Today we’d like to introduce you to Regan Jurick and Lauren Colletti.
In 2003, The Woodlands Dance Force opened their doors as a solely competitive dance studio. In 2006, Regan Jurick took over expanding the recreational dance program and creating The Woodlands Dance Center. By creating The Woodlands Dance Center, it allowed recreational dance students to have performance opportunities outside of competitive dance. The studio now holds two performance opportunities and optional community performances annually. In 2017, Lauren Colletti and Tammy Burandt joined the ownership team. Since then, The Woodlands Dance Center has worked to develop a family-based dance program to balance school, dance and family life, which gives dancers the opportunities to have it all. The structure of the program helps to build confidence in the dancers by not having an overwhelming schedule, using time efficiently and getting the most out of all opportunities. This philosophy had proven to be very helpful this past year, as families were able to easily adapt to changes that 2020 has brought.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Every business has its day to day struggles, but 2020 has certainly challenged us more than others. Covid-19 forced us to re-create our studio environment virtually. In 1 week’s time, we adjusted schedules and began “at home” dance classes in a virtual environment. We were so happy to connect with our dancers and still provide great instruction and an artistic outlet. During this time, our goal was to keep giving the dancers a place to create, provide a schedule, and something for the dancers to look forward to. Our staff was amazing during this process and understood the importance of consistency for the dancers. The staff and students exceed all expectations.
As the year continued, more heartbreak and disappointment came as competitions were canceled, and performance venues shut down. In TWDC spirit, we re-evaluated our plans for recital and worked through many options, even rescheduling the recital. Unfortunately, Covid-19 had a spike in cases, and we had to cancel the show. TWDC still made the best of a bad situation, and distributed costumes, programs, and trophies to all dancers! There were even some adorable “at-home’ performances shared with us!
TWDC spent the summer updating the studio to welcome back the dancers in the safest environment possible. Social Distance spots and hand sanitizing stations were added, class sizes were reduced, and lesson plans were adapted to prepare to return to the studio safely. Unfortunately, a week before we were scheduled to open for classes an accident happened and a truck drove through the studio! In the spirit of “the show must go on,” TWDC worked tirelessly to clean up the accident and not let the dancers down. Fall semester started, and everyone returned to the studio even more grateful to be back. We are back to doing what we do best, which is providing exceptional dance training in a family-friendly environment. During all struggles, our goal is always to do what is best for the dancers, and show them that persistence pays off!
Please tell us about The Woodlands Dance Center.
The Woodlands Dance Center is a dance studio offering Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Creative Movement & Acrobatics classes. What sets us apart from others is our philosophy in training. We strive to instill that dancers work towards their personal best and set self-motivated goals. We are most proud of the relationships made and seeing the start of our second-generation dancers!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
We think every experience shapes the business, so we would do it all again.
Contact Info:
- Address: 26019 1-45 N Suite 100
The Woodlands, TX 77380 - Website: www.twdfdance.com
- Phone: 281-296-9988
- Email: thewoodlandsdancecenter@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twdfofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TWDFofficial
Image Credit:
Bella.media
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