Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Goldman.
Jessica, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin in a middle-class home with loving parents and a kid brother. My mom never had the opportunity to take dance lessons as a young child so she was very persistent about finding the right studio to foster a passion for dance & performance. She never had to fight me going to classes because I was hooked from the first move. My passion for dance grew as I competed nationally through high school and college where I was a proud member of the University of Minnesota Dance Team.
I pursued dancing professionally for The Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bulls. After moving to Chicago, I noticed there was a lack of places to go and FEEL GOOD when you are dancing, SO I decided to open my own. I founded All About Dance in 2005 and never looked back. We have now been in business teaching kids, teens and adults to have fun, be young and dance forever!
Has it been a smooth road?
Hahaha! I have never met a road that was smooth and I wouldn’t want it any other way! You need a lot of bumps in order to learn and grow! I opened the studio at the ripe old age of 24 with NO business background. I had a pile of grit, a positive attitude and a passion for DANCE & and people! And, yes – there were struggles and YES, there were tears and now, I am grateful for those moments. I will say most of the struggle was because I was not prepared for what was going to happen! I had days where teachers forgot to show up for class, I had parents who wanted to manipulate my programming, I had employees that I had to let go because their values where not in line with the business, I had kids peeing in their pants in the middle of classes, I had intimidating people try to sneak into my classes without paying, I had scam artists convince my front desk to give them money for strange things, I had people lie to me, I had the studio flood during a dance class… should I go on??:) All in all, I could have not prepared for any of these things but somehow I got through it. Despite all the bumps, I had so many rainbows, sunshine rays, and stars that also helped me. SO much good will come with the bad as long as you stay positive and surround yourself with people who are 1. smarter than you & 2. YOU TRUST.
We’d love to hear more about All About Dance.
All About Dance is known for being the crem de la crem of all things dance! We are serious about our core values and you will feel them throughout the studio, from the amazing role models we choose for our teachers and also the infectious energy you get from every class. We are proof that serious technical dancing can be FUN! We lead with love and positivity and produce great dancers and above all great people who make life long lasting relationships here at AAD. Our kid’s program is focused on teaching children to be well rounded in all genres of dance because if you want to make it out there in the world you best know how to tap, do a serious jazz square, pirouette in ballet shoes and, of course, Hip to the Hop. We offer recreational classes starting at 18 months of age, if you are just in it for pure fun, a starlet program for kids who are wanting to take things to the next level and also an award-winning, pre-professional company program where kids are training with the best choreographers in the city. Lastly, we have a truly legit Adult program with the most life-changing Cardio Dance class you will ever take. I am so proud of what we have become, the clients we call family and the dancers who live their best lives with us every day!
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
I don’t see barriers. I just don’t. If you want something bad enough, you can have it. You need a lot of passion and drive but if the vision is their barriers will fade away. To further reiterate this point listen to Fergie’s new song: Hungry… it explains it perfectly.
Contact Info:
- Address: 501 W. North Ave.
Chicago, IL 60610 - Website: www.allaboutdance.org , www.fydfitness.com
- Phone: 773.572.8701
- Email: jessica@allaboutdance.org
- Instagram: fydfitness, aadchicago, aadchicago, aad.company, jessicaswiggumgoldman, jessicagoldmanofficial
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allaboutdancechicago , https://www.facebook.com/fydfitness
Image Credit:
Mike Chu
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.
