Today we’d like to introduce you to Cortney Puza.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Well, it seems stereotypical, but as a little girl who woke up in tutus, went to bed in tutus and spent days jumping and twirling around the house and school, my passion for dance and everything it entailed was evident at a very young age. I grew up in Western Massachusetts where I started dancing at the age of four and continued to dance competitively (The Dance Slipper, Southwick, MA) until I was 17. In my years as a competitive dancer, I enjoyed many things about the experience. I enjoyed the physical commitment, pushing myself to be the best I could be, performing, learning new material, etc. However, what always stuck with me were the relationships and connections I built along the way.
Fast forward to 2012 as an undergrad at Bridgwater State University. I had just been employed at Motion The Dance Studio (Dartmouth, MA) under the direction of Tara Winterhalter. We instantly clicked and worked cohesively as colleagues and as friends. As I continued to get more involved in the workspace, Tara sought out new opportunity across the country that ultimately gave me the opportunity to take over Motion The Dance Studio. Some would say this was a risky decision. 22 years old, relocating her life across the state away from her family… I saw it as a no-brainer. There was no doubt in my mind in the decision to buy Motion for the same specific reason I fell in love with dance – The relationships & connections I had built in just a few short years.
As an educator who is eager to teach children of all ages & styles, the atmosphere that we have built at “MTDS” comes back to one word – Family. My passion lies in providing our students with the best dance education possible. While shaping them into elite dancers, the MTDS staff also has a desire to give our students the guidance they need inside and outside the classroom.
As I enter my 4th year as Owner & Director of “MTDS,” I take pride in motion being a professional environment for dancers to grow and progress.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
In my eyes, it has been a smooth road. Not because it has ACTUALLY been easy but because I firmly believe that if you are 100% invested in something, you will always find ways to make it work.
Do problems arise? Sure… but as a leader, it is crucial to think outside the box, plan ahead, stay on top of things. In my case, when problems do arise, as any Director would, I try to handle it right away. When things get stressful, I find myself looking back to the big picture. Who am I doing this for and why is it worth it? The answer always comes back to my passion & purpose – My community of students & families at Motion The Dance Studio.
Please tell us about Motion The Dance Studio.
We specialize in the following styles of dance:
Jazz
Tap
Ballet
Hip Hop
Acro
Contemporary
Lyrical
All classes offered at recreational & competitive levels.
We are best known for our fresh, fun, innovative choreography that is produced by our highly educated staff. What sets us apart from others is that we work very closely with our students (of all ages & levels) to truly showcase their talents and strengthen their weaknesses. It is important to us that while maintaining the basic principles in their dance training, we allow the students to self explore and find what works best for them in all styles.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Not one experience in particular but – hands down, my family and friends.
Although some are not necessarily close in distance, my family and friends have been the utmost important part of this journey for me. They are always there for me. Whether that means pushing me to go the extra mile, or giving me a “pat on the back”, they always know what I need. I am so grateful!
Contact Info:
- Address: 365 Faunce Corner Road
Dartmouth, MA 02747 - Website: www.motionthedancestudio.com
- Phone: 508-995-2403
- Email: info@motionthedancestudio.com
- Instagram: motionthedancestudio
- Facebook: Motion The Dance Studio
Image Credit:
Chelsey Puza
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