Today we’d like to introduce you to Jared Hughes.
A Canton, Ohio native, Jared Andrew Hughes began his dance career at the age of 14, break-dancing under the instruction of Bobby Blaze (of the IllStyle Rockers). Instantly enamored with all things dance, Jared swiftly added to his B-boy talents; learning Ballroom, Salsa, Argentine Tango, Contemporary, Modern, and Hip-Hop. In 2009, Jared joined the Living Fountain Dance Company, performing Modern & Contemporary, and guest performing as a B-boy. Upon the Company’s closing the following year, Jared ventured into opening his very own dance studio. This new effort provided Jared the opportunity to teach at Heartbeats to the City, a non-profit organization that brings art into inner-city elementary schools. Later, Jared created and managed a group of B-boys & Hip-hop dancers, known as the Canton City Crew. The group performed at halftime shows for the Cleveland Cavaliers’ D-league as well as other big events such as “The Love Concert” & “Canton’s Dancing with the Stars”. In 2012, Jared set his sights on the West Coast, sold his Ohio studio, and moved to Los Angeles. Jared looks forward to positively impacting his students as well as pursuing his performance and teaching career here in L.A. Jared is currently the co-owner of Let’s Dance Santa Monica Dance studio in Santa Monica and teaches throughout the Greater Los Angeles area.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The primary struggle is always trying to get more students and to retain students. All our students are so great, but many people think of dance as a fun hobby to try for a short time, rather than a long-term investment. So, we’re always looking for ways to get more students through a lot of marketing and referrals, and to get our students that we do have to keep going and achieving more and more long-term goals!
Please tell us about Let’s Dance Santa Monica.
I’ve trained in a lot of different dance styles, so I can offer classes in everything from traditional ballroom like waltz, tango, foxtrot, cha cha, rumba, swing to more social dances like salsa, bachata, lindy hop and argentine tango to dances like breakdancing and hip hop. Also, because I’m an entertainment industry dancer, I can offer a lot of advice about auditioning and breaking into the entertainment industry. I also have a lot of contacts. Additionally, I shoot a lot of videos and have a strong Instagram following (15.9 thousand), so I can offer video services for dancers, as well as advice on how to build your social media following. I also have competitive ballroom experience, so I can take students down that road, too. Lastly, I love doing wedding first dances. The students are always so appreciative and I love seeing the videos and photos!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have tried to find a more permanent single location earlier instead of teaching classes all over LA.
Pricing:
- Group classes – $20, 5 classes for $90 or 10 classes for $150
- Private dance lessons are $125 / 45 minutes, but we offer many discounts for wedding couples
Contact Info:
- Address: 2523 17th Street
1841 Wilshire Blvd. - Website: letsdancesantamonica.com
- Phone: 310-876-2139
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @letsdancesantamonica ,@jaredandrewhughes and @kelirowley
- Facebook: Let’s Dance Santa Monica
- Twitter: @letsdancesantamonica
- Yelp: Let’s Dance Santa Monica
Image Credit:
Joe Adams
Tara Simon
