GUSTINE — When Monica Barnes leads Gustine’s Independence Day parade as the 2026 grand marshal on Saturday, she will do so as a hometown native whose life in dance and community service has spanned more than two decades.

Barnes, the owner and founder of Cornerstone Dance, began dancing at age 5 in Turlock. She trained for 13 years, including three seasons on the Advanced Dance Team at Central Catholic High School. After graduating, she expected her dance career to end as she pursued a degree in education at Stanislaus State. Instead, dance continued to follow her — first through the Warrior Dance Team, then through work with Power Cheer as an instructor, judge and competitor.

Barnes said she believed she was headed toward a career as an elementary school teacher until she felt called in a different direction.

“One day, God placed a vision on my heart to open my own dance studio,” she said. “It completely caught me by surprise.”

That same week, while working at her mother’s gym, a dance mom approached her looking for an instructor for six young dancers. Barnes took it as confirmation and agreed to teach them. In January 2003, Cornerstone Dance began with those six students — including Vanessa Rogers, who is now an instructor at the studio.

Within six months, enrollment grew to 35 dancers. By the end of the year, Barnes opened Studio A, followed by Studio B three years later. Today, Cornerstone Dance serves more than 200 students annually and has become a multigenerational fixture in the community.

“Our dance families have been so loyal, supportive and encouraging,” Barnes said. “I give God all the glory for His faithfulness, guidance and countless blessings over these past 23 years.”

Barnes said she hopes her students leave the studio with confidence, character, leadership and kindness, along with memories of a place where they felt accepted and at home.

Raised in Gustine and a graduate of Our Lady of Miracles School, Barnes spent her first 25 years in town before moving to Newman. Cornerstone Dance has long participated in Gustine’s community traditions, including the Fourth of July celebration, Christmas parade and Santa’s Workshop.

“The 4th of July Parade in Gustine is a big tradition that brings families and the entire community together,” she said. “It’s more than just a parade — it’s an opportunity to celebrate our community, our country’s freedoms and the friendships we’ve built through the years.”

This year’s celebration carries added significance as Gustine marks America’s 250th anniversary. Cornerstone’s annual recital, “Sound of Freedom,” was created to honor the nation’s history and the freedoms that allow dancers to express themselves.

Barnes said she was humbled when she learned she had been selected as grand marshal.

“Being chosen as the Grand Marshal is truly one of the greatest honors of my life,” she said. “To be recognized by the community that has supported Cornerstone Dance for the past 23 years means more to me than I can put into words.”

She said the honor represents not only her work, but the dancers, families, instructors and volunteers who have shaped Cornerstone Dance over the years.

On Saturday, Barnes will ride at the front of the parade — celebrating her studio’s legacy, her community’s pride and the faith she says has guided every step.

“I am deeply grateful to celebrate this special day with the community,” she said.