Today we’d like to introduce you to Janet Snyder.
Janet, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have been ballroom dancing since I was a little girl when my parents signed me up for Cotillion. Little did they know that a lifelong love affair would be born! I have a Psychology & Dance Degree from Loyola Marymount University and after 7 years in the corporate sector, I returned to my first love – ballroom dance.
Growing up, I was on a Ballroom Formation Dance Team where I learned from world champion dancers, coaches, and instructors. I also dabbled a bit in the amateur competition arena. After turning professional, I taught at Arthur Murray Dance Studios and later, started my own company, Dance Ten.
I pride myself on being able to teach anyone to dance and still get a huge thrill when people take their first dance steps!
I am blessed to be able to do what I love and share the gift of dance with people from around the globe.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As any small business owner knows, it is not a smooth road. There are lots of struggles. I have never worked harder! The victories are mine but the failures are also mine. When things don’t go as planned, it’s tough to swallow. But every failure and setback (brace yourself because there are a lot of them) is a lesson and is one more step closer to a win. Yes, it’s been difficult, but the rewards so outweigh anything else. I cherish the fact that I get to do what I love so very much every single day. I wish everyone could be so lucky.
My advice to young women starting out (or anyone, myself included) is to stick to your guns. Believe in yourself and your talents (yes, everyone has talents!). Define what you bring to the table that no one else does. What makes you unique? Why should someone buy from you instead of your competitor? But most importantly, believe in yourself. I cannot say it enough. If you speak from a place of confidence in who you are and what you can offer, a potential client will most likely believe it and want to work with you. Also, learn to listen… really listen. Most people don’t listen to their clients. If you can listen and understand who your client is and what he/she wants, then you can deliver an outstanding experience.
Please tell us about Dance Ten.
Dance Ten is a full-service dance instruction company, specializing in ballroom, Latin and Swing dancing. We fill a much-needed niche by teaching private lessons at our students’ homes as well as renting local studio spaces. Dance Ten also offers contract instructors in different dance specialties as well as instruction and/or performances at private parties, corporate functions, wedding preparation, etc. We also have a dance shoe website, www.danceshoesnow.com where a wide variety of Ballroom and Latin shoes, and accessories are offered!
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
My parents signed me up for cotillion when I was in 5th grade. I liked ballroom dancing and when I was old enough, I tried out for a Ballroom Formation team. I was accepted and that is when my love affair with this genre of dance really began. I danced growing up and then I stopped after graduating from college. I eventually found my way back to dance and have never looked back. Dance is who I am.
Growing up, dancing taught me many things. A few of those things include learning how to talk to anyone, learning how to properly introduce people, how to break down a dance step, how to work with a partner, how to work on a team, and most of all, it gave me lifelong friends. I am grateful for the gift of dance every day!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.danceten.net
- Phone: 818-634-5881
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dance_ten/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Dance-Ten/49628498234
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/danceten
- Other: www.danceshoesnow.com
Image Credit:
Janet
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