Today we’d like to introduce you to McKenzie Gomez.
Hi McKenzie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m the owner, McKenzie Gomez. I graduated from the University of Arkansas last December, where I was the Feature Twirler for four years and have been a competitive baton twirler for as long as I can remember. This past summer I was a member of Team USA Baton Twirling and competed at the IBTF Nation’s Cup in Torino, Italy, where my team placed 2nd and my pairs routine placed 10th.
After graduation I wasn’t able to land a traditional “big-girl” job, and when the opportunity to open a small dance studio came up, I couldn’t pass on the dream. My mom owns Liberty Hill School of Music and has helped support this start-up. We opened Lone Star Performance Academy in May 2025 as the first dance studio in Liberty Hill, and we’ve been growing steadily every month since.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think the biggest obstacles I’ve faced in opening my business have been internal. Mainly self-doubt and questioning whether I’m truly meant to be fulfilling this dream. Those thoughts quickly fade the moment I’m in the studio teaching or watching my instructors work with our students. Dance and baton twirling are my passions, and I’m incredibly grateful to be able to share them with a community I love so much. Watching kids pursue their own dreams has been the most rewarding part of this journey, it reminds me every day why I started. Giving back to a town that has given me a place to call home has been one of the greatest joys of my life.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a third-generation baton twirler, my mom and grandma were both twirlers, so it’s truly in my blood. I was a Division I Feature Twirler at the University of Arkansas for four years, where I had the opportunity to travel the country doing what I love. Most recently, I represented Team USA this past summer at the IBTF Nations Cup in Italy, where I placed second and tenth internationally. I was also part of a baton twirling team at USTA Nationals, where we were the highest-scoring dance twirl team in the country.
Beyond twirling, I have a deep passion for dance and for teaching children. My greatest joy is creating a space where kids can express themselves freely and grow in confidence. What sets my studio apart is our commitment to small class sizes. We cap our classes at just eight students. This allows every child to receive personal attention, feel seen and supported, and never get lost in the crowd. At Lone Star Performance Academy, our goal is to make sure every student knows they belong.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Every studio has to start somewhere, and I love that we get to start small and really get to know everyone who walks through our doors. As the owner, I personally know the name of every child in our classes, and my instructors and I have built relationships with these kids that I hope they carry with them for the rest of their lives. I know the coaches and mentors I had at a young age impacted me in ways I can never fully express my gratitude for, and I hope we can do the same for the children who come to our studio. Of course, we plan to expand in the future, but for now, our small class sizes and hometown feel make this the perfect place for our students to grow, feel supported, and thrive.
Pricing:
- Our classes start at just $60 a month
- one class a week $60 a month
- Two classes a week: $110 a month
- Three class a week: $150 a month
- $45 registration fee that goes towards our recital location rental!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lonestarperformanceacademy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lonestarperformanceacademy?igsh=N3BjeHUyNjNjOGp6
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17LkxqC25k/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://linktr.ee/lonestarpa
