Today we’d like to introduce you to Ginger Fatale
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?
My personal experiences as a queer, minority, dancer, and instructor, coupled with an urgent need for a safe and supportive space, motivated me to open my own dance studio. I have always been deeply passionate about the transformative power of dance and I am dedicated to helping individuals find joy, confidence, and a sense of belonging through dance, while embracing the diverse identities and experiences that shape our community at Soul On Fire Dance.
It was during the pandemic and resurgence of social justice movements that I realized the importance of creating a safe and inclusive space. I saw the need to establish a place where individuals could find solace, regardless of their identities. Starting a brick-and-mortar dance studio during such uncertain times seemed illogical, but I felt a calling to provide an empowering space. The overwhelming support I received reinforced my decision, and I embarked on this journey with determination.
What sets Soul On Fire Dance apart is our mission. Our primary goal is to offer a nurturing environment for self-expression, healing, and community-building. We welcome individuals of all genders, sexual orientations, races, religions, body sizes, abilities, and dance experience.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This has not been an easy journey. Soul on Fire Dance was born during the height of the pandemic, while I was going through some interpersonal turmoil. There were a lot of boundaries that needed to be set, many lessons to be learned, and an overwhelming number of challenges to dance through – both before and after its inception. Finding a space that could be our home was tough, there were a lot of undesirable places, places that were perfect but too expensive, places that weren’t accepting of our vision of a dance studio. Building out the studio was difficult coming out the pandemic; deliveries were delayed, materials were unavailable, and everyone was spread thin for time. Finally, there was the struggle of opening up an in person space as the world started opening back up after lock down. We struggled with empty classes for several months – I worried about making rent and paying off the debt of the build out.
I got through this because of the astounding amount of support I have in my own community – the one we created together. There is always someone to lend an ear to listen, hand to help, or shoulder to cry on. I wouldn’t be here without them; Soul on Fire Dance wouldn’t be here without them.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Soul On Fire Dance is an (18+) adult dance studio. Our mission is to provide a supportive and safe environment for individuals of all body types to learn, express, and create through dance. We are committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusivity in both our studio and the wider community through dance and social activism.
Our studio offers a wide range of classes suitable for all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner taking your first dance steps or a seasoned dancer looking to further develop your skills, we have classes designed to meet your needs. Our passionate instructors are dedicated to teaching with love and expertise in various dance styles. They also undergo training on Trauma-Informed Dance Instruction, ensuring a supportive environment for all students.
At Soul On Fire Dance, we prioritize creating a nurturing space for self-expression and connection to the body. Our studio facilities include two rooms with sprung hardwood floors, mirrors, and sound systems. We provide rental opportunities for the second room during scheduled class times, and the entire studio is available for use during off hours, fostering a sense of community and support for local artists to create and share their work.
I’m proud that in the two and a half short years that we’ve been open we’ve achieved a lot. We were honored to receive the “Best Dance Studio in Santa Ana” award from reputable organizations like the Quality Business Awards, Santa Ana Award Program, and Distinguished Teaching. Our exceptional reviews on Yelp also earned us the “People Love Us on Yelp” sticker.
In addition, we have been recognized and supported by the local community. We have been awarded grants and invited by the city to showcase performances that promote mental health, cultural enrichment, and community building.
Our studio was also chosen for a prestigious sponsorship from a renowned dance heels company, they only selected 25 dance schools and teams from around the world.
One of our greatest achievements was being selected as a co-host for World Burlesque Day, a global event celebrating the community and mental health benefits of this dance style. In 2023, World Burlesque Day was celebrated in over 80 countries, and in 2024, only three co-hosts were chosen worldwide, including the founder of the day, Soul On Fire Dance, and another school in London, UK. On April 21, 2024, we are excited to attempt setting the World Record for the World’s Largest Online Burlesque Class, where we will be teaching a class to students around the world from our home studio.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I have so many people that this studio would not be here without. My partner for dealing with me, doing all the things, and still loving me at the end of the day. My business coach, Cera, of Intuitive Edge Coaching for lovingly pushing me to do all the uncomfortable things. My family for being supportive of a crazy dream. My Soul on Fire performers, instructors, students and friends for listening, encouraging, and hyping me up. My professional family that I’ve been lucky enough to partner with over the last couple of years. All the people who have had any part in the journey, big or small, good or bad – you have helped grow this because of the way you shaped me.
Pricing:
- $20 – drop in class
- $90 – 5 pack of classes
- $170 – 10 pack of classes
- $320 – 20 pack of classes
- $199 – New Member Special (one month of unlimited classes)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://soulonfiredance.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/soul_on_fire_dance
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/soulonfiredancecollective.com
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/soul-on-fire-dance-santa-ana
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@soul_on_fire_dance
Image Credits
Matt Crowe
