Meet Taylor Chwae Weldon
This local mom-to-be is opening a brand-new dance studio designed for our youngest dancers and their caregivers—created to inspire confidence, creativity, and joy in every little mover.
Where are you from and where do you live now?
I am originally from Madison, Wisconsin. I went to school in Chicago where I earned my B.F.A. in Dance with a Minor in Arts Management from Columbia College Chicago followed by my M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from Depaul University. My husband (who grew up in Westfield), and I met in Chicago and after we got married, we made the leap to settle down in New Jersey. We now live in Maplewood with our two dachshunds and baby-on-the-way.
When is your little one due?
I am so thrilled to share that we are expecting our little one (our first) in June! 2026 is a big year for us.
What is your business, and what inspired you to start it?
Chicago is also where I twirled into Tutu School for the first time as a teacher for the corporate locations and eventually grew in two leadership roles for Tutu School Franchises’ headquarters.
Tutu School is a boutique children’s ballet studio. I very quickly fell in love with the brand and, most importantly, the mission of Tutu School. Our whimsical studios exist to create space in children’s lives for the confident creativity and pure joy that comes from finding oneself in music and movement. I am
delighted to be bringing the magic of Tutu School to Westfield and surrounding areas, a
community that holds a very special place in our hearts.
What has it been like opening a business while preparing for a baby?
I have felt so lucky to be my own boss during my pregnancy and feel like the timing has worked out so well. Things had slowed down a bit on business build-out while I was in my first trimester, so I wasn’t guilty about needing to take some extra time to rest. As the studio started to come together in the past few months, I got especially excited thinking about my own child taking ballet classes. And on the flip side, as I start to feel my baby kick, I feel very proud that I get to show her what it’s like to be an entrepreneur.
What is one thing you’ve learned about toddlers already that surprises you?
Infants, toddlers, and young children absorb so much! What always surprises me with toddlers is when they start to show what they’re picking up in class. For example, we’ll practice a new skill for several weeks. Some toddlers observe while we’re practicing but then will bust out the new skill or new dance move during Ballet Storytime. It’s such a treat to see the pride in their eyes when they have the confidence to try something new!
What’s your go-to way to unwind at the end of the day?
I try my best to make sure I have time in the evening to cook dinner. I come from a family of foodies, and my dad is a chef, so I find comfort in cooking whether I’m trying a new recipe or making a tried-and-true comfort dish. Especially when it feels like I can’t make any progress on my never-ending to-do list, cooking a meal is a gratifying way to experience finishing a task.
Tell us more about your Dance Studio: when classes begin, how can family signed up and what should they need to know about classes.
The studio opens February 2nd! With special Grand Opening Event on February 28. Classes run continuously throughout the year and registration is always ongoing. Enrolling is the best way to secure a spot in class, especially for popular class times, but we also offer a free trial class.
Are there will be more than just classes in your dance studio?
Yes! We also offer Ballet Birthday Parties, Tutu Camp, and special events throughout the year. One of my favorite recurring events is our Ballet Book Club at the Town Book Store in Downtown Westfield. We’ll also host fun, themed events and parties at our studio for both members and non-members.
Describe your studio vibe in three words.
Boutique. Whimsical. Magical.
What advice would you give another mom or moms-to-be who are thinking about starting something new?
I’m a big believer in trying new things. There’s a lot we learn when things feel scary and ways we grow when we feel challenged.
What is one song that always gets kids moving?
At Tutu School, we exclusively play classical music and one of my favorite tracks that always gets kids moving is “Carnival of the Animals: Finale” by Camille Saint-Saëns. It’s my go-to for a high-energy butterfly moment in class.
Ballet slippers or sneakers?
Ballet slippers are best for twirling!
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird for sure.
Tea or Coffee?
Tea, unless it’s peppermint mocha season.
If you had one extra hour to yourself, how would you spend it?
I enjoy a variety of arts and crafts from sewing to watercolor painting. If I had an extra hour to myself, I would commit to taking the time to work on a craft.
Your favorite quote.
“You can start late, look different, be uncertain, and still succeed.” ~ Misty Copeland
Tiny kicks, happy giggles, and first dance steps—Tutu School is set to become a special place for little movers and their grown-ups. As Taylor dances into motherhood, she’s creating a space where joy leads the way, one twirl at a time. Macaroni KID invites you to follow along, learn more, and be part of this exciting new chapter for our neighborhood’s youngest dancers.
