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L’Ecole de Danse
Barbara Winner
lecolededanse.org
What is your business best known for?
Classical Ballet, Lyrical Dance, and Creative Movement
What do you love most about what you do?
I am passionate about teaching dance and the lessons it teaches about life itself. I love sharing the gift of dance with others.
What was the hardest thing about getting your business off the ground?
Finding a good studio space.
How is your business invested in the community?
I have taught dance to several generations of students. Currently I teach children of former students who danced with L’Ecole de Danse through high school. My current Lyrical teacher, Julia Donaldson, is a former student, also. In addition, L’Ecole de Danse is listed in the Teaching Artist Directory sponsored by the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County. I offer programs and workshops to elementary schools in Anne Arundel County as one of their Teaching Artists.
What’s next for you and your business?
For me, dance is life itself, so I want to continue to share my passion with others.
What sets your business apart?
L’Ecole de Danse promotes cooperation rather than competition. Our school is a community of dancers who care about one another and strive to share the gift of dance each time we take a lesson or perform.
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What has been your proudest moment as a business owner?
I am proud of my dancers each class that I teach. They share their energy with me as they move with grace and strength.
How has your business evolved?
Beginning as an independent contract Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, I moved to my own studio in the Gardner Center so that I could use my space at any time I needed an extra class or rehearsal.
What inspired you to start your business?
My passion for life as a dancer inspired me. One of the quotes that I put up at my studio each week sums up my inspiration: “We can’t choose the music that life gives us, but we can choose how to dance it.” (Unknown)
How do you balance a business with family demands?
I plan my teaching schedule and my family time well. Once the schedule is established, it gives order to my life.