Today we’d like to introduce you to Tammy Bolduc.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been studying dance since I was three years old. What started as a fun activity my parents thought I would enjoy turned into a passion in my teens. While in college I started teaching at my homeschool, Studio of Dance Arts in Methuen, and North Shore Dance Academy under the ownership of my cousin Cheri Gikas. Little did I know that a few years later Cheri would be relocating and I would accept ownership of NSDA. At the beginning of being a business owner, I had my challenges.
Although I loved teaching dance and was well educated in that area I did not have any “business experience”. I found myself “learning as I went.” I found myself being the owner of a growing dance studio who was also striving to be a great wife and mother to my three sons. About 10 years ago I decided, with the support of my family, to really start studying how to be a smarter and more effective leader but always maintained that I would be a strong business woman but that I would do so with a caring heart.
I think the combination of both has brought me to the place that I am now. I started attending more and more seminars and conferences and learning from other successful business owners. I’m entering my 24th year as the owner of North Shore Dance Academy and I couldn’t be prouder of our studio. It really is a large family of people who love and respect each other. I’m thrilled to be the leader of an amazing team of teachers, students and parents.
We strive for a 5-star experience for our studio families while offering a thorough dance education. We teach lessons beyond the dance classroom and we strive to assist our studio parents in raising people with character. Our platform for the year is “We Choose Kindness” and I hope that every person that walks through our doors feels that.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Over the 24 years the good has far outweighed the bad but as with anything of great value in your life, there are challenges. 8 years ago we found ourselves in a position to have to relocate. We took our home from Peabody to Danvers and although it ended up being one of the best things for NSDA it didn’t come without worry, “Would our studio families be able to follow us?” Would the move to a larger location be able to be sustained financially? “Would going from owning a building to leasing a building feel like moving backwards?”
Once the transition was made and we got settled, everything fell into place. I’m so happy with how things turned out and as a result feel like I am able to take risks that I might have been afraid to take before. The whole experience made me stronger and more confident in knowing that I could make some difficult decisions for the studio and come through on the other side with better results.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with North Shore Dance Academy – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
North Shore Dance Academy offers dance instruction to students ages 2-102. Although the majority of our students are children we have a healthy and growing adult program as well. With over 120 classes a week we have something for everyone. Our schedule provides lessons in Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Pointe and Hip Hop and Zumba. Our goal is to provide an education to the “whole child” not just the dancer while offering a “feels like home” experience for the whole family.
I’m so proud of the environment of NSDA. We strive to provide a culture of being family friendly. Our goal is to be a valuable assistant to our studio parents. They say ‘it takes a village to raise a child” we hope to be a positive influence and part of that village. The staff of North Shore Dance Academy is committed to my vision of the culture I want for the school. They support me every step of the way. They are invested in the success of the school and take our mission very seriously going over and beyond to help make it possible. Many of the staff are “homegrown” so they know exactly the way I would like people to be treated because they grew up with NSDA as a second home as well.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Our immediate plans are for a successful dance year. Our year starts in September with the start of school. As part of our “We Choose Kindness” platform we are happy to bring the Wingman for Dance program to our school. We are excited to see the way our students will be impacted by this program and looking forward to seeing them grow in the dance classroom but also in their own character development.
We are looking forward to continuing to see students that we have grown to know and love over the years as well as welcoming new students to our school for the very first time.
One of my greatest joys is the opportunity to watch students grow up and to be a part of their journey. I truly have the best of both worlds. A wonderful family and home life(we have welcomed a daughter in law and a grandson and granddaughter to our family) as well as a career that brings me joy and satisfaction.
I have met some pretty incredible people through dance. What started as a little hobby has become part of who I am and although I know that it comes with a lot of hard work I also know that I am very lucky to have all that I do.
Contact Info:
- Address: 27 Garden Street, Unit #2, Danvers, MA 01923
- Website: northshoredanceacademy.com
- Phone: 978-304-0893
- Email: info@northshoredanceacademy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshoredanceacademy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshoredanceacademy/
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