Daily Inspiration: Meet Mia Klinger

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Klinger.

Hi Mia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Nan Klinger Excellence in Dance has been a cornerstone of dance training in Northeast Ohio since its founding in 1953 by Nan Klinger. With a deep commitment to artistic integrity, discipline, and a love for the art form, Nan established a studio that quickly became known for its strong technical foundation and nurturing environment.
In 1975, Nan Klinger expanded her vision by founding Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet, providing her students with a pre-professional performance company and further elevating the level of training and opportunity available in the region. Today, Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet dba Ballet Excel Ohio is recognized as one of the four oldest youth ballet companies in the United States, a testament to Nan’s lasting impact on dance education and performance.
From the beginning, the studio emphasized high-quality ballet training while also fostering well-rounded dancers through diverse styles and performance opportunities. Nan Klinger’s philosophy centered on developing not only skilled dancers, but confident, dedicated individuals, a legacy that continues to define the studio today.
In 2002, leadership of the studio passed to her daughter, Mia Klinger, who grew up immersed in the studio’s culture and values. Under her direction, Nan Klinger Excellence in Dance has expanded its programs while remaining deeply rooted in its founding principles. Mia has built upon her mother’s vision by strengthening pre-professional training, broadening class offerings, and creating meaningful performance and outreach opportunities for students of all levels.
Today, the studio continues to serve as both a training ground for aspiring dancers and a welcoming space for those who simply love to dance. With over seven decades of history, Nan Klinger Excellence in Dance remains dedicated to excellence, community, and the enduring impact of dance education across generations.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any long-standing arts organization, it hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of the most significant challenges came in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted in-person training and performances for dance studios everywhere. Navigating closures, virtual classes, and the uncertainty of that time required flexibility, creativity, and a deep commitment to our students and families.
In addition, we are seeing the broader effects of declining birth rates in the United States, which naturally impacts enrollment in youth programs across the country. Fewer children means increased competition for arts organizations and a need to be even more intentional about outreach and engagement.
That said, these challenges have also strengthened us. They have pushed us to adapt, refine our programs, and reaffirm what makes our studio special, a strong sense of community, high-quality training, and a commitment to developing each dancer as both an artist and an individual. Our longevity is a testament to our ability to evolve while staying true to our core values.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Nan Klinger Excellence in Dance, my work centers on providing high-quality, developmentally sound dance training, with a strong emphasis on classical ballet. We offer a comprehensive program that supports dancers from their very first class through pre-professional levels, always with a focus on proper technique, musicality, and artistry.
What truly sets my work apart is my deep focus on pedagogy, particularly in the training of beginning ballet students. I have spent many years studying how young dancers learn, building a curriculum that prioritizes correct placement, strength, and coordination from the very start. I believe that a strong foundation in classical ballet is essential, and when it is taught thoughtfully and progressively, it not only prevents injury but allows dancers to reach their fullest potential over time.
We are also known for maintaining a balance between excellence and accessibility. While we provide serious pre-professional training, we are equally committed to creating a positive, nurturing environment where every student feels valued and inspired, regardless of their goals.
What I am most proud of is the longevity and consistency of our program, and the generations of dancers who have come through our doors with a shared sense of discipline, confidence, and love for dance. Seeing students grow, not just technically, but as individuals, and knowing they carry those lessons with them long after they leave the studio is incredibly meaningful.
Ultimately, what sets us apart is our commitment to doing things the right way: building dancers from the ground up with care, intention, and a deep respect for the art of classical ballet.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I had a lot of energy and a strong sense of drive. I was naturally competitive, but in a way that pushed me to work harder and keep improving. Dance became the perfect outlet for that energy, it gave me both structure and a sense of purpose at a young age.
Personality-wise, I was also very outgoing and loved to make people laugh. I’ve always had a bit of a humorous side, but at the same time, I was often described as wise beyond my years. I took my training seriously and had a clear understanding, even early on, of the discipline and commitment it takes to grow as a dancer.
Looking back, that combination of energy, competitiveness, and maturity really shaped who I am today. It’s also something I recognize in many of my students, which helps me connect with them and guide them in a meaningful way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.klingerdance.com
• Instagram: @klingerdance
• Facebook: @klingerdance