Today we’d like to introduce you to Olga Alvarado.
Hi Olga, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
DivaDance itself was founded by Jami Stigliano, who came from the music industry and saw a gap in the dance world. She wanted to create a place where adults could learn choreography and enjoy dancing without the intimidation or pressure that can come with a traditional dance environment. What started as a small side project eventually grew into a franchise centered around confidence and community, with over 50 locations across the country and internationally.
Marcy and I actually experienced that community as clients before we ever thought about becoming business owners and it had a real impact on us in different ways. For Marcy, it became a way to rediscover her confidence and creativity. For me, it was a place where I could let go, have fun, and really feel like myself. And for both of us, the community and friendships became just as important as the dancing.
Marcy moved to Denton County and started thinking, “Why isn’t there something like this in Denton County?” We already believed in the concept because we had lived it ourselves, so bringing DivaDance to Denton Countyfelt like a really natural next step.
We launched DivaDance Denton County in January 2025, initially in Flower Mound. Today we hold classes in Denton and Lewisville, and we’ve built a community that goes well beyond weekly dance classes. We do social events, performances, workshops, private parties and other opportunities for adults to connect and try things they may never have imagined themselves doing.
I think what makes the journey especially meaningful is that Marcy and I started on the other side of it. We know what it feels like to walk into a DivaDance class as a client and discover this unexpected sense of confidence and belonging. Now we get to create that experience for other people in Denton County, and that’s really what keeps us excited about growing the business.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not, but I think that’s part of what has made the experience so rewarding.
One of our biggest challenges has been finding the right physical spaces for the business. Because we don’t have our own dedicated studio yet, we partner with existing studios and facilities, and that means navigating things like availability, capacity, mirrors, air conditioning, scheduling and sometimes having to make a change when a space simply isn’t working for our community anymore. We’ve had to learn how to be adaptable.
There’s also the reality of building a business. Marcy and I both came into this with no experience so suddenly you’re learning marketing, sales, hiring and developing a team, managing partnerships, creating events, watching the finances and figuring out what your community actually responds to, sometimes all in the same day.
And because DivaDance is so community-driven, there’s an emotional side to it too. You’re not just selling a product. You’re building relationships and trying to create a place where people genuinely feel like they belong. That comes with a lot of responsibility.
We’ve learned to pivot, listen to our clients, lean on each other’s strengths and not get too attached to the original plan. The goal has stayed the same even when the path to getting there has changed: creating a space where adults can build confidence, find community and have somewhere they’re genuinely excited to come back to.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At the simplest level, DivaDance Denton County offers choreography-based dance classes for adults, but what we’re really creating is a space for adults to have fun, build confidence and find community.
Our classes are for all levels, including people who have never danced before. We teach original choreography to the music people actually listen to, from pop and hip-hop to R&B, Latin music and throwbacks. Every class is a new experience, so you can come once a week or several times a week without feeling like you’ve fallen behind. Beyond our regular classes, we also offer workshops, performances, private parties and social events we call DivaDates.
What I think really sets DivaDance apart is that dance ability isn’t the point. We have people who danced growing up and people who walk in saying, “I have absolutely no rhythm.” They’re in the same room, learning the same choreography and cheering each other on. There are no auditions, no recital experience required and no expectation that you already know what you’re doing. DivaDance was intentionally built around that kind of inclusive, judgment-free experience.
Marcy and I have also been very intentional about making the Denton County community more than just a place you come for an hour, dance and leave. We want people to know each other. We celebrate milestones, organize outings, support our instructors and members outside the studio, perform together and create opportunities for people to build genuine friendships.
That’s probably what I’m most proud of. Of course I’m proud when someone nails choreography they thought they couldn’t do, but I’m even more proud when I see someone who was terrified to walk into their first class suddenly performing on a stage, showing up to a social event by themselves, or realizing they’ve found a group of people they belong with.
We happen to teach dance, but ultimately, what Marcy and I are building is a community where adults have permission to take up space, try something new, be a little ridiculous, feel confident and have something in their week that is just for them.
Pricing:
- We offer a variety of options designed to work with different budgets, schedules, and how often someone realistically wants to dance. Clients can choose from single drop-in classes, flexible class packs, or unlimited monthly memberships, with options ranging from under $10 to $30 per class depending on the package or membership selected. For someone who wants to dance regularly, a membership typically offers the best value, while class packs can be a better fit for someone with a busy or unpredictable schedule. We also offer introductory specials for new clients, and we’re always happy to help someone find the option that makes the most sense for their lifestyle and budget.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://divadancedenton.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divadancedentontx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BJ4a3Lq2X/
