Story & Lesson Highlights with Anat Stigers of Mid City

We recently had the chance to connect with Anat Stigers and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Anat, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
My daily grind is fueled by mom life and studio lights!

The day kicks off at 6 AM. After getting myself ready, it’s all hands on deck to wrangle my two amazing boys (ages 5 and 9) and get them set for school. We usually blast out the door around 7:30 AM.

Once they’re dropped off, I prioritize a workout class—a little “me time” to recharge! Then it’s home for some quick organizing and personal tasks before heading to my happy place: the dance studio! I absolutely love teaching all my kiddos there and finishing the day on a high note.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, my name is Anat Stigers. I was born and raised in Woodland Hills, Ca where I started training in dance at the age of 8 years old. Growing up with dance has shaped me into the person I am today and I have now had the pleasure of directing The Dance Center at My Gym Beverly Hills for over 16 years. Even after all this time, I truly love every moment of it.
We are a non-competitive dance studio committed to nurturing dancers aged 3 and up. Our core mission is simple: every student should feel comfortable, confident, and loved. We achieve this through a fun, engaging, and curriculum-based approach that ensures dancers gain foundational training while experiencing continued growth in a supportive and loving environment—a true hidden gem.
My own dance journey began at age 8, leading me to New York at 20, where I quickly booked the national Broadway tour of Cats as Victoria, the white cat. My performance career also took me across Europe with the musical Hair and led to opportunities working with incredible artists, including the Jabbawockeez breakdancing crew and many other projects.
After an injury shifted my path from performing to teaching, I found my true calling. Teaching across various studios and conventions, I eventually settled into my current role as Director, where I combine professional foundational training with the joy and passion that dance has given me throughout my life.
I am truly grateful to be in a profession that is my passion and continue to look forward to each and every day that I get to touch the lives of many kids through dance. We are currently about to start gearing for our annual recital and look forward to the outcome each and every year!

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
It might be a surprise, but I was a genuinely shy child when I started dance at age 8. I cried often, especially when put on the spot or asked to perform in front of others.
Sticking with dance was the best decision I ever made. At 12, something shifted, and I finally broke out of my shell. The earliest memory I have of feeling truly powerful was an audition for an acting part in a studio dance.
Where I usually would have shied away or cried, I went for it—full capacity, no hesitation. The feeling was incredible, inside and out. I’ll never forget that moment; it didn’t just bring me confidence in dance, it gave me confidence in myself.

Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
While it’s not a secret, it is something I often share: how profoundly I miss performing. That feeling is likely amplified by my past shyness; transforming from an introverted child into a confident performer was a powerful experience.
When an injury prematurely ended my performance career, it felt as though a vital part of me had been taken away. I truly struggled with that loss for a long time. However, instead of dwelling in sadness, I channeled that passion and energy into teaching. I’ve never looked back, finding new purpose and fulfillment in nurturing the next generation of dancers.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
My approach to life and work is transparent: what you see is what you get. I am a passionate individual dedicated to supporting others in their aspirations. I consider it a blessing and a privilege to impact students daily through the discipline and joy of dance. In addition to my professional life, I cherish my role as a mother to my two sons, which is another central passion of mine.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I want to be remembered first and foremost as a loving, passionate, and supportive person—someone whose happiness was infectious. It would be a great honor if my legacy includes being an inspiration who impacted many students through the transformative power of dance over the years.
My philosophy is rooted in making the most of every moment (“You only live once, so make the absolute best of it”). I am committed to prioritizing joy and reframing every challenge as a valuable opportunity for growth and learning.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mygymdance.com
• Instagram: @thedancecenterbh
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/104007091252773/

Image Credits
None available