Exploring Life & Business with Nadine Hassen of RAD Dance Studio (N&R Productions, LLC)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nadine Hassen.

Hi Nadine, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Thousand Oaks, California, in a big, loving family that shaped much of who I am today. I was the classic teacher’s pet—curious, driven, a little nerdy—and I always had a deep love for learning, creativity, and helping others. Dance, though, was my true passion. It wasn’t just an activity, it became the lens through which I understood myself and the world. Dance taught me discipline, resilience, and leadership. It helped me grow not just as a performer, but as a person.

By middle school, I began taking dance seriously, even though I didn’t yet know what I wanted to do with my life. I just knew it would involve dance in some way. Leadership came naturally through it: I became team captain, then president of my high school team, then returned to coach my middle school team. At Cal Lutheran University, I was both captain and coach of the CLU Dance Team, and also took on roles as a Peer Advisor and an Assistant in the Education Department. It was at CLU—after a bit of exploration through Psychology and Kinesiology studies—that I discovered a deep passion for education. I then majored in Interdisciplinary Educational Studies and found immense joy in teaching and inspiring others.

I started teaching dance at Retter’s Academy of Dance while still in college. It was more than a job; it was a place where I felt like I could truly make a difference. My directors and coworkers became mentors and friends, and I was always eager to step up and serve wherever needed.

Then came 2020. when I got married and moved to Riverside, CA, where I started my first classroom teaching job teaching Second Grade, during the pandemic. It was incredibly tough – I was simultaneously teaching in-person and virtually, with almost no support. But I poured my heart into my students and came out stronger for it. By the second year, I had found my rhythm, fallen in love with the work, and built meaningful connections with my students and colleagues.

Then, everything changed. I got a call from my former directors at Retter’s: they were retiring, and they wanted me to take over the studio. It was surreal—a dream come true. I returned to Agoura Hills and stepped into the role of Owner and Executive/Artistic Director of what is now RAD Dance Studio.

Today, I lead a studio that not only teaches dance but shapes lives. I’m most proud of the impact we’ve made—on our dancers, on their families, and on our community. It’s been a crazy, beautiful journey full of growth and learning. And every day, I’m driven by our mission: to educate, empower, and inspire the next generation of dancers. Helping them move closer to their dreams is truly the best part of what I do.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road here has definitely not been smooth—but I wouldn’t trade the bumps for anything. Every challenge has helped shape me into the leader, educator, and human I am today.

One of the most difficult chapters came right after getting married and moving to Riverside during the height of the pandemic. I accepted my first classroom teaching job, teaching 2nd Grade in a setting where I had very little support. I was expected to teach both in person and virtually at the same time—navigating constantly changing expectations, emotional students, overwhelmed parents, and my own feelings of burnout and isolation. There were days I questioned everything. But even in the chaos, I gave my heart to those kids. And making it through that season taught me how strong, adaptable, and committed I truly am.

Another challenge—though an incredible one—was taking over the studio. It was a dream come true, but also a huge responsibility. Overnight, I went from being a teacher to running an entire business, leading a team, and carrying on the legacy of a place that meant the world to so many people. There was so much to learn, and imposter syndrome definitely crept in at times. But I leaned into what I knew: my love for dance, my passion for teaching, and my drive to make a positive impact.

One thing that’s stayed with me through it all is my personal motto: “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” That mindset has carried me through every hard moment. The road hasn’t been smooth—but it’s been real, meaningful, and full of growth. And that’s what makes the journey so worth it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
RAD Dance Studio (formerly Retter’s Academy of Dance) is a premier dance school located in Agoura Hills, CA, committed to empowering, educating, and inspiring young dancers through high-quality training and a values-driven community.

We specialize in offering a wide range of dance classes for all ages and levels—from our tiniest dancers in “Baby & Me” and our Starlet Youth Program to advanced pre-professional students. Our programs include:

Baby & Me (ages 1-3)

Starlet Youth Program (ages 3–7)

Recreational & Technique Classes in tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, musical theatre, and more

RAD Dance Company (our performance & competition team)

Adult DanceFit Classes

Camps, Workshops, & Masterclasses throughout the year

But what truly sets RAD apart is our culture. We’re known for being a studio that’s grounded in heart, inclusivity, integrity, and excellence. We value the dancer as a whole person—mentally, physically, and emotionally—and our faculty is deeply committed to nurturing confidence, creativity, leadership, and character.

Our studio isn’t just about training dancers—it’s about raising empowered humans. Students walk out of RAD with not only stronger technique, but stronger voices, friendships, and self-belief.

We’re proud to carry on a rich legacy that began in 1991 under the Retter family and continue that mission with passion and purpose. As the new owners, my husband Ramsey and I are honored to lead RAD into the future—honoring the past while expanding our reach and impact.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the energy you feel when you walk through our doors. RAD is a safe, joyful space where dancers feel seen, supported, and celebrated—whether they’re dancing just for fun or chasing a dream.

We want your readers to know that everyone has a place at RAD. If you’re looking for a studio where your child can grow in skill, confidence, and character—with educators who care deeply and a community that feels like family—RAD is your home.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have some truly amazing people in my corner throughout this journey—and RAD Dance Studio would not be what it is today without them.

First and foremost, Darryl and Linda Retter, the original founders of Retter’s Academy of Dance, deserve so much credit. They not only created an incredible legacy of excellence in dance education, but they also created a space filled with heart, values, and community. Their belief in me—and their trust in handing over the studio—was a dream come true and something I will forever be grateful for. I’m honored to continue the mission they started and carry it forward with love and purpose.

I also have to give a huge thank you to my husband and RAD’s co-owner, Ramsey. His partnership behind the scenes, support in the day-to-day, and shared passion for this dream has been instrumental. We make a great team, and I couldn’t do this without him. Also – our daughter, Emelia. She is our sunshine girl and the reason we do everything that we do! Can’t wait for her to dance at RAD – and so grateful she has so many amazing role models to look up to there.

My parents have been my rock from the very beginning. Their constant love, encouragement, and behind-the-scenes support have helped me stay grounded, focused, and fueled with purpose—even when things were hard. They’ve always believed in me, and that means everything.

And of course, I have to shine a huge spotlight on our incredible, loyal, and dedicated faculty. The heart, talent, and commitment they pour into our dancers every single day is what makes RAD such a special place. They are mentors, role models, cheerleaders, and educators who deeply care about every child who walks through our doors. I’m endlessly proud to work alongside them.

Last but definitely not least—to our amazing dancers and dance families: thank you. I am so grateful to them for sharing their kids with us, for trusting our program, for believing in our mission, and for standing by us with unwavering support. Watching our RAD dancers grow into confident, expressive, and empowered young people is the greatest gift. Our dancers and dance families are the heart of RAD, and we are so grateful to walk this journey with them.

This path has never been a solo one—and I’m beyond thankful for every single person who has played a role in building the RAD community. It truly takes a village, and I’m so lucky to have the best one.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.raddancestudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raddance/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RADdance
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rad-dance-studio-agoura-hills?osq=rad+dance+studio
• Other: https://vimeo.com/raddance ; https://www.tiktok.com/@officialraddance

Image Credits
GingerSole Photography