In a large and very hot dance studio in a converted warehouse in Oakland, Tecsia Evans talks through a microphone to about 30 women and girls. “God made you masterpieces,” Evans says as fans whir.

Fallon Earlington basically grew up on the stage. She danced and sang in many local theatrical productions as well as performing and choreographing routines as a praise dancer at her church.

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Six women, dressed in flowing white skirts and purple tunics, move gently to the recorded music that echoes through the Tacoma, Wash., sanctuary. Their white-gloved hands and ballet-slippered feet ...