Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Overbeck.
Heather, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Principle Dance began in 2007 with a combination of planning and serendipity. I always intended to have a professional dance career but was surprised to find teaching dance felt more satisfying. I taught at a number of studios for years but always felt my creativity was somehow limited in those environments. Months of daydreaming about what an ideal dance school for teachers and students would be like lead to the research process. Eventually, a viable plan for a new dance school evolved.
One day, I got lost driving through Riverside and came upon a historic building with a large “For Rent” sign in the window. Peering in, I saw exciting potential for my ideal dance studio despite the building’s disrepair. The idea of building something wonderful in this space was irresistible, and signing that lease made things official.
Ten years later, Principle Dance is now in Forest Park due to expanding enrollment and has grown well beyond my initial plans. We continuously evolve to better serve our students and families.
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?
I think the biggest struggle I face as a business owner is coping with what I cannot control. Unforeseen obstacles come into play regularly! The more experienced I become, the less I feel caught off guard when that happens. However, it is still difficult to handle emotional strain when setbacks feel personal, finances are tight, or when I have to make a tough decision that will affect someone in a negative way.
As a dance studio owner specifically, my consistent challenge is feeling torn between the administrative side and the creative side of the business. The artistic aspirations and the budget have to work harmoniously in order for a dance school to succeed. Sometimes the stress of running the business can deplete creative energy. Other times, those struggles are the impetus for creative solutions.
I’m fortunate to have a career that feeds me creatively, allows me to share something I love with others, and constantly challenges me to evolve and learn so I’m never bored.
Please tell us about Principle Dance.
While we have a lot in common with many dance schools, our philosophy sets Principle Dance apart. Beyond offering quality dance instruction, we see students as individuals and try to encourage their unique talents. Children find lasting friendships here and always feel welcome. Teachers mentor dancers, and older dancers mentor the younger ones. Principle Dance cultivates artists. We perform The Nutcracker in December and a June Recital with an original story line. Our rehearsals and shows are very organized and enjoyable for the entire family.
Our dancers may not all decide to dance professionally, but they do learn how to work and collaborate with a professional attitude. They develop an understanding of the dedication and work required to create engaging art that is performed with the illusion of effortlessness. Students also develop self-esteem, organizational skills, and the ability to solve problems within a group – all of which will serve them well throughout life.
Beyond our philosophy, quality service for families is always key. We have accomplished and inspiring teachers passionate about helping children. Our dance rooms have sprung floors, barres, and mirrors, and friendly help is always available at the service desk. Parents may view classes on the monitors in the sitting areas. Dancers rent costumes instead of buying them which keeps costs down for parents.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Principle Dance recently celebrated our 10-year anniversary. This year’s recitals were our most ambitious, creative and successful to date. It is thrilling to collaborate with talented teachers who jump in whole heartedly and share brilliant ideas!
While we presented two shows that were quite different in June, dancers in each brought the stories to life with grace, sincerity and joy in their own special way. Our young dancers performed Shari Klyber’s The Gift, an original ballet about a young girl who uses her imagination to create a gift for her mother because she has no money. Our older dancers performed my adaptation of George MacDonald’s The Golden Key which included media projections, an extensive set, and 65 dancers entering a rainbow.
Chasing new creative possibilities is what having a dance studio is all about for me. The final result of a creative endeavor often pales in comparison to my artistic vision. However, The Gift and The Golden Key overwhelmed me with a sense of gratitude and sweet achievement.
Contact Info:
- Address: Principle Dance
7610 W. Roosevelt Road
Suite 102
Forest Park, IL 60130 - Website: www.principledance.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/principledance
- Facebook: facebook.com/principledance
Image Credit:
Johnny Knight (all photos)
Heather Overbeck at Principle Dance (solo jump shot)
Principle Dance presents The Nightingale 2016 (all other photos)
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