Today we’d like to introduce you to Lydia Davies.
Lydia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up all over the world including Indonesia, the US, UK, and Singapore. I was a singer/songwriter/actress myself in the past, and decided later on in life I wanted to teach performing arts. I did my MA in teaching, and taught Music & Drama in Singapore and the UAE before coming to back to the US. I ran a successful Glee club at the school I used to work at and loved it so much, I thought, hey why not give this a shot as a business in Houston. I first rented a studio hourly from another dance studio while I spread the word and got clients. I now teach Musical Theatre, Drama, Glee Clubs and Music/Drama/Dance classes for the younger kids. I renovated a beautiful old space on Milam Street which is now Holly Blue’s own location. I have now have 3 dance instructors and a yoga teacher, as we are slowly adding Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz, Drill team training and yoga to the schedule.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I don’t think building/starting a business is ever a smooth road. There have most definitely been challenges and disheartening moments. For example I had to cancel some of my classes at the beginning because I couldn’t get enough students. It has been just me for a year so it is a lot of work to do your own lessons, shows, curriculums, marketing, etc. but you have to have faith and persevere. Seeing the kids perform at the end of each term makes me tear up every time. It makes it all worth it.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Holly Blue Performing Arts Academy – what should we know?
Holly Blue is all about creativity, art, performance, building confidence, and positivity. The Academy is performance based, which means all classes build up to an end of term show. I think that having something to work towards, and seeing the students confidence grow each time they are on stage is so important.
The Music/Drama/Glee classes that I teach have a variety show at the end of term at a theatre (currently MATCH) to showcase what they have learned. This coming fall term there will also be a dance show for all the new dance classes. The Academy focuses on allowing anyone and everyone to enjoy the arts and performing. There are no auditions, you don’t have to be a great singer/dancer, it is all about kids and teens expressing themselves in a positive, creative space.
I really like to encourage the students to come up with their own ideas, so they often choose the show pieces and props, as well as write scripts, songs, and choreograph themselves. We like to do unique and creative shows. For example our show next week is “World Music” and the 4-5 year old class is singing in Japanese and Spanish whilst using props such as glow sticks, triangles, and rain sticks. It is all about letting your imagination run wild and having fun.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I think just having the support of friends and loved ones around you cheering you on has really helped me. I get inspired by other people’s energy and luckily one of my best friends has kids that come to the classes and they really inspired me to keep going because they enjoy it so much. All of the parents that have been bringing their kids since day one have been so supportive and helpful in the process. You have to build your own nest of support and positivity from whom and what you surround yourself with.
Pricing:
- Summer Anytime Dance Passes $200 -10 sessions
- Summer Anytime Dance Passes $110- 5 Sessions
- Theatre, Music, Dance classes range from $300-475 for the Fall Term (includes performance)
Contact Info:
- Address: 3217 Milam Street, Houston, 77006
- Website: www.hollyblueacademy.com
- Phone: 832 940 0063
- Email: info@hollyblueacademy.com
- Instagram: @hollyblueacademy
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/hollyblueacademy
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/qTKq/0XthESHGeD
- Other: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/holly-blue-performing-arts-academy/id1210450932?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
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