The Creative Edge: Brooke & Carter Dance Co. Gives People Chance to Connect Face to Face
If you are the last one on the dance floor or feel like you may have lost a step in your two-step, a Joplin couple has just the class for you. Brooke and Carter created Brooke & Carter Dance Co., for anyone who has sat one out because they were not quite sure about their dance moves.
Brooke began dancing when she was just three years old at Solomon’s Dance Studio in Neosho, Missouri. Because she was homeschooled, the studio became her social outlet and second home. By the time she was 10, she was assisting in classes, and at 15, she began teaching alongside her older sister. At 19, she launched the studio’s competitive dance program, which she still directs today.
Carter came to dance much later. He was a senior in high school when Brooke invited him to join a class at the dance studio. At the time, he wasn’t exactly looking for a new hobby.
“I had never danced before, and honestly, I agreed to dance just to impress a girl I liked,” he says.
What started as an excuse to spend time with Brooke soon turned into a genuine interest. Carter eventually joined the coaching staff in the studio’s competition program. The two were married in 2022.
Brooke and Carter credit several mentors for shaping how they feel about dance and how they teach it. For Brooke, that influence began with Charity Solomon at Solomon’s Dance Studio in Neosho.
“Charity has shaped my life in countless ways. Through her kindness, joy and relentless optimism, she fostered my love for dance.”
Carter also points to the impact of ballroom instructor Judy Schneider, who introduced the couple to partner dancing. One lesson from her has stayed with him.
“One of the most important things I remember her saying is, ‘It’s not about the steps. Sure, the steps are helpful, but the ultimate goal is to connect with another human and share that moment together.’”
Brooke and Carter officially began teaching their own group lessons in fall 2025 with Judy’s encouragement and support. The idea for the company came from their shared love of partner dancing and a desire to make it easier for people in the community to learn.
“Our vision for Brooke & Carter Dance Co., is to help bring back the art of social dancing. We have found that many people love the idea of social dancing but lack the knowledge and confidence to get out on the dance floor.”
The couple says running the company together has been a natural extension of their relationship.
“I love running this dance company with my wife. I think we make a great team in the classroom because we can demonstrate both the lead and follow roles,” Carter says.
Brooke agrees. “We’ve always seen ourselves as equal partners in our relationship, so bringing that same spirit into our business felt natural.”
Their classes welcome everyone from teenagers to retirees. Students do not need to bring a partner since the classes are “No Partner Necessary.” Participants can learn East Coast Swing, Two Step, Waltz, Salsa and line dances. Lessons are currently held at the Missouri Southern State University Billingsly Student Center in Joplin and at Solomon’s Dance Studio in Neosho.
Looking ahead, Brooke and Carter hope their classes will help change the local dance culture one step at a time. Brooke believes dance lessons offer something many people are missing.
“In a world where so much interaction happens online, dancing gives people a fun, welcoming way to connect face to face through music and movement.”
