Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacy Caudill.
Hi Stacy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was the Director (not owner) & dance teacher with Shine Music and Dance from 2016-2020. When covid hit, the owner decided to close the business. In September of 2021, I re-opened the business as Launch Dance Works, LLC. I bought the schools that we taught at from the previous owner. I continued with 5 of these schools and have grown the number of students at most of these schools. Shine was also previously teaching after school classes in Fort Bend ISD, which I started when I was with them. I had to do my own RFP with the district and be awarded to be a vendor with them. I have also added 2 more preschool/daycares and a private Catholic school to the schools we service. With FBISD, I have had dance & yoga classes at 18 different elementary schools. I added yoga classes in the 2nd year. I have also run a day camp, in the summer, through the district.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My biggest struggles have been finding reliable staff. I have had 2 bad experiences with this. One employee ended up leaving and the other I let go. I found that some people think this is going to be a fun job of teaching cute, little kids. But, once you go every week you realize that this is an actual job that requires planning and attention, and sometimes kids aren’t always so cute! I also had to put a social media clause in my contract due to some inappropriate things an employee posted. And, I learned not to pay for anything up front, such as fingerprinting & background checks, because I have been stolen from in that regard.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I bring dance classes into local daycares, Montessori schools, private schools and school districts. I do my best to provide a dance studio type experience, onsite, for my students. I taught at several dance studios and grew up dancing, mostly in ballet, for 12 years. My younger students at daycares & Montessori schools are primarily taught beginning ballet. I teach ages 2-5 at those schools. The older elementary age students in FBISD and Holy Rosary Catholic School are taught a variety of dance styles, including jazz, modern, lyrical, ballet & hip hop. I also have yoga teachers, who specialize in teaching to young students, in some FBISD schools. I am known for being very child-friendly and teaching in a way that they understand. My classes are fun, because I really want my students to love dance, and I hope to launch a lifelong love of dance and continuing classes. (That is where the name Launch Dance Works came from.) Every one of our classes end with a fun time where students are able to freely express themselves. In the younger classes we end with princess crowns and wands to a song of their choice. The elementary classes end with 1 of these: hula hoops, spinning pods, stepping stones, scarves, rainbow ribbons, or the parachute to music they want (currently K-Pop Demon Hunters). I am set apart because I am not a franchise and can change my lesson plans based on my students needs, what is popular with kids, the weather or anything! I am most proud that my students love dance and can’t wait for class each week. I also put on a dance recital at the end of each school year for our preschool students.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I loved ballet and took from age 7-17. I grew up taking in the TCU preparatory program and was also an apprentice in The Ft. Worth Ballet Company. I have always been interested in anything that has to do with dance. I truly wanted to be a professional ballerina, but things did not work out that way for me. I have a strong faith in God and have gone to church and believed in Jesus my entire life. I was also a leader and ran and won elections to student council from grades 7-12. My senior year of high school, I was the Student Body President. I also went to Texas Girl State, Presidential Classroom in D.C. & was the most outstanding Social Studies student my senior year. I went to Baylor University and was elected to Student Congress for my freshman & sophomore years. My freshman year, I was chosen to go to a special leadership lab during Spring Break. I pledged Kappa Alpha Theta, at Baylor, and held the offices of Assistant Social Chairman and Sing Chair. Sing is a show at Baylor where Greeks put on a singing and dancing act and compete. I am very outgoing and have been for most of my life. I have always been social and love being around many people. Currently, I take Jazzercise 6 days a week & lead my small group Bible study at Riverpoint Church.
Pricing:
- $59/month for preschool classes
- $225-250 10 week sessions for elementary age
- $45 annual registration fee for preschool students
Contact Info:
- Website: https://launchdanceworks.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaunchDanceWorks
Image Credits
The 1st 2 photos and my headshot were shot by Fluid Frames Dance Photography
