Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in training and development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lisa Svecla, Owner and Director of Premiere Dance Academy Ltd., located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Premiere Dance Academy is a Dance studio providing training and education in the art of Dance. We offer Acro, Ballet, Bollywood, Contemporary, Flexibility & Conditioning Class, Hip Hop Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Musical Theatre, And Tap. As well we offer Baby Ballet, Teddy Bears and Tutus (3-year-olds), PreSchool Dance (4 & 5-year-olds), and Tween, Teen, and Adult Programs for all levels of experience.
Tell us about yourself
I started to dance when I was four years old, and it created this life for me, a life of sharing my passion for dance, creativity, and the love of the arts with children of all ages (and adults as well).
I am motivated by the clients we serve, and that is the kids. I am also determined to ensure we are providing the best service in the industry we possibly can by hand selecting our City’s best Dance Educators. Our dance academy provides a safe, fun, welcoming, and highly skilled environment for dancers of all ages to thrive. Rather you are a beginner or at the Competitive Dance level, we have all levels of classes, so you are dancing with your peers at the level you feel comfortable at and are achieving your goals and enjoying the dance journey we provide. Dance is a true expression of your soul; the dancers are the heart of why we do what we do.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is that we have been serving NW dance families now for over 45 years, and I myself have been a dance educator for 40 years this season and 39 of them at Premiere Dance Academy. 2022-2023 marks my 23rd Season as the Artistic Director/ Owner of this company.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Great question, one with many layers and answers, to be honest. Hours and hours of work to ensure everyone is getting the best we can provide, ensuring all clients are happy with our services, and managing 20 plus Faculty and staff members.
However, I think the pandemic was one of the hardest things we had to maneuver through, but we fought the fight to stay in business, and I will say that was the hardest thing as a company and personally we had to endure. Many dance academies and studios were not as fortunate ate to survive it; we had to fight hard and push through to the other side.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your homework, and ensure you know how to run a business in your field of expertise. To do is one thing but to run a business is another.
- Make sure you have the resources financially and personally to help you through any hurdles you may come across, and YES, there will always be one or two in the journey of owning your own business.
- Be brave, be kind, be strong, and do not lose your worth or your passion in the process.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I am honored to have worked at this dance academy for 39 years as an educator and now still as a dance educator but also as the owner and artistic director. I have helped shape the lives of many children to go forth and become strong, confident, and productive adults in whatever path they choose; rather it is in the dance world or another avenue for their career.
Dance creates great self-esteem, confidence, determination, and growth, and we see that in our students as they move into their career paths, how Dance has helped them become productive, organized, dedicated young adults.
I am so proud of the service we provide, YES, we provide dance classes, but we at Premiere Dance give ourselves and so much more than that. We provide a second home and a wonderful dance family for these children. They feel safe, loved, and free to be their true selves without judgment or criticism. I am so proud of my Premiere Dance Faculty and Team for their undying dedication to the education of the art of Dance and for ensuring these young people are getting more than a dance education by supporting them in any way we can.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://premieredance.com/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3zPnD5t
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pda_yyc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-svecla-101139248/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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