Today we’d like to introduce you to Deborah Perez
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began my dance journey in grade school, studying ballet and tap. When I went to college, I took a chance during spring break and decided to try my hand at becoming a dance instructor. To my surprise, I was hired right away. Within a year, I had earned a U.S. Championship title, solidifying my passion for dance. I realized then that this was the path I wanted to pursue.
What drew me to dance was not only the physicality and artistry, but the connection I felt with my community. I started my professional career at Fred Astaire Studios, then moved on to Arthur Murray, before transitioning to independent work. Nearly two decades ago, I took the next big step and opened my own studio, By Your Side Dance Studio, where I’ve had the privilege of sharing my love for dance with others ever since.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
“As a dance instructor and studio owner, I’ve faced a range of challenges. As a female instructor, attracting clients has been more difficult, which has sometimes made it challenging to cover costs like rent. Finding a professional dance partner has also proven difficult, though I was fortunate to find a great one. Owning my own business has been a steep learning curve, especially in areas like marketing. Many of the resources I relied on early on became outdated, and I quickly realized that strategies that work for a few years often don’t keep up with the ever-changing landscape. It’s been crucial for me to stay current and adapt my approach to advertising as trends evolve.”
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
“I own a dance studio that offers a wide range of styles, including ballroom, Latin, tango, salsa, tap, hip hop, and ballet. We specialize in providing high-quality dance education in a welcoming and inclusive environment for students of all ages and skill levels. What sets us apart is our ability to offer such a diverse array of dance styles, allowing our students to explore different genres and find what truly resonates with them. We pride ourselves on fostering a strong sense of community within the studio, where everyone feels supported and motivated to improve.
What I’m most proud of is seeing the growth of our students, both in their skills and confidence. We’ve had individuals who started with no prior dance experience and have gone on to perform on stage, compete, or simply gain a new passion that enriches their lives. The relationships we’ve built with our students and their families are something that makes me truly proud. The dedication of our instructors and the atmosphere we’ve cultivated here is something I believe makes us stand out in the industry.”
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
“Absolutely, the Covid-19 crisis taught me several important lessons, both personally and professionally. First and foremost, it highlighted the need for adaptability. We had to quickly pivot to online classes to continue offering dance education to our students. It was a steep learning curve, but it also opened up new opportunities, such as reaching students who might not have been able to attend in person due to geographic or scheduling constraints.
I also learned how vital it is to maintain strong communication with both clients and staff. During uncertain times, transparency and reassurance were key in keeping everyone engaged and feeling supported. Lastly, it really emphasized the importance of having a diverse set of revenue streams. The pandemic made it clear how unpredictable things can be, so diversifying our offerings and having contingency plans in place has become an ongoing priority.
Overall, while the crisis was challenging, it helped me realize the value of resilience, innovation, and the power of staying connected with our community.”
Pricing:
- $22 per group class
- $50 for a 4- class series
- $70 introductory private lesson
- $245 30-day unlimited membership
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.byyoursidedancestudio.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/bysdance
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/byyoursidedance
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/byyoursidedance
- Yelp: https://Yelp.com/biz/by-your-side-dance-studio-los-angeles-2
