Raquelle Madsen Morse is the owner of the Tallahassee School of Dance (a small private studio in Florida) which focuses on inclusiveness and outreach (below). Above: Then and now, (L-R) Morse as a student at BYU in 1995, her family now, and with her husband, Jon, still dancing every chance she gets.
“Everyone deserves a chance to fly.”
~ Raquelle Madsen Morse
Raquelle Madsen Morse, BYU Class of 1996, BA in Dance, started her private home studio after she graduated from BYU and moved back home to the panhandle of Florida. The Tallahassee School of Dance — and Raquelle herself — is known for lovingly sharing the joy of dance with all who seek it.
A Time to Dance has asked Morse to share some insights on earning her degree in Dance and how that’s impacted her life since then.
“I’ve been thinking about the use of the academic side [of my BA in Dance] and I use it all the time,” Morse said. “In my choreography I utilize historic dance moves I learned about in dance history. In classes I teach, if I see the physical need of a student, I can usually find an exercise because of the anatomy and kinesiology classes I took at BYU.”
“But the most important time I’ve used those classes, was when my last kid was born,” Morse continued. “He had two massive strokes. I was able to understand what the doctors were saying and have been able to follow and repeat the exercises his physical therapist assigned to us. Because of my training I can see if his feet are turning in the wrong way and other things like that. It has honestly been a huge blessing to have the academic side of my BA.”
Morse uses her skills in more creative ways, as well, to serve in her community.
“I’m also the official choreographer for Montford Middle School in town,” she said. “That’s super fun!”
What would she tell current BYU Dance students, in light of all that’s changing in the world?
“My best experience advice would be to look outside the norm,” Morse said. “My favorite experiences have been teaching kids with special needs.”
Morse has had a great impact on her community over the years, helping countless students — and their families — enjoy dance regardless of their challenges.
From a parent in her community: “My daughter is 10 years old and has sensory issues. She loves to dance, but there are times the combination of the music, tap shoes, and class sizes have overwhelmed her greatly. We just finished up our first year with Ms. Raquelle and it was exactly what she needed. After explaining my daughter’s issues to Ms. Raquelle, she knew exactly how to help her be successful in her dance class. My daughter looked forward to dance each week and cannot wait for it to begin again! It’s been such a relief to finally find something for my daughter that she can enjoy. Patient, kind, loving, knowledgeable, and amazing are all words that describe Ms. Raquelle! We are so grateful! We love Ms. Raquelle!” -Kathy Ladle
These niche opportunities for Morse to teach and serve have opened up naturally in her life over the years. She’s confident that if BYU students keep an open mind and work hard, they will be guided to the types of work that will fit their own skills, interests and talents as well.
“My daughter Jacqueline is coming to BYU in the fall,” Morse concluded. “I am so excited for her! She is not a dancer, but is looking forward to taking some social dance classes.”
Morse believes Dance at BYU is for everyone! She hopes her daughter, as well as all students, faculty and staff across campus, can enjoy performances, beginning classes (which are open to all students!) and any exciting dance-related activities and experiences.
Find more at dance.byu.edu.
[Raquelle Madsen Morse is the owner and teacher at the Tallahassee School of Dance. Raquelle has been dancing since 1980 and started in theater in 1981. She has been trained in ballet, contemporary, musical theater, ballroom, tap, jazz, as well as many other forms of dance. She was a soloist in the Tallahassee Ballet and graduated with a BA in dance. Raquelle started choreographing in 1991 and is currently the choreographer for the Montford Middle School Choral and Theater Department. Raquelle has been teaching since 1994. In 2000 she opened the Tallahassee School of Dance and started an adaptive class in 2004 for children with special needs. She loves working with children of all ages and abilities and truly believes that everyone deserves the chance to fly.]
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