Today we’d like to introduce you to Alana Dean.
Alana, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Ovation was a dream a little girl started when she was in 8th grade and it evolved over the years into this wonderful dream come true. I told myself when I was that little girl, that I was going to create this place where anyone is welcome, no matter their age, race, or abilities. A place to dance, sing, act, and really any other performing art that one wants to share. I kept up with my research on how to open my own business throughout high school and then decided to make this dream a reality by going to college for Business Administration with an emphasis in management and a certificate in entrepreneurship. By my senior year of college, I had planned every little detail out, got my business license, and started looking for a space to locate. Everyone thought I was just talking and that it wouldn’t actually happen but a short 6 months after graduation, Ovation Performing Arts Studio was up and running. We just had our two-year anniversary and we couldn’t be happier. We are happily located in Sycamore, IL with students from the surrounding towns and growing. I dreamed, planned, and created Ovation years ago and get to teach all ages every day with the support from my friends and family.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Every new business goes through struggles even if they don’t want to admit it. We started off with the main struggle of competition of other dance studios in the area. As big as the dance world is, it is pretty small! We made sure to find our niche by reaching out to all performing arts, not just dance and that helped us out with our competitors.
Another issue we had was not having enough hours in the day to teach what we wanted to right when we started up. I run the studio and I started teaching a mere 10-12 classes and I am happy to say that with a little patience and a LOT of caffeine we now offer 22 classes including dance classes, vocal lessons, and even birthday parties.
Ovation Performing Arts Studio – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
As a studio we provide the community with classes in a variety of dance styles to all ages. At the moment our youngest dancer is three and our oldest is 76. Age is nothing but a number. Also, we provide musical theatre, theater/audition prep, vocal lessons, pageant prep, wedding dances, and birthday parties. As the owner and artistic director, I am most proud that we are able to offer so much but not be too much. Everything we offer has shown great interest so we continue to offer the above classes. I truly think that offering classes in all performing arts, not just dance, really helps us stand out our audience. We encourage all arts and love the idea of triple threats and that can happen all under our roof.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is when you are doing what you love. We are just starting out so I cannot really say what a big company would see as successful but I accomplished my dream and to me that means I was successful. Most people might not be huge fans of the job they have but I can personally say that I don’t have to work a day because when you do what you love, it isn’t a job. Also, if I have made a change in a dancer/artist’s life than I made it. I did it. I hit the jackpot. That’s what we all strive for, is it not? Making a change or an impact on someone or something.
Pricing:
- Classes are $50 a month
Contact Info:
- Address: 502 North Main Street,
Sycamore, IL 60178 - Website: www.ovationpas.com
- Phone: 815-991-5937
- Email: ovationperformingartsstudio@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ovation_dance/?hl=en
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Ovation-Performing-Arts-Studio-968439463176476/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
Image Credit:
Holly Scholl
Judah Lenz
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