This Dance Instructor's Dance School Focuses On Inclusivity
It's all about being able to bond as one big group
At any point in a person's life, forming cliques seems to be the norm. However, when Lavania Rosie noticed this happening to the students in dance classes, she decided to start a dance school that focuses on inclusivity. The dance instructor opened the doors to Dance Embassy in 2010 and makes sure to meet her objective via a series of thoughtful actions.
“Whenever we introduce a new student, my instructors and I share an interesting fact or two about them to the rest. And during class, we actively ask each and every student how they are faring and highlight the milestones they have hit,” explains the 37-year-old. She adds that following her students on social media also helps with making small talk.
At present, Dance Embassy does not own a dance studio and uses rental studio spaces to hold its classes. It is well known for its BollyFreak programme that has been such a hit with students that the People Association’s has approved it to be taught at community centres. She tells us about the challenges she has encountered in her entrepreneurial journey so far and how she adopted a new business model following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lavania lets on that recruiting instructors “with commitment and passion” has her biggest challenge thus far.
“Most of them teach for the money, but this means they don’t last long as they don’t take the effort to connect with the students. This made me start the Ambassador Programme, where I handpick my instructors to see if they fit our organisation’s mission and vision, which trains them to design their own unique programme and community,” she says.
She adds that she also teaches them how to get clients and earns a commission through their earnings.
“It’s a win-win situation. Half of my instructors have quit their full-time jobs to pursue teaching dance because of our programme.”
Another big challenge she faces is in maintaining a work-life balance.
“I also have an identity as a mum, wife and friend. Running a business is consuming in all aspects, so even though I have a strong support system, I sometimes fall short in my other roles,” she says.
Like many businesses, Lavania had to take her dance classes online when the pandemic hit.
“We were one of the first to quickly pivot, but as time went by, there were not only more free classes, but also classes with advanced digital features. It became a struggle to get the numbers, and given the rise of Zoom fatigue, most people didn’t want to look at their computers after work anymore,” she lets on.
However, a student reached out and shared that online audiobook and podcast service Audible was looking to launch a few initiatives to help people tide through the lockdown.
“They felt that music and movement will help alleviate people’s moods, so we worked together and released the world’s first Bollywood dance fitness podcast. The experience taught me that nothing is impossible and pushed me out of my comfort zone.”
Don’t think you can dance? Lavania may not have met you but she already begs to differ.
“Every single person who has told me that has proved themselves wrong. I help them first recognise the beats of a song and then pairing that with footwork. It can be exasperating for them sometimes but having humour and banter breaks the ice. I love working with such people because the end result is always a fulfilling,” she says.
Looking to start your own business? She credits StarHub Small Business Day for providing small businesses with free marketing and publicity support. You can find out more about the initiative here.
Text: Adora Wong/HerWorld