Demonstrating unwavering dedication and expertise, CeCe Jean Saunders has excelled as the owner of Peggy Anne & CeCe Jean’s Dance Studio since assuming the leadership role from her mother. Her stewardship of the studio is marked by a commitment to preserving its legacy while adapting to contemporary needs. Under Ms. Saunders’ guidance, the studio has celebrated significant milestones, including its 80th anniversary — a testament to its enduring presence and the trust it has fostered across generations. She regards this achievement as the pinnacle of her career, reflecting not only longevity but also the deep loyalty of families who continue to return to the studio because of the positive environment it cultivates.
Throughout her tenure as owner of Peggy Anne & CeCe Jean’s Dance Studio, Ms. Saunders has distinguished herself by prioritizing her students’ well-being and personal growth instead of profit. She maintains a family-centered atmosphere supported by long-standing staff, many of whom she trained from childhood. Ms. Saunders emphasizes how students feel when they leave the studio rather than focusing solely on accolades or competition wins. Her approach is characterized by keeping tuition accessible, avoiding impersonal business practices, and fostering a supportive community where both staff and students feel connected.
Praised for achieving a high level of mastery in her field, Ms. Saunders is renowned for her resilience and adaptability, particularly during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. When in-person classes were disrupted, her daughter launched a YouTube channel to ensure that children could continue dancing at home in preparation for the studio’s 75th recital. Ms. Saunders was deeply moved by messages from former students whose children continued to benefit from her teaching through this remote teaching initiative, highlighting the far-reaching impact of her work.
Ms. Saunders’ leadership style is rooted in lessons learned from her mother, who founded the studio in 1944. Her mother instilled in her the values of kindness, persistence and thoughtful reflection. Ms. Saunders models her approach on these principles, teaching not only dance and cheer but also character development. She believes that teaching itself provides ongoing learning opportunities, and she often gains new insights from former students who return after pursuing dance at the collegiate level.
In managing the business side of the studio, Ms. Saunders has chosen to operate with an intentionally old-fashioned system, relying on checks, cash and paper records to maintain a personal touch and avoid handling credit card information. This approach keeps tuition affordable and ensures that children who might not otherwise have access to dance education can participate. Ms. Saunders is also supported by her daughter, who holds a business degree from The University of Texas at San Antonio, where she was involved in cheerleading and dance. Her daughter understands the significance of the studio’s business model and is equally committed to preserving its unique environment.
The involvement of Ms. Saunders’ daughter continues a family tradition. Even before graduating from high school in 1983, Ms. Saunders began working alongside her mother in the studio, stepping into a well-established organization and infusing it with new elements such as jazz and cheerleading while maintaining core traditions in tap and ballet. Growing up as an army brat, Ms. Saunders was exposed to dance instructors from various locations, enriching her perspective and skills. Her early experiences teaching five young girls in her kitchen during high school laid the foundation for what would become Peggy Anne & CeCe Jean’s Dance Studio.
Ms. Saunders has been a member of several important organizations relevant to her profession, including past membership with the U.S. All Star Federation. She has also been involved with the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce, reflecting her engagement with her local business community.
Beyond her career, Ms. Saunders is civically minded as a donor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She finds fulfillment in spending time with her family, including her spouse, five children and seven grandchildren — several of whom are now involved in dance themselves.
In the coming years, Ms. Saunders plans to remain actively involved in teaching numerous classes at Peggy Anne & CeCe Jean’s Dance Studio while also focusing on training staff and managing responsibilities. She continues to draw inspiration from seeing multiple generations participate in recitals. In particular, Ms. Saunders finds joy in honoring her mother’s legacy through the annual tradition in which more than 300 children gather onstage to sing “There’s No Business Like Show Business.” This recurring event, like the entirety of her career, stands as an example of dedication to craft, community impact and intergenerational influence within the world of dance education.