Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Marchal.
Jen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey to owning Tippi Toes Nashville wasn’t something I planned, but it’s become one of the most meaningful parts of my life. For the first 14 years of being a mom, I worked in a traditional office, so I deeply understand the constant push and pull of work, family schedules, and wanting to give your kids every opportunity without feeling completely overwhelmed.
When we lived in St. Louis, my kids were in Tippi Toes classes, and I remember how much joy it brought them — and honestly, how simple it felt for me. They got to dance and be creative, and I didn’t have to add another evening or weekend commitment to an already full calendar. I didn’t realize it then, but those classes were planting seeds.
Years later, when the opportunity came to bring Tippi Toes to Nashville, something in me immediately said yes. I wanted to create something that supported children while also giving working parents a little more breathing room. Once I jumped in, I never looked back.
What I love most about this work is that it allows me to be present for my own family, and at the same time, it gives other parents the gift of one less thing on their schedule. By bringing dance right to schools, kids get a joyful, confidence-building experience, and parents get to skip the extra driving and the rushed evenings. That blend of serving families, supporting our team, and staying close to my kids has shaped every chapter of this journey — and it’s what makes this work so special to me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I offered my very first Tippi Toes class in January 2020 — and just six weeks later, everything changed. It felt like the world had flipped overnight, and as a brand-new business owner, it was overwhelming. On top of that, our three kids, who were 12, 10, and 8, were suddenly home full-time on Zoom, so I was juggling their schedules while trying to build a business in a really strange and uncertain time.
I knew I wanted to stay connected to my dancers and their families, so we moved to a virtual platform almost immediately. I started scheduling one-on-one video calls with my little dancers — mostly two to five years old — just so they could see a familiar face and feel a little normalcy. We read books together, they gave me tours of their bedrooms, showed me their favorite toys, and shared these big, hilarious, and adorable stories that only little kids can tell. Those moments were honestly some of the sweetest parts of that season.
We even held our spring recitals over Zoom. Watching kids perform in their living rooms, with parents cheering them on in the background, reminded me of the living-room shows my sisters and I used to put on when we were little. It was different, of course, but it was joyful — and it reinforced why this work matters so much.
Those early challenges were tough, but they taught me resilience, creativity, and how important it is to keep showing up for families, no matter what’s happening in the world.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Tippi Toes Nashville is all about bringing fun, confidence-building dance experiences directly to children, right where they are — at their schools and some public locations. We specialize in age-appropriate classes for toddlers through elementary-aged kids, combining movement, music, and creativity in a way that’s upbeat, positive, and completely family-friendly.
What sets us apart is really how we show up for families. As a mom myself, I understand how busy life can be — the juggling, the schedules, the desire to give your kids amazing experiences while still having a little breathing room. By bringing dance to schools, we take one weekly activity off a family’s plate, so parents have more time at home while their kids still get to move, learn, and express themselves.
We’re also deeply committed to giving back and engaging with the greater Middle Tennessee community. We offer free dance parties at schools serving socioeconomically diverse students, attend fall festivals, and continually look for other meaningful ways to support families and children across the region.
I’m especially proud of the environment we’ve built — one where kids feel seen, celebrated, and confident, and where parents know their children are engaging in something wholesome and joyful. We’re known for keeping classes fun and energetic, while also being tasteful, family-friendly, and encouraging every child’s individuality.
Ultimately, our mission is simple: to make dance accessible, enjoyable, and confidence-boosting for every child while giving families a little more balance in their busy lives. We’re more than just a dance class — we’re a community that brings joy, movement, and growth to kids and families, while finding ways to give back to the broader community that supports us. We’re always looking for new school partners, so if you’d like to see Tippi Toes offered in your child’s school, please let us know!
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success isn’t about numbers or how big the business gets — it’s about the impact we’re making. I think of success as giving every child the chance to experience the joy of dance, no matter their background or what’s going on at home. It’s knowing that kids can move, express themselves, and build confidence right at their school, without adding extra stress for families.
It’s also about making the arts accessible across our community. I love knowing that we can give families a little more breathing room while helping kids explore creativity and have fun. When I see kids lighting up in class, learning something new, or parents feeling supported, that’s when I know we’re really doing what matters.
Pricing:
- $70-90/month for weekly classes
- $120 optional recital fee
- $170-200/week summer camp
- $185/hour birthday or dance party
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tippitoesdance.com/nashville
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tippitoesnashville
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TippiToesNashville
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniemarchal/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TippiToesNashville
