10 Things I Love About Being the Owner and Director of NGSB

Running a dance studio is so much more than a job—it's a lifelong passion, a community, and a daily adventure. As the owner and director of NGSB, I often get asked what it’s like to run a studio. The short answer? It’s incredibly rewarding, a little exhausting, and completely worth it.

Here are the top 10 things I love about being a dance studio owner and director:

1. Watching Dancers Grow—In Every Way

There’s nothing quite like seeing a dancer grow from a shy beginner into a confident performer. Whether it's their very first plié or their fifteenth year dancing with us, watching students develop not just in skill but in confidence, creativity, and character is an unmatched joy!

2. Creating a Second Home for Our Students

Our studio isn’t just a place to dance—it’s a safe and welcoming home. It’s a place where kids, teens and adults can express themselves, make friends, and feel like they belong. Being able to create that environment is something I never take for granted. Plus, I love our traditions like the graduate pointe shoes hanging up in the dressing room and fun pranks the dancers pull (like the infamous “Mustache Prank of 2019!”)

3. Working with Passionate Teachers

I’m so grateful for the amazing team of instructors who bring their talent, heart, and dedication into the studio every day. Being able to collaborate with people who share the same passion and vision makes the studio even more special. We often find ourselves staying at the studio way late after classes to catch up in a dance teacher “yap sesh!”

4. Building a Community

Our studio isn't just about dance; it’s about connection. I love the relationships that form here—between dancers, families, teachers, and even among parents in the lobby! Being the hub of such a vibrant, supportive community fills my heart.

5. Performances

Yes, it's a LOT of work. But performance season is also a time of magic! The energy, the excitement, the pride on stage—there’s nothing else like it. Every show reminds me why we do what we do. Our dancers and teachers work hard for months to bring a ballet/story to life and I am overcome with joy and pride as I watch the dancers perform from the side of the stage!  What wonderful memories we create every show!

6. Mentoring the Next Generation

Some of my most meaningful moments come from guiding young dancers to become better dancers and people! Helping them navigate their journey and find their voice is an incredible privilege. How exciting it is to see the accomplishments of all our dancers inside and outside of the studio!

7. Celebrating Diversity

One of my favorite things about our studio is the incredible diversity. From age to ability to race to differing personalities, we have built an environment to embrace everyone!

8. Family Business

I LOVE how involved my family can be in our business! My daughter has danced at our studio for 6+ years, starting with the “Dancer & Me” toddler class and moving up to a Company dancer. Last month, my son just took his first dance class and had so much fun!  My husband Corey is also involved in so many ways. NGSB is really a second home to my family as well!

9. Choreographing Dreams

Bringing dances to life—on stage and in the studio—is one of my favorite creative outlets! Our performances start out with a spark of an idea in my head and develop into a full-blown story ballet performance on stage complete with costumes, scenery, characters, backdrops, and beautiful dancing!  I enjoy the entire process from storyboarding to choreography to casting to costuming to staging!  I love how many different elements come together to create the final product. One thing is for sure about this job, I am constantly creatively challenged and NEVER bored!

10. Living My Dream

Owning your own business has its challenges, of course. But at the end of the day, I get to do what I love, every single day. I get to wake up and walk into a place full of music, movement, laughter, and inspiration. It’s what I’ve wanted to do since I was a little girl and that’s a dream come true!

Whether you’re a dancer, a parent, or just someone curious about our world, thank you for being part of this journey. NGSB exists because of the love, dedication, and joy that fills its walls—and I’m so honored to be at the heart of it.

With gratitude and grand jetés,

Miss Bethany

Owner & Director