Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Krivosheya.
Diana, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
After high school, I joined the UC San Diego Dance-Sport Team to make new friends and learn the art of competitive ballroom dancing. I loved the team so much that I was a member for all four years, serving as an officer for two of those years. I never dreamed that joining that team would change my life. It sparked a passion for dance that inspired me to spend my future sharing that passion with others. I was getting a bachelor’s degree in Economics at the time because that was a stable degree but I never liked my classes because I loved working with people.
After college, I worked at UCSD as an administrative assistant, Travelex selling foreign currency, an accounting firm, and as a receptionist at a local dance studio in San Diego. At the same time, I was an instructor’s assistant for a few years and until I felt more comfortable taking my own students. I started working with brides and grooms as the lead instructor. I love helping students accomplish something that they could never think they could. I founded Dance by Diana, a friendly and private dance instruction for wedding couples and social dancers that offers Ballroom, Latin, Swing, and Salsa.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Dance is a luxury. People don’t feel that it is necessary to do, or people want to be Fred Astaire after one hour. Dance is not a stable profession. Initially I taught private lessons to brides and grooms but eventually I expanded to group lessons. I wanted to also teach group lessons which would because they allow me to reach a wider demographic of students.
When I worked at a dance studio, the hours of the group classes would determine how busy the class was. If the class starts at 5:30 pm, it was too early or 8:30 pm it was too late. 6:30 pm to 8 pm were the best times. Those times usually have established instructors that won’t give up their time slot. A studio requires you to bring in your own students. So, I decided to reach out and work for the city and the university.
I moved from San Diego to Orange County. I remembered how much joy I experienced from being on the UCSD Dance Sport Team when I got a job teaching Swing Dance to UC Irvine students. Afterwards, I found a job working as Contract Dance Instructor for the City of Irvine and City of Tustin. I also got a job working at Santiago Canyon Community College, and a retirement facility working with seniors. All of these jobs took about at least 6 months to a year of consistent phone calls to make a reality. I started getting more experience and feeling more comfortable.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Dance by Diana – what should we know?
I specialize in Ballroom, Latin, Swing and Salsa dance instruction for beginners and advanced beginners. I am proud that I can give people the encouragement to go out on the dance floor with no fear and succeed. I try to make dancing fun and non-intimidating.
Pricing:
- $40 introductory private dance lesson for 30 minutes.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1502 E Warner Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92705
- Website: www.dancebydiana.com
- Phone: 9493516873
- Email: dancebydiana@gmail.com
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dance-by-diana-santa-ana
Image Credit:
Nathan Le Photography
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