and family. Senior year brought a turning point: I tried out for the school play, earned the lead dancing role, and remembered why I loved being onstage. I began teaching at local studios, rediscovering the joy of being in the dance space. After high school I raised a family, earned an Associate of Science from Utah Valley University, and later completed a degree in Interior Design — a creative passion that later proved invaluable.
While teaching at two studios, one owner asked if I wanted to buy The Refinery when she moved away. It was something I had never considered, but I found myself thinking about it all the time and the idea kept my mind racing.
The decision felt so right, and I had never in my life felt so excited about a career choice.
All of the stars aligned and I was able to purchase the business. Even my interior design degree has come play a part in designing our new studio building. I have been able to create a space that is artistic and feels safe and beautiful. It is the dancers home away from home, and I wanted to make it feel like a special and beautiful space for them.
The Refinery is built around a simple, firm belief: unhealthy competitiveness kills creativity. Dance should be about building one another up, inspiring each other, and creating meaningful art. We prioritize the health of the dancer’s body, heart, and mind. That means teaching correct, safe technique; emphasizing injury prevention, rest, and rejuvenation; and fostering compassionate, constructive relationships. We limit excessive studio hours to protect family time and academic priorities, follow local school calendars, and host “company nights” where dancers and parents gather for dinner and discussions about healthy mentalities. We even provide unlimited access to Relyte electrolyte supplements so our students can stay properly hydrated.
Because we hold these values tightly, we’ve attracted families who share them — creating a supportive community that trusts and uplifts one another.
I have felt so much serendipity looking back on my path to this business. As cheesy as it sounds, I truly believe that all that has happened to me in my life, the bad and the good, led me to where I am today. I never thought I would feel grateful for the emotional challenges I had when I was younger, but I am! They help me mentor, and facilitate a healthier environment for my dancers.
I’m endlessly grateful to the remarkable team who bring The Refinery to life: directors Savannah Barrett, Nicole Robinson, Shayla Bird, and Halle Westrop, and every staff member who pours their heart into these kids. You make a bigger difference in their lives than you will ever know.
I also owe much to the mentors who shaped me — Lindsey Brown, Kristi Hill, Ashley Marie, Ashley Adkins, and Christie Moulton — Thank you for investing you passion and belief in the art form in me.
My hope is simple: to be a mirror for my dancers, showing them everything they are capable of, and to keep building a place where creativity, artistry, and health are what builds strong dancers, and even stronger people.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My mental emotional health as a child: eating disorder, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation greatly affected the role dance was able to play in my life.
While we were renovating our new building, our lease ended before our move in date was pushed back. So for 4.5 months we danced outside in a backyard by laying vinyl dance tiles down on the grass and on a tennis court. When winter came, we started renting convention space from the Zermatt Resort in Midway to have class in. We put together our production of the Nutcracker from those locations, which was so crazy and stressful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the owner, instrucor, and ballet director at The Refinery. I specialize in Ballet technique, and choreographing competition choreography.
We offer Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Ballroom, Dance Acro, Cross Training (cross fit inspired), and creative movement classes for dancers ages 2-18.
We also offer adult classes for anyone over the age of 18 to come take class for free. We invite any level of dancer (beginning to advanced) to these class and rotate between Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, and Hip Hop classes. These classes are free to attend.
Our studio is known for its supportive and healthy environment. We have received many “Sportsmanship Awards” at competitions which are for the studios that are standing out in the way they show support and kindness to other studios and the staff.
We are heading into our fourth year of our production of “The Nutcracker” ballet. We open auditions for The Nutcracker to our entire valley regardless of if they are enrolled at our studio. We promote the Nutcracker to the town and have many families come that do not know people in the show, but just which for a christmas event to attend with their family.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I have two kids who are my everything, and two dogs ( I love doggies). Being a business owner and mom at the same time is so challenging, but I believe my ability to be creative and have a career helps me be an even better mom.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.the-refinery-academy.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.refinery.academy/
