Dance Education

Katie Geddes trained as a professional dancer at The Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama in Nottingham, England, before entering the freelance dance world. She’d always dreamed of opening her own dance studio, where dancers of all abilities, ages and styles could come together to express themselves. When the opportunity arose to take on a small studio space in Leeds, England (where she is based), Geddes says it was a, “lightbulb moment.” In 2009, Geddes signed the lease on the building and opened The Dance Studio Leeds, now an award-winning dance studio offering a variety of classes to the local community, while fostering a warm and welcoming environment. Here's our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project. How is your business different from others in your industry? We specialize in dance classes for adults. We pride ourselves on offering a friendly, inclusive, supportive safe space for learning. We believe everyone can dance, and that age is just a number. Our mission is to encourage and empower everyone to dance, whether they’re starting from scratch and learning how to feel and move to a beat, or reliving their childhood passion through classes catering to the more experienced dancer. Tell us about your biggest success so far. Being nominated and shortlisted for the Forward Ladies Leadership Summit & Awards for Inspiring Mentor of the Year in 2023. It was incredibly inspiring to be in the line up for the award alongside some amazing women in business. What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it? Balancing the business and family life when I had my first child. I found it incredibly difficult to switch off from work and delegate in the beginning, and I could often be found in the office typing one-handed whilst bouncing a baby on my knee! However, once I was forced to adjust my work schedule, I quickly learned that delegating would help me grow my business in the long run. I have since expanded the office team, who are quite simply my dream team. What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? Follow your gut. I've found that if you feel uneasy about a situation or business decision, there's usually a reason for it. Starting the business without a business plan, or even a brand name, wasn't perhaps the best way to start. However, my gut said to go for it. Sixteen years later, it’s the best decision I have ever made. How do you find inspiration on your darkest days? Having a cup of tea and a chat with my friends is usually the tonic for me, if I am feeling low or needing a boost. Sharing my concerns with friends helps me to put them into perspective and see things from all angles. What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days? “Shake Your Body” by The Jacksons always puts me in a good mood. Who is your most important role model? Debbie Moore, the founder of Pineapple Dance Studio in London, has been a huge inspiration to me. She very kindly met with me in the early days and offered me advice. My dad, however, is my most important role model. If I'm ever in doubt on a business decision, he will always guide me with his motto: “Honesty is the best policy.” And, he reminds me to “treat others how you would like to be treated.” ◾ Instagram: @dance_studio_leedsFacebook: @thedancestudioleeds Share your story! Check out our Advice + Tips for entrepreneurs starting-upWatch our latest videosSubscribe to our podcast

Dance Education

A Dance Studio For Everybody

The Story Exchange

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