Today we’d like to introduce you to John Reynolds.
John, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve loved music and dancing for as long as I can remember. But in an attempt at practicality I started college as a business major in my home state of Pennsylvania. However, I soon found myself increasingly passionate about performing arts. By my second year of school I realized I need to do something that I love. I decided to move to California, and earn a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre.
The dance community quickly became a natural home for me. Dance studios were the first place I felt part of a group. Dancers and choreographers were kind, supportive and willing to give a chance to a male with some raw potential and the desire to learn. The more I danced, the more I fell in love with it. Through dance I began to build a sense of identity, focus and purpose. After college I moved to Los Angeles, and became a full time ballroom dance instructor. Dancing continued to provide open doors, and I committed myself to learning as much as possible.
Great, 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 has been sometimes smooth, sometimes rocky and always winding! In 2010 I was 26 years old, and I had been in LA for three years. It was the middle of the recession, and there was a great deal of uncertainty about the economy. But I followed my intuition, and I founded the North Star Ballroom Dance Studio in Burbank. The community embraced us, and we began to build an incredibly diverse, fun and supportive group of students and staff. We nicknamed ourselves the Dance Family!
Starting a small business didn’t come with a paint by numbers guide. There was a lot to learn coming from a rural area to a huge city like LA. You have to know what you want. You have to work hard, keep focused and avoid situations that compromise your goals. After disappointments you have to hit the restart button and shake it off. . Through the ups and downs of life and business dancing has kept me young at heart!
Please tell us about NorthStar Ballroom Dance Studio.
At NorthStar Ballroom we teach private lessons in all major styles of Latin and ballroom dancing. We specialize in beginner to advanced social dancing, ballroom competition technique and wedding dance choreography. We are best known for our friendly and welcoming environment. It makes me proud to hear visitors tell me they feel a positive and supportive energy amongst our students and instructors. We are all here to simply learn, grow because we love dancing!
The most special thing about ballroom are the connections you make with people. We get to share something, beautiful, spontaneous and fun! You could be dancing with a stranger or a loved one, but ballroom has a unique ability to connect people. NorthStar has become a place for our students to forget about stress, explore a different side of themselves and meet new people. Dance studios have helped me invaluably in my life, and nothing is more fulfilling than to see the benefits of dance passed on to others!
What are your plans for the future? What are you looking forward to or planning for – any big changes?
Right now is a very exciting time at NorthStar Ballroom. Several of our students been winning awards at dance sport competitions. Others are busy creating unique routines to perform at our open house parties! This is also the time of year a lot of people begin preparation for their wedding dances. Many couples are doing a romantic ballad in addition to a fun up-tempo dance number! Recently, we had the thrill when Dancing With The Stars stopped by to film a rehearsal session. Our students are huge big fans of the show!
I personally have been working on entertainment projects like music videos and short films. I’m also looking forward to creating new original music. We have the most incredibly diverse students who each add something special to NorthStar Ballroom. We are fortunate in Los Angeles to have exposure to arts and culture from around the world. So whether it’s Salsa, Tango, Swing or Waltz we always put our personality, passion and excitement into each dance. We invite everyone to come try some many different ballroom styles by attending one of our free events or scheduling a private lesson!
Contact Info:
- Address: 2926 West Magnolia Blvd Burbank, CA 91505
- Website: www.northstarballroom.net
- Phone: 818 558 6997
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @northstarballroom
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northstarballroom/
- Twitter: @nsballroom
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/northstar-ballroom-dance-studio-burbank
Image Credit:
Carrie Cavalier, Savannah Lynne
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