Gymagination, founded by preschool gymnastics director Ms. Stayc Sharrow in 2003, has become a vital resource for young children’s development in the Dallas, Texas, and Miami, Florida areas. With over 40 years of teaching experience, Ms. Sharrow’s vision has shaped the Gymagination program—a unique approach to gymnastics and movement education focused on non-competitive learning for children aged 6 months to 12 years old.
The idea for Gymagination originated from a simple question asked by a 3-year-old student: “Ms. Stayc, are we going to use our Gymagination today?” This innocent inquiry led to the establishment of Gymagination, with the program aiming to offer gymnastics classes that promote fun and developmental learning without competition. Ms. Sharrow’s emphasis on technical gymnastics in a non-competitive environment has allowed children to explore, learn, and grow without the pressures often associated with comparison or rivalry.
Initially offering classes for children ages 2-6 in the Dallas area, Gymagination quickly became a popular choice for families looking for a supportive and age-appropriate activity for their young children. As demand grew, the program expanded in 2006 to include baby sign language classes for children aged 3-24 months.
In 2010, Gymagination made its move to Miami, Florida, where it developed programming across five community centers, continuing to provide gymnastics and movement education for preschoolers. Two years later, the curriculum expanded further to include music and movement classes for babies and toddlers, emphasizing the importance of early childhood development across physical, emotional, and cognitive areas.
With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Gymagination faced challenges as many community centers closed. In response, Ms. Sharrow opened the program’s first retail space, launching new classes to continue serving families. A new addition to the program was NinjaZone, which combines gymnastics and martial arts for children ages 5-12. In 2021, Ms. Sharrow introduced Zumbini, a Zumba-inspired program designed for parents and children to enjoy together, which became a popular offering.
The growing demand led to the opening of a second Gymagination location in 2023, allowing the program to serve a wider range of children. One location now focuses on younger children, while the other serves children aged 5-12. These expansions have helped Gymagination build a reputation for offering non-competitive and inclusive educational experiences for children.
A key aspect of Gymagination’s philosophy is inclusivity. Ms. Sharrow, who has autism spectrum disorder and is disabled due to a cycling accident, has been deeply committed to creating an environment where all children feel accepted. The program strives to ensure that representation matters not just one month of the year, but every day, providing equal opportunities for growth to all children, regardless of their background or abilities.
In contrast to larger programs, Gymagination maintains a low teacher-to-child ratio, with no more than 12 children and two instructors per class. This structure allows for individualized attention, helping instructors meet the unique needs of each child and ensuring they can learn and grow at their own pace in a nurturing environment.
This personalized approach has contributed to Gymagination’s positive reputation. Many former students have gone on to become teachers themselves, further building a sense of community. The program’s staff includes professionals with backgrounds in nursing, paramedics, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, ensuring that children are taught by individuals with a broad range of expertise and a commitment to the program’s values.
Ms. Sharrow often emphasizes, “Representation matters. Inclusion and acceptance aren’t just one month a year—they’re 365 days a year. We see our students as family, not numbers. That’s the difference between Gymagination and other programs. We care about each child, their growth, and their well-being.”
Gymagination’s focus is not solely on gymnastics and movement; it is about building confidence, fostering a love of learning, and creating a community where every child can succeed. The program encourages children to explore their creativity, develop new skills, and reach their full potential without the pressure of competition.
The program has earned positive feedback from many parents, who have praised Gymagination for its commitment to quality and its inclusive approach.
Looking to the future, Ms. Sharrow and her team remain committed to their mission of providing high-quality, non-competitive education to children of all abilities. The principles of inclusion, love, and acceptance will continue to guide the program’s growth and success in the years to come.
For more information about Gymagination and its programs, visit Gymagination’s Website.