Lisa Faia has wanted to own a dance studio for as long as she can remember. When she moved away as a fourth grader, many classmates wrote the same message in her goodbye book: “Good luck on your dancing school.”

“That was in fourth grade,” Faia said. “It’s just something that’s always been in my heart.”

Faia went on to study in East Boston under Eleanora Rubino, and she took classes throughout college. Now, Faia is celebrating the 20th anniversary of All About Dance in Swampscott.

“It’s something I knew I wanted to pass on to others,” she said. 

In 2003, she started the Swampscott High School dance team, and, three years later, she responded to a Request for Proposal at the train station. As the RFP process moved forward, her husband — who was developing a building near Swampscott High School — suggested she take a look at the available space there.

“It was literally nothing,” Faia said. “This was a sidewalk and then a fence and then a hill that went down into nothing.”

So Faia was the first tenant, and they built a studio. 

All About Dance began with a single studio before expanding into a second around 2010.

“We used to have to go down the hall to get to that room,” Faia said, noting that C&K Barbershop used to be where her now lobby and changing spaces are. “I spoke with the landlord and they moved to the very end of the building. They’re amazing.”

The studio welcomes visitors with pink walls, polka-dot chairs and a bright, welcoming atmosphere. The dancers have a changing space with a big mirror and lockers as well an area to hang out in, she said. 

The studio offers classes for dancers ages 2½ through 18, from beginner to advanced levels, with both recreational and competitive programs.

The dance company offers a variety of styles from ballet to hip hop, acrobatics, contemporary dance, tap and jazz. Faia said tap is her speciality. 

“I went to Catholic school and I was always tapping under the table. The nun would come and hit the table and tell me to keep my feet still,” Faia said. “My mom said even as a baby if a song came on, I would bounce. It’s just in me.” 

All About Dance added a competition group about ten years ago as well. Faia said two students recently finished second in their division at a national competition, competing against more than 400 dancers. 

Students — and staff — become a family, Faia said. 

“It’s just like a family,” Faia said. “All of my teachers have been here at least ten years. I think a lot of dance schools, people are in and out. Mine stay. That feels awesome.”

She’s had students who may not continue through their 18th birthday but still send her holiday cards and graduation notices.  

“The place means something,” Faia said. “It’s nice to know we made an impact on their lives.”

Dancers make an impact on each other too. Faia started a big sister, little sister program. They write to each other in journals, asking questions and leaving words of encouragement. 

“It’s fun,” Faia said. “It keeps the camaraderie of the older girls and younger girls.”

The students also perform within the community at places like the Bertram House and the Residence at Vinnin Square. 

“That’s my passion,” Faia said. “They truly enjoy watching the girls dance.”

Overall, dance is able to make a student more confident as they build friendships and teamwork skills, Faia said.

“That’s what I love about it,” she said. 

Registration for classes beginning September 14 is now open.