GETTING TO KNOW THE FOUNDERS

As a young child, I vividly remember going on a school outing to watch "The Nutcracker" and being completely mesmerized by the graceful movements of the ballerinas. The impact was so profound that I begged my mother to enroll me in dance lessons, thus beginning my journey as a dancer. Over the years, I consider myself fortunate to have spent the majority of my life in pink tights and black leotards, exploring various dance styles, yet ultimately claiming Ballet as my "one true love". 

Dance has been an ever-present force in my life, teaching me invaluable lessons in discipline, perseverance, and the importance of hard work. It has also given me a profound sense of purpose and joy that will always hold a special place in my heart. Some of my fondest memories revolve around dance, such as the elation I felt after mastering a new move or the sense of camaraderie I shared with my fellow dancers during performances. I vividly remember the late nights  spent at the barre in ballet class, striving to perfect my technique and posture. However, dance transcended beyond the confines of the studio, permeating my daily life. I recall the amusing experience of trying to eat meals in full "stage makeup" at restaurants or the thrill of performing in front of a packed auditorium. 

Looking back, I realize that dance has been an integral part of shaping me into the person I am today, instilling values such as discipline, perseverance, and creativity. While I may not dance as frequently as I used to, the lessons and memories I have gained from it will always stay with me. Dance has taught me the importance of hard work, self-expression, and the power of pursuing one's passions. It has imbued me with a sense of confidence and belonging that I will carry with me throughout my life.  These lessons alone are but a few that I'm so excited to share with my students. 

As a dance instructor, my goal is to help every student I come in contact with to have the same experiences I did. I want to pass on the lessons I learned through dance, including discipline, patience, and accountability. These are skills that extend far beyond the dance floor and into everyday life. Through dance, I also learned the importance of being a role model. In a world where being kind isn't always seen as "cool", I want to show my students that kindness, respect, and empathy are essential qualities to possess. I strive to create a positive environment in my classes, where my students feel comfortable to be themselves and support one another. 

I measure my success as an instructor not just by the number of awards my students win, but by the growth I see in each individual athlete. Seeing a student overcome a challenge, develop a new skill, or gain confidence is what motivates me to continue teaching. And as I watch my students progress, I also continue to learn and grow as an instructor. Teaching dance is not just a job for me, it's a passion. I feel privileged to be able to share my love for dance with my students and to help them develop their own passion for the art form. Ultimately, I hope to instill in them the same values and lessons that dance taught me, so they can carry those skills with them into all aspects of their lives.

  Dance has been an invaluable asset on this challenging journey of small business ownership. The discipline and persistence that I learned through dance have given me the strength to handle difficult situations and stay motivated during trying times. Just like in dance, when faced with a challenging routine, I break down each step and tackle it one by one. When dealing with difficult situations in business, I approach them with the same mentality - one step at a time, until I overcome it. The creativity and improvisation skills I gained through dance have also allowed me to approach problems with unique solutions, thinking outside of the box to find the best resolution. 

Overall, dance has been a tremendous help in preparing me for the challenges of small business ownership, and I am grateful for the lessons and skills that I have gained through my years of dance training.   All at once I've come to appreciate the deeper lessons dance has taught me throughout my life. It was never just about perfecting a specific dance move, but rather the dedication and focus required to achieve it. I now understand the art of dance and the discipline it takes to execute even the simplest steps with precision. As I take on the role of a dance studio owner, I'm excited to apply the same level of determination and grit that I've honed through my years of dance practice. 

-Amanda