McKenzie Gomez is no stranger to performance. From the twirling fields of Round Rock High School to the international stage with Team USA, she’s spent years mastering the art of movement – and now she’s bringing that passion home.
Gomez, 24, recently opened Lonestar Performance Academy in Liberty Hill, a new dance and fitness studio located in the former Flock Fitness space at Iron B Crossing. The studio, which officially began its summer session on June 2, offers a wide range of classes including ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, toddler combo classes and adult dance fitness.
“This has always been a dream of mine,” said Gomez. “I’ve wanted to open a dance studio since I was little and now I literally get to live that dream – teaching kids how to move their bodies and have fun doing it.”
A former University of Arkansas twirler and current international competitor, Gomez will represent Team USA at the World Baton Twirling Championships in Italy this summer. Twirling classes at Lonestar Performance Academy will officially begin in the fall once she returns.
Gomez credits much of her inspiration to her family.
“I started twirling with my mom and grandma and my mom now owns the Liberty Hill School of Music,” Gomez explained. “I always admired how she knew every kid’s name and something special about them. I want to keep that same mentality at my studio – making every student feel seen and supported.”
Gomez isn’t doing it alone, as she’s launched the business with a team of five talented instructors and hopes to continue growing the program.
“Getting people to sign up has been the biggest challenge so far,” she admitted. “Opening in the summer is kind of crazy, but I’m excited to grow and see more kids walk through the door this fall.”
Lonestar Performance Academy is open to students ages two and up, with evening classes designed to accommodate busy families and working moms.
Gomez says she wants the studio to be more than just a place to dance.
“I competed in Miss Arkansas and one of my biggest passions is mental health,” she said. “This studio is a place where kids can come have fun, feel safe and just enjoy themselves.”
Gomez offered advice to others looking to follow their passion.
“Don’t force anything,” she said. “Your path isn’t going to look like everyone else’s and that’s okay.”
As Gomez settles back into life in Liberty Hill and builds her next chapter, she hopes Lonestar Performance Academy will become a space where movement meets meaning – and where every dancer feels like family.
For more information check out – https://lonestarperformanc.wixsite.com/lonestarpa
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2025-06-13 12:30:00