Balance means training hard without burning out. It means celebrating progress without pressure. It means making space for both dedication and downtime, for both structure and creativity.
In a world that often pushes young people to do more, be more, and move faster, we choose a different path—one that honors the whole dancer, not just the performer.
At MDM, we’ve created a place where dance fits into life—not the other way around. And in doing so, we help our dancers find their rhythm—not just in choreography, but in everything they do.
The greatest artistry doesn’t come from overwork—it comes from balance. And when dancers learn to move from a place of balance, they don’t just grow—they thrive.
Because here, we know the most powerful performance of all is one that comes from a dancer who feels grounded, supported, and free to be themselves.
Why Balance Matters
Helen Estrella
Owner|Artistic director
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Rohnert Park, California
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Drop Dead Fred
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“Normality is a paved road: It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it.”
• Vincent van Gogh
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Helen's journey began in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she fell in love with movement amidst the disciplined world of competitive artistic and rhythmic gymnastics. Transitioning into young adulthood, she ventured to Los Angeles to dance with esteemed contemporary companies, making her mark in both print and commercial realms.
Returning to her roots in Northern California in 2002, she founded nationally ranked Estrella Dance Company and The Dance Room. Her artistic journey led her to Colorado, where she assumed the role of Executive Director at the non-profit professional company: Boulder Jazz Dance Collective, Boulder Jazz Dance Workshop, Beyond Motion Dance Convention and Motion Dance Movement. In addition, Helen is currently a faculty member of Artists in Training, Theater Arts Preparatory School, The Branch Dance Experience, Talent on Parade Dance Directive Convention, and Camp ME.
She graces stages as a performer, guest artist, master teacher and choreographer for various professional, student and competition companies around the nation. She has built multiple studios from the ground up, run non-profit professional dance companies, and consulted in both the artistic and administrative fields of the dance industry. Helen is committed to nurturing and inspiring the next generation of dancers and dance educators through individual mentorship and dedication to cultivating their artistic growth and potential.