New dance studio opening in Sedgwick

Audra Eaton says dance helped her overcome shyness as a child

Aug. 3, 2026

By Jessi Hardy

Audra Eaton in her new dance studio on Caterpillar Hill that opens next month. Photo by Jessi Hardy.

SEDGWICK—Sedgwick residents looking to move, learn, and grow have a new creative outlet this fall.

In Rhythm Dance Studio, a new venture led by experienced dance educator Audra Eaton, is officially opening this September, offering a diverse range of classes for all ages and ability levels.

Eaton, long-time dancer, choreographer and teacher has long loved the world of dance and theater. She started dancing at the young age of three and performed her way up during her elementary school years, adding musical theater, teaching dance and holding afterschool dance clubs. Eaton has taught dance since she was a senior in high school, was on the UMaine Dance Team and worked as a drama director integrating dance into musical theater productions, teaching all age ranges.

Eaton said that, as a shy child, dance was a way for her to express herself. Musical theater became Eaton’s favorite form of dance and expression.

“You can escape from the person you're being. You can act, you can be silly, but you can be so expressive. And I think that was the big thing of me getting into dance when I was younger,” Eaton said. “So whenever I was on stage or when I was dancing, I just really felt like myself because there were no inhibitions when you dance.”

Eaton said she also plans to integrate her education skills and dance to benefit all age levels and abilities. 

“If you've never danced before, you're absolutely welcome. And if you've been dancing for years, you're going to get something out of this dance studio. Everyone will get something,” Eaton said.

The studio will offer dance instruction in hip hop, jazz, tap, contemporary and ballet. Classes will be 45, 60 or 75 minutes, depending on age group. Also incorporated into the class will be a “free movement” period at the end of the class for younger students.

“It gives you time to stretch, work on you, what you like, foundational skills, but also all of those contemporary jazz, hip hop, tap, they get a little bit of everything. But they get to see what they really like.”

To ensure quality instruction, class sizes are limited to a maximum of 15 students.

Eaton’s philosophy aims to create an environment free of inhibitions where students of all ages can build confidence, be expressive and grow as individuals. Her passion for working with what she calls "the littles" is a key motivation that also drove her to pursue a career in early childhood education. 

“You can kind of just feel the music and be comfortable, so it's always been my outlet, and why I think it's really important to kind of share that passion with children.” 

The In Rhythm Dance studio will hold an open house in the dance studio located at 286 Caterpillar Hill Road in Sedgwick on Sunday, Aug. 8. 

For more information, email Audra Eaton at inrhythmdance@gmail.com or visit the In Rhythm Facebook page.