Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Janson.
Hi Susan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Susan Janson’s love of dance began early. She started dancing at age 5, dancing in Long Beach, CA. Over time, she moved into the professional world before transitioning into teaching. Her passion for both movement and community led her, while completing her MBA at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), to envision a space that combined dance and dance fitness for all ages and levels, both recreational and competitive. The idea was to create an inclusive, positive environment where kids, teens, and adults can grow, learn, and find the joy in movement with the performing arts.
In its 22nd year in business, Kick It Up has become a well-established fixture and pillar in Long Beach, California. Its reputation is built not just on dance instruction, but on the positive energy, excellence, and community culture that Susan intended from the start. The studio has earned praise in reviews and listings for having “amazing teachers,” “friendly staff,” and a supportive environment. Susan also continues to remain visible and active, both within the studio and in external community/respective professional circles, including being a part of the Elite Board of Advisors and a Certified Coach for More Than Just Great Dancing and the Community Manager for Enrollio Dance Software.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Over its 22 years in business, Kick It Up has faced its share of challenges, much like any long-standing small business. From the 2008 recession, when families had to make difficult choices about extracurricular activities, to the Covid shutdowns of 2020 that forced the studio to quickly pivot to online dance classes, Susan and her team have had to continually adapt to changing times. Rising rents, the ever-growing competition in the dance industry, and maintaining a high-quality program have also tested the studio’s resilience.
Those hardships ultimately became the stepping stones that shaped Kick It Up into the vibrant, thriving studio it is today. Adapting to challenges taught the staff to be creative and flexible—launching virtual programs during the pandemic, expanding class offerings to meet shifting community needs, and finding innovative ways to keep students engaged and inspired. Each obstacle deepened the studio’s commitment to its mission of inclusivity, resilience, and joy in dance. Rather than holding the studio back, these challenges reinforced the strong sense of family and community that has always defined Kick It Up. In 2025, the studio stands as a testament to perseverance, celebrating 22 years of growth, passion, and the unwavering belief that dance has the power to uplift and bring people together.
Kick It Up has remained committed to its mission of creating an inclusive and joyful space for dancers of all ages—emerging stronger, more innovative, and more deeply connected to its community with each hurdle overcome.
As you know, we’re big fans of Kick It Up. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Kick It Up is more than a dance studio—it’s a community built on inclusivity, creativity, and joy. For over 22 years, we’ve specialized in providing high-quality instruction in a wide variety of dance styles, including ballet, pointe, acro, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap, hip hop, bellydance and musical theatre. What sets us apart is our unique non-competitive approach: instead of focusing on trophies or awards, we focus on cultivating confidence, artistry, and a love of movement in every dancer who walks through our doors. No matter if they compete or do not compete, we want them to find the joy in dance. Families know us for our supportive, welcoming environment where both kids and adults can grow, learn, and shine.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of creating a space where every student—whether their dream is to perform on stage, stay active, or simply try something new—feels seen and celebrated. Our performances, from annual recitals to performing in the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Day Parade, showcase not only talent, but the heart and passion of our community. Beyond classes, we also offer workshops, summer camps, private lessons, and special events, such as the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade or Disneyland Main Street Performances, that enrich the lives of our students and their families.
At Kick It Up, our mission has always been to blend excellence with accessibility. We want readers to know that our studio is a place where dance is for everyone—not just the most experienced or competitive, but for every person who wants to move, express, and belong. That commitment is what has carried us through more than two decades of growth, and it’s what continues to guide everything we do today.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
People can work with us, collaborate with us, or support us in many ways. For families and individuals, the best way to connect is by enrolling in our classes—whether it’s dance for kids, teens, and adults or private lessons tailored to individual goals. For local businesses and organizations, we welcome partnerships and sponsorships that help us create memorable performances, community events, and scholarships for students. We also love collaborating with schools, nonprofits, and community groups to bring dance and movement into new spaces.
Support can also come in simple but impactful ways—sharing about Kick It Up on social media, attending our shows and recitals, or participating in our fundraisers and special events. For those who believe in the power of dance to transform lives, supporting our studio means investing in a space that uplifts confidence, creativity, and community for people of all ages.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kickitup.com
- Instagram: kickituplb
- Facebook: Kick It Up! Dance and Fitness Studio
Image Credits
A Cut Above – Recital Photography
More Than Just Great Dancing (headshot)
