Meet Deborah Perez, the passionate founder of By Your Side Dance Studio in Los Angeles. Her journey from a college student unsure of her path to a successful dance studio owner is an inspiring story of following your passion and building a thriving community around dance. Let’s delve into Deborah’s story and discover the heart of By Your Side Dance Studio.
Deborah’s Dance Journey: From College to Studio Owner
Deborah’s love for dance began long before she considered it as a career. While in college and contemplating her future, a serendipitous radio advertisement changed everything. A local ballroom dance school was seeking instructors, and on a whim, Deborah auditioned during spring break. She was hired immediately, marking the beginning of an unexpected but fulfilling career in dance.
Her natural talent and dedication quickly propelled her to success. Within a year, Deborah and her then-partner, Eddie Ares, achieved significant recognition, becoming the U.S. Rising Star Theatre Arts Champions in their very first year of competition. This early success solidified her commitment to dance and led her westward to Los Angeles.
In LA, Deborah balanced working in an accounting department for a health club company during the day with teaching dance at night. The demanding schedule, though, left her feeling unfulfilled. The allure of the dance world was undeniable, and as the economic climate worsened and job security became uncertain, Deborah decided to take a leap of faith. Driven by passion and a desire for greater fulfillment, she quit her accounting job and bravely leased a small studio space, establishing By Your Side Dance Studio.
This pivotal decision was not without fear. Engaged to be married, Deborah worried about the financial risks and the potential impact on her new life. Seeking reassurance, she confided in her fiancé, who responded with unwavering support. He shared a quote by Dale Carnegie: “Take a chance! All life is a chance. The man who goes farthest is usually the one who is willing to do and dare!” Inspired by these words, Deborah embraced the challenge and dared to pursue her dream.
Years of dedication and hard work followed, and By Your Side Dance Studio flourished. Despite the inevitable challenges and setbacks, Deborah and her team remained focused on their vision. Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the studio stands stronger than ever, a testament to perseverance, a supportive network, and a deep love for dance. Deborah credits her husband, Rene Perez, who is now her dance partner and events coordinator, and her exceptional staff, including Guillermo Ceballos, Shay Dixon, Laura Canellias, Felipe Telona, and Jordi Caballero, for their invaluable contributions to the studio’s success.
Overcoming Challenges and Building a Supportive Dance Community
Every entrepreneurial journey has its hurdles, and for Deborah, navigating the complexities of advertising proved to be a significant early challenge. Overwhelmed by the numerous options and costs, she recalls moments of frustration and uncertainty. Fortunately, a referral to BYStudio, an advertising company, provided the guidance and support she needed to effectively promote her studio and reach a wider audience.
Another key aspect of building By Your Side Dance Studio was assembling the right team. Finding instructors who not only possessed exceptional dance skills but also shared her values of compassion and a welcoming approach to teaching was crucial. Deborah sought individuals who understood her vision of creating a studio with a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment.
Beyond these initial hurdles, Deborah describes the journey as “pretty smooth sailing.” She emphasizes that while running a dance studio requires consistent effort, it rarely feels like work because of her genuine passion for what she does. This love for dance and for sharing it with others fuels her dedication and makes the challenges worthwhile.
What By Your Side Dance Studio Offers
By Your Side Dance Studio is more than just a place to learn dance steps; it’s a community hub where people of all backgrounds and aspirations come together through movement. The studio offers a diverse range of dance styles, including ballroom, Latin, tap, and social dances, catering to various interests and skill levels.
Whether students are preparing for a wedding dance, seeking social connection, aiming for dance competitions, looking for a fun way to exercise, or aspiring to perform, By Your Side Dance Studio provides tailored lessons to meet their goals. Understanding that dance should be accessible to everyone, Deborah has structured the studio to offer lessons for various budgets, ensuring that financial constraints don’t prevent anyone from experiencing the joy of dance.
The studio prides itself on its warm and welcoming atmosphere. Deborah emphasizes that the staff and students cultivate a friendly and supportive environment, working together as a family. This collaborative spirit is encapsulated in their motto: “It takes teamwork. To make the dream work!” This ethos extends beyond the studio walls, as exemplified by their support for staff member Shay Dixon’s “LA Hustle Movement,” aimed at promoting Hustle dancing throughout Los Angeles.
Image: By Your Side Dance Studio instructor Shay Dixon, a key member of the supportive and talented staff team, contributing to the studio’s welcoming atmosphere and spearheading the LA Hustle Movement.
Making a Difference Beyond the Dance Floor
For Deborah, the most rewarding aspect of By Your Side Dance Studio is the positive impact it has on people’s lives. The studio serves as a “home away from home” for many, a safe and encouraging space where individuals feel welcomed, recognized, and supported. It’s a place where people can escape daily stresses, build confidence, and forge meaningful connections.
Beyond the studio, By Your Side Dance Studio is actively involved in the community through volunteering with U.S.A. Dance, a non-profit organization. As board members, Deborah and her team host monthly dances at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Culver City, as well as annual New Year’s Eve dances and showcases. These events provide students with performance opportunities and bring the joy of dance to the wider community. Furthermore, the studio regularly visits senior living facilities, sharing their love of dance with residents and bringing entertainment and engagement to their lives.
Los Angeles: The Perfect City for Dance
Deborah believes that every city, regardless of size, should have a dance studio that welcomes everyone. Dance, she explains, has a unique ability to bring people together, fostering connections and friendships that transcend typical social circles. In a large and sometimes isolating city like Los Angeles, By Your Side Dance Studio provides a vital space for socialization and community building. The friendships, partnerships, and even marriages that have blossomed within the studio’s walls are a testament to the power of dance to connect people on a deeper level.
Pricing and Contact Information
By Your Side Dance Studio offers accessible pricing to encourage everyone to try dance:
- First Group Class: FREE
- First Introductory Private Lesson: $45
- Pay-as-you-go Group Classes: $15 per class/per person
- Private Lesson Rates: Range from $80-$100 depending on the package
Contact By Your Side Dance Studio to start your dance journey:
- Address: 12613 W. Washington Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90066
- Website: www.byyoursidedancestudio.com
- Phone: 310-391-0400
- Email: [email protected]
Image: Deborah Perez, founder of By Your Side Dance Studio, embodying expertise and experience in dance instruction within her welcoming Los Angeles studio.
Image: Students at By Your Side Dance Studio in Los Angeles, showcasing the studio’s friendly and supportive atmosphere where dancers of all levels can thrive.
Image: Guillermo Ceballos, events coordinator and dance partner at By Your Side Dance Studio, contributing to the studio’s success and vibrant community.
Image: Rene Perez, Deborah’s husband and dance partner, an integral part of By Your Side Dance Studio’s support system and operations.
Image: A diverse group of students participating in a lively dance class at By Your Side Dance Studio, reflecting the studio’s inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
Image: Ballroom dance instruction at By Your Side Dance Studio, highlighting the studio’s expertise in various dance styles and commitment to quality teaching.
Image: By Your Side Dance Studio logo displayed, representing the studio’s brand and commitment to being a supportive partner in every student’s dance journey.
Image Credit: Photo credit for professional pics goes to Paul Antico
