Today we’d like to introduce you to Abbie Rich.
Abbie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have been a dancer since the age of five. I knew it would always be part of my life. After I received my BFA in Dance from UNLV in Las Vegas, I moved to Los Angeles and danced professionally for several years. I knew Hollywood was not where I wanted to stay. So after getting married, my husband and I decided to move to Texas. We started our family and I continued to teach dance. I became so passionate about how the dancers were treated and how they viewed themselves. Having been in the dance industry, I knew about all of the negativity that goes with the dance world. I quickly wanted to be able to teach kids that it doesn’t have to be that way.
After about a decade of teaching at the same studio, I felt the nudge from God that it was time for me to open my own studio and be a positive influence over more dancers. I was terrified. I felt unqualified and unprepared. I was, but He wasn’t. I took a huge leap of faith and decided to go for it. It was about a two-year process to get the studio open. I had no idea how many obstacles and heartaches I would face along the way. It was incredibly difficult but so rewarding. God brought the right people and situations at the right time to help in my journey. He has guided me all along the way. There is no way I could have done it without him. We have truly been blessed. The studio is thriving and the kids are doing amazing! We are not only trying to teach them how to be incredible dancers, but to be kind, giving, and positive human beings who can make a difference in the lives of others. These kids are amazing and I am so thankful to be able to be a part of their lives!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It was rough. Nothing happens in the timeline that you expect. From funding, construction, permits, etc., everything is slow. We were supposed to open at the end of June for dance classes to begin in August. Our grand opening was August 19th, and we still were not open. Because we weren’t allowed to conduct business inside our space that day, we had to move the grand opening to outside. My staff and teachers were amazing! They handled it with grace and pulled it off like nothing was wrong. I love them!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Dream Dance Center – what should we know?
Our studio really focuses on all styles of dance (ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, hip hop and more). We work with kids of all ages and all dance levels. We are a Christian company and really try to focus on the way the kids learn. One negative comment can be damaging to kids. We want the kids to feel loved before they receive correction from us. My hope is that any dancer that comes to Dream will feel loved, accepted and appreciated!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My friends and family were a huge support in getting the studio started. They provided emotional, financial, and physical support. A few of my friends even helped my lay my dance floors. That was a gigantic undertaking and I could not have done it alone.
My dance teachers and staff are incredible. They have all put blood, sweat and tears into Dream. They had to take a leap of faith as well. No one knew if this studio would be a success or a failure. I am so grateful to each and everyone of them!
Contact Info:
- Address: 1170 N. Preston Rd. Suite 280
Prosper, TX 75078 - Website: www.dreamdancecenter.com
- Phone: 469-893-5014
- Email: info@dreamdancecenter.com
- Instagram: dreamdancecenter
- Facebook: dreamdancecenterprosper
Image Credit:
Some photos taken by Apodo Photography
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