Today we’d like to introduce you to Bonnie Wallace.
Bonnie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
POWER DANCE came out of a desire and passion to dance. I have been dancing all my life and danced with a company in the 80’s. I danced through two pregnancies and motherhood. In 2007, I began teaching just one class a week. It was only an hour, but I focused on offering a rewarding and inspiring class, using movements and music that I liked. After a couple of years, students wanted more, so I added a half-hour to that one-hour class, then added another class, and another. Now I teach three, one-and-a-half hour classes a week, in two different studios. My adult clients range in age from their 20’s to their 70’s! There is truly, something for everyone, if you like to move! In addition, I teach a tweens level class, which requires different techniques as a teacher.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I started small and took baby-steps. But starting your own business takes guts. It’s a financial commitment, time commitment, and you’re putting yourself out there. When people don’t come, or they don’t come back, you can take it personally. I have had to realize that I cannot please 100% of the people 100% of the time. In fact, my customer base is small. I have to attract a lot of people, knowing that only a fraction will return, for a variety of reasons. So, I focus on creating an experience, and providing a beneficial and uplifting workout that will build strength, flexibility, grace and balance. If I am inspired and working hard, others will want that too. I appreciate sites like yours that help spread the word. Thank you!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
POWER DANCE is unlike any other dance or exercise class. It is non-stop movement to eclectic world and popular music. It is a journey through your body: stretching, reaching, breathing and moving with grace, strength, and technique. For those who dance, it feels contemporary and authentic. For non-dancers, who want exercise, you will move in ways that might be foreign but feel natural. POWER DANCE is really two classes in one. Some stay for the first hour, which is full body workout, that is accessible, but challenging, for all. And others stay for the full 1.5 hour for more focused choreography.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in Connecticut, which is about 180 degrees from Pasadena! My family moved out here, when I was in high school. I was dancing in Connecticut, but when I came to Pasadena, I started taking more challenging dance classes, with professional dancers and choreographers. It was a totally different dance scene than sleepy Connecticut. I loved it and made it a part of my life.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
To continue to develop inspiring and challenging movement is important to me. I want to provide a positive and rewarding work-out. I want my students to feel like they’ve done something valuable. It is a process, you’re never done getting better, but we see and feel improvements. My students enjoy the creative and physical challenge, while feeling they are learning and making progress. My class is a journey; after the hour, or hour and a half, you should be changed. It’s not for everyone, but for those who enjoy the stretching, reaching, breathing, moving and dancing, it’s a gem in a big city.
Pricing:
- I would like to offer VoyageLA readers a first class special for $5. Normally my classes are $10-$12.
Contact Info:
- Address: Athletic Garage, Pasadena
Mondays at 6 PM and Fridays at 9 AM
Live Arts LA – Wednesdays at 9 AM - Website: www.power-dance.net
- Phone: 626-644-4845
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: #powerdancerocks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PowerDanceRocks/
