Shop Talk is a weekly column featuring locally owned and operated businesses. This week, we talk to Betty Gavin-Singer of Studio North: Centre for Dance of Sharon Springs.
________
How long have you lived in the area?
Since 1991.
Tell me about your business:
Six days a week, we offer dance and fitness classes for infants to adults. We run three performing companies: The Senior Company for students 16 to 18 years of age; the Junior Company is for pre-teens; and the Kids Company for younger dancers ages 9 to 12. The companies perform benefits for nursing homes and other organizations. At the end of May, all companies put on a performance.
We also offer adult classes that include Dance for Heart, a cardio-fitness class with dance. We also offer adults tai chi, cardio boxing, belly dancing, yoga, ballroom dance workshops, and a strength and stretch class, which is a low-impact exercise class where a combination of weight training and yoga are used to exercise.
Describe a typical day in your business:
In the morning, I generally take care of the business end of the studio: advertising, payroll, and placing orders for the store, which carries dance tights and outfits as well as other equipment. Then I spend a few hours on choreography and lesson plans. About 2:45, I'm at the studio and I begin teaching at 3:30. Classes will run until 9 p.m. There is one day, Thursday, when I have the infant or parent-tot classes at 8:30 a.m. We're closed Sundays. Our Saturday schedule is from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
How did you get started in this line of work?
I took my first dance class in sixth grade, and I was hooked. I went to college and got my degree in health and physical education, and for a while, I taught physical education in schools. I went to graduate school and got my master's degree in dance. I worked as a dance professor for the University of Alaska, in Fairbanks, Alaska. I opened a dance school in Fairbanks, as well. In 1991, I moved back to New York and settled in Sharon Springs. A few years later, I opened Studio North.
Where do you see this business in five years?
We're expanding. We just added another studio last year. Now we can hold two classes at the same time.
Describe a memorable moment in your workplace:
There are two memorable moments just this week. A mother of one of my students who is at college came in to tell me that my student misses the dance classes and also misses her "family at the studio," and next year, there is a big group of students graduating. The girls are already getting nervous that they won't be coming to the dance studio. Every time someone graduates, we do a huge presentation with images of the students throughout the years. They get to do solo dance routines and dance with the company. The parents come up on the stage for the farewell performance, the Senior Piece.
What have you learned from your work?
Diplomacy, patience and how to use my day wisely.
What is the most enjoyable part of what you do?
Working with the kids and watching their progress through the years. Every year, kids go off to college. Many of my students pick dance as a career. To see them stick with it and see that dance has become a big part of their lives is rewarding.
What sets you apart from your competitors?
We have a very professional atmosphere. It's not really competitive; yet, it's friendly and family-oriented, and our standards are very high. We have high expectations and expect the dancers to attend all rehearsals and classes.
What advice would you give to someone trying to enter your field of work?
It's tough right now. If it's your true love, go for it. But, expect to work really hard. If you want to make a lot of money, this is not the right work for you, forget about it.
________
Shop Talk interviews are conducted by M.K. Moynahan. To reach Moynahan, e-mail mkmoynahan@gmail.com. For more information about Shop Talk, call Emily F. Popek at 432-1000, ext. 217.
