Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Gilberto.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Like many young women, I was enrolled in a mini ballerina dance class as a toddler and quickly fell in love with the art form. When I began teaching dance classes in high school, I realized this is what I wanted to do with my life. I graduated with a bachelors in kinesiology, minor in dance, and my Illinois Teaching Certification from Western Illinois University and could not wait to make my mark on the dance community. Over the next seven years I worked for some amazing dance studios, but was continually disappointed with their curriculum. The studios were either completely focused on adult ballroom dance, or youth ballet, jazz, hip hop dance and such. I was struggling to find a studio that would be open to a curriculum that incorporated all styles of dances. A place that bridges the age gap, and allows people to reach for their dreams without resistance from a corporate structure. An affordable, family orientated, communal space with a touch of elegance. It was then I realized all of my passion and conviction can be used to open up a truly unique dance experience for Chicago.
I began Move The Beat in 2013 by subcontracting with other dance studios, renting space from schools and park districts, and teaching classes through Triton College: all while working your typical nine to five in the cubical farm. After grinding for three years, I was able to open up my own brick and mortar in downtown Des Plaines. After our Grand Opening in January of 2017, our student body instantly tripled, and I was able to bring in two additional instructors to the team. Now Move The Beat’s reputation is making a splash across the mid-west. We have students that travel from Naperville, Wauconda, the Chicago Loop, all the way from Wisconsin to Indiana! Every night I leave these four walls forever moved by the stories I hear, the moments I get to share, and witnessing first hand peoples dreams becoming a reality.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think any small business owner will tell you there was and always will be some bumps in the road, but to us, this is not a job. A job is something you have to go to every day to pay the bills. This is fun! Dance is my life, not a job, but not always a smooth road either. The hardest lesson I learned was how to say ‘no’. I operated for the first three years as a one woman show and often took on more than I could handle. When people would ask me to take on a special project, another group class or do an event pro-bono I always said ‘yes’. I mean, I was starting from the ground up; I couldn’t pass up any opportunity that came my way, right? I am a bit of a people-pleaser to begin with, and customer service is always number one in my book. This crept up quick as I became busier in my second year of business. I learned I had to stay focused on my strengths, my niche, and not to be everything for everyone. That is was okay to say ‘no’ because I had limited resources, and cannot do it all. With every year, there has been a new challenge, but I am beyond blessed to have an amazing support system around me to aid in reflection, and a fabulous student body who have my back and inspire me to be better every day.
Move The Beat – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Move The Beat offers private and group dance lessons for ages two to one hundred plus in every style of dance. Waltz, swing, salsa, hip hop, tango, ballet, and more in our studio or in our clients’ homes. What sets us apart from other dance studios is that we are a truly customized service and welcome everyone to their very own dance journey. Every person that walks through our doors has a different goal, a unique learning style, specific schedule and budget, we offer every style of dance, six days a week, various pricing packages, and will even travel to them.
I am most proud when I hear things like: “I never thought I would be able to do this,” “After all of these years I am finally dancing,” “Dancing is so freeing,” “You made our wedding day more than we could have imagined.” Seeing students reach their goals: acquiring grace, asking a woman to dance, losing weight, overcome shyness, is why I love what I do.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as going to bed every night knowing you did everything you could do to be your best self that day. Setting a goal and working you’re hardest to be as close as possible to it, reach it, or surpass it. I am a complete goal orientated junky. At the beginning of each year, I sit down and come up with three to five large goals I want for myself, my family, and my business. I them come up with a subsequent plan devising smaller goals throughout the year to help me reach the big boy. I will never sacrifice my integrity, and think of my clients first before making any business decision. I truly believe in karma, and we are put on this earth to help one another succeed.
Pricing:
- First Private Dance Lesson is $40
- Group Dance Classes available as low as $10/class
Contact Info:
- Address: 691 Lee Street. Des Plaines, IL 60016
- Website: www.MoveTheBeat.com
- Phone: 630-476-9535
- Email: info@movethebeat.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/movethebeatchi/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/MoveTheBeatChi/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/movethebeatchi
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/move-the-beat-des-plaines
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
