Today we’d like to introduce you to Eleanor and Grace Rogers.
Eleanor and Grace, please share your story with us.
Eleanor: I was surprised to fall in love with teaching after I stopped dancing professionally. Teaching afforded me the flexibility to adapt my schedule to my children’s needs as they were growing up. But, as they say, the days are long but the years are short, so when my youngest was almost through high school I opened Still Pointe. I have loved every aspect of owning our business. I love serving people and believe that studying dance is a worthy pursuit that builds lifelong transferable skills such as persistence, patience, perseverance, resilience and teamwork. Being involved in the arts allows for creativity and self-expression and thereby enriches the dancer’s life and those around them.
Grace: I guess we became a family business a little by accident! Helping out here and there was something that was just natural when I was young. But a few years after I was finished college, the studio was growing and so, I began to work in earnest with my mom and never looked back! I loved getting to share in the world my mom has poured into since long before I was born. I also found it inspiring to work with students brimming with dreams and potential. It’s truly a privilege to watch a young person work tenaciously toward their goals.
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?
Eleanor: I think staying true to your mission and vision can be challenging. We love people and we want to please people, but we can’t meet the needs of every student dancer who may want to study with us. We have limited genres because we want to do what we do in the most excellent manner possible. The families that seek us out want the “real deal” in terms of ballet. They like that we maintain a disciplined atmosphere in the studio through prescribed attire and the decorum of our dancers. While you will hear a lot of laughter coming from the studio during class and huge smiles at the end of class, we would not be described as a recreational studio.
Grace: I think the hardest thing is when students have to graduate. The studio is our second home and the same is true for many of our families. We see some of our older students four, five, or six days a week; so when they graduate we really miss them (and their moms)! We’re always so proud of who they’ve become and to see them spread their wings, but goodbyes are always hard. Luckily, they always pop back in for a visit every now and then.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Still Pointe – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
All dance studios have a unique point of view and set of goals. Still Pointe is known for its strong ballet training that is focused and personal. We believe that everyone who walks through our doors has value and we strive to “know” our students so we can help each of them achieve their objectives. We encourage all of our students to do whatever they do well and with intention.
We also want our studio to be a place that serves our moms and dads! We’ve worked to create an environment that gives parents peace of mind while their kids are within our doors knowing that their children are safe and cared for. Many parents stay during their child’s class time and we love the community that forms between them in the waiting room. Sometimes, though, a mom just needs a short break while her kid is in class. Going to grab a coffee by yourself can make all the difference during a busy afternoon!
What were you like growing up? Personality wise, interest wise?
Eleanor: My dad had a bent towards entrepreneurship and I believe I received that trait from him. I love the challenges of building a strong business based on ethical practice.
Grace: I was the youngest of 3, so I grew up just going with the flow! I always loved watching and observing things and I still do! I love to watch how different teachers teach and how different students learn.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1675 Peachtreee Parkway, Suite 180
Cumming, GA 30041 - Website: www.stillpointedancestudios.com
- Phone: 678.710.1408
- Email: thestillpointestudios@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/stillpointedancestudios
- Facebook: facebook.com/StillPointeDanceStudiosCummingGA
Image Credit:
Marissa Jean Photography
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