April 24, 2017

Meet Diane Collins of D.C. Dance Center of Los Angeles

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diane Collins.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I moved to Los Angeles in 1995 at the age of 25 with dreams or “making it” as a dancer, model, performer and to leave the freezing cold winters in Boston. I was fortunate enough to work with My Gym Children’s Fitness Center to create a dance program for the franchise and work as an instructor at My Gym. When I started, I was in a side room that was full of karate equipment and my first pre-ballet class consisted of four three-year-olds. The program grew and I ended my first year with a recital with over 80 students (all under the age of seven) performing!

I received a great deal of support from my students’ families — moms, dads and nannies spread the word about My Gym Dance as being a loving and supportive place for young artists. I continued to add classes and eventually a theatre program and we needed more space! We remodeled our current location, which allowed me to add a second dance studio. We currently offer classes in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary and creative movement. In the 22 years since moving to Los Angeles, I have had over 1,000 students. Most of the students studied with me til they were members of my Senior Dance Companies continued to dance in college, some working toward degrees in dance or musical theatre, others double majoring in dance or taking dance as a minor. I am so blessed to have so many students visit me during winter and summer breaks. I look forward to enriching many more students lives through the arts.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There has been lots of learning of good days and tough days. Mostly challenges with parents wanting the best for their child. The changing of faculty of teachers moving out of state or get hired for dance jobs.

When the recessions hit in 2007, enrollment took a big drop. Small classes and had to cut back on teacher’s hours, and stress of keeping business going.

Being blessed with two amazing children, managing home-life while creating, and teaching was a struggle at times, but would not change one day!

D.C. Dance Center of Los Angeles – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My speciality is younger children encouraging them to feel safe and confident. Everyone is a dancer! My studio starts at 2 1/2 years of age to adult. Most of my students stay with them until they graduate high school and then always return for any spring or winter break.

My studio does two professional show per year, Winter and Spring. We focus on technique, different styles, and discipline. I have five performing companies within the studio. We perform at local community events, Clippers, Disneyland and local dance competitions, ranking high in judicial placement.

I am most proud of the family community I have created for students and their families. I have an amazing faculty that is talented but loving to each and every student.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Personal success to me is to feel that you have passed on or help a student overcome a weakness. I have watched the shiest student become a lead in their high school musical or some students go on to professional jobs in the industry.

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