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Succeeding in the Dance Business
Catch the spirit...at United Dance Arts, in Valparaiso, IN.
Catch the spirit...at United Dance Arts, in Valparaiso, IN.
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| Dance Class Descriptions |
Grabbing a share of the market
Friday, November 23, 2007 12:17 AM CST
BY GREGG DOFFIN
Times Correspondent
VALPARAISO | It would be difficult to envision a couple more perfect to succeed in the dance studio business.
Dimitri and Melina Yallourakis opened United Dance Arts studio in August.
She says, "It was a lifelong dream of mine. I've always had a love of the arts and children."
Dimitri is a consultant for IBM, with a background in business process improvement. Together, they have turned the 6,000-square-
foot building at 55 Morthland Drive (U.S. 30) into a facility featuring three dance studios, instructing people of all ages in tap, jazz,
hip-hop, ballet, ballroom dancing and more.
"Northwest Indiana didn't have a place where people could go to do a variety of things," Melina said.
The couple used their savings to renovate the building that in the past housed a lumberyard and a boat sales business, with
Dimitri planning and designing the interior himself.
Their goal is to provide unique services to their clients, such as a play room and computer room with Internet access for parents or
siblings of those taking classes.
Drawing from her experience of having two daughters taking dance classes, Melina says, "I know what it was like, and what studios
were lacking."
The three studios feature special cushioned flooring to reduce fatigue and prevent injury. The classes are designed on a
progressive system, which groups students by experience, rather than age. According to Melina, "It allows us to keep everybody at
the same level. We're not all about money. We want everyone to come and learn correctly."
Dimitri says another key is to follow the trends to stay ahead of the competition, which is why they offer classes such as pole
aerobics, popular with females aged 40 and up. He says a factor in reducing the risk of starting a new business is to do the
research.
"There’s plenty of market. What you have to really concentrate on is doing the things to be better than the competition."
To make things more customer-friendly, a software package was purchased, allowing for class registrations and payments online.
Having unlimited passion and energy for their endeavor appears to have been a key element to the success. The studio's
competitive dance team recently performed in Chicago at a fund-raising benefit for Children Against Aids.
Melina also plans to approach corporate sponsors to offer dance scholarships.
She says, "It would be a great way to give back to the community."
Friday, November 23, 2007 12:17 AM CST
BY GREGG DOFFIN
Times Correspondent
VALPARAISO | It would be difficult to envision a couple more perfect to succeed in the dance studio business.
Dimitri and Melina Yallourakis opened United Dance Arts studio in August.
She says, "It was a lifelong dream of mine. I've always had a love of the arts and children."
Dimitri is a consultant for IBM, with a background in business process improvement. Together, they have turned the 6,000-square-
foot building at 55 Morthland Drive (U.S. 30) into a facility featuring three dance studios, instructing people of all ages in tap, jazz,
hip-hop, ballet, ballroom dancing and more.
"Northwest Indiana didn't have a place where people could go to do a variety of things," Melina said.
The couple used their savings to renovate the building that in the past housed a lumberyard and a boat sales business, with
Dimitri planning and designing the interior himself.
Their goal is to provide unique services to their clients, such as a play room and computer room with Internet access for parents or
siblings of those taking classes.
Drawing from her experience of having two daughters taking dance classes, Melina says, "I know what it was like, and what studios
were lacking."
The three studios feature special cushioned flooring to reduce fatigue and prevent injury. The classes are designed on a
progressive system, which groups students by experience, rather than age. According to Melina, "It allows us to keep everybody at
the same level. We're not all about money. We want everyone to come and learn correctly."
Dimitri says another key is to follow the trends to stay ahead of the competition, which is why they offer classes such as pole
aerobics, popular with females aged 40 and up. He says a factor in reducing the risk of starting a new business is to do the
research.
"There’s plenty of market. What you have to really concentrate on is doing the things to be better than the competition."
To make things more customer-friendly, a software package was purchased, allowing for class registrations and payments online.
Having unlimited passion and energy for their endeavor appears to have been a key element to the success. The studio's
competitive dance team recently performed in Chicago at a fund-raising benefit for Children Against Aids.
Melina also plans to approach corporate sponsors to offer dance scholarships.
She says, "It would be a great way to give back to the community."
NWI.com's November 2007 Article on
United Dance Arts studio, Valparaiso, Indiana
Want a a direct link to the following article?
If so, then copy / paste the following into your web browser...
http://www.nwi.com/articles/2007/11/23/business/business/doc
fed710e0d7f8280286257399007a2e38.txt
Otherwise, read on...
United Dance Arts studio, Valparaiso, Indiana
Want a a direct link to the following article?
If so, then copy / paste the following into your web browser...
http://www.nwi.com/articles/2007/11/23/business/business/doc
fed710e0d7f8280286257399007a2e38.txt
Otherwise, read on...
| Dance Departments |
“The facility is awesome! It is well
maintained and a pleasure to be in. the
instructors for all classes are so nice and
take time with each individual child.
They care about the kids. We are so
glad we came here.”
~ Anonymous
maintained and a pleasure to be in. the
instructors for all classes are so nice and
take time with each individual child.
They care about the kids. We are so
glad we came here.”
~ Anonymous