Today we’d like to introduce you to Bridget Bailey.
Hi Bridget, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
The Bridget Bailey Dance Company (BBDC) is a dance studio located in Metro Atlanta. We offer classes to adults and children is the area of Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, and Fitness. Our goal is to train students to have confidence, originality, and musicality all while having fun! Dance should not be stressful! Instead, we believe it should be a stress reliever and an outlet for all people, not just professional dancers. BBDC offers group dance classes, private sessions, choreography services for high school dance teams and cheer teams, birthday dance parties, and performances for music videos, weddings, halftime shows, etc. When people call us, they are immediately getting both a professional and friendly experience. What makes us unique in this industry is that there is no intimidation or competition amongst students. Everyone is there to learn in a fun, non-judgmental environment.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Due to COVID, we have had to shift our entire way of operating. Instead of hosting group classes, we have shifted to private lessons only! For some, this was an exciting change. However, most miss the since of community. We have fun while we’re in the dance studio learning together because the energy is different when you’re with others. But since our dance studio’s square footage is small, we must limit the class size down to proper social distance. Another major challenge has been that I am the only teacher due to funding. As the Founder and Creative Director, I don’t get a salary right now. Whatever revenue we have made this year has gone right back into the studio for practical things like bills, maintenance, cleaning, etc. The last major change due to COVID has been offering virtual options. We didn’t have this element before and now we have had to put this in place for students who are not ready to return in person yet. This has been successful but learning how to dance through a computer screen definitely has its challenges.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a native of New Orleans, LA. I received my bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts – Dance from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL) in 2012. And in 2014, I later received my master’s degree in Public Administration for Non-Profits from Kennesaw State University (KSU). I have over 15 years of teaching experience in both Louisiana and Atlanta, GA so I always knew that I would open my own studio one day! I want to be able to motivate adults who have giving up their dream of becoming a dancer and help them continue their training! Or for someone who just wants to pick up a new hobby! The role I play in my community is the cheerleader! I want to keep people fit and healthy all while having fun! Dance should not be stressful. It should be an outlet for people. I enjoy seeing students reach their goals. (Whether that be making the cheer/dance team at their high school or college or just losing weight in order to get pregnant. Everyone’s journey is different. I just love to be a part of it!)
What makes me proud of my business is that I am operating the day to day 100% alone. Even though it gets tough some days, my heart and passion for teaching dance in the community is what keep me going. I started this business alone (with only my personal savings/funding) and most people doubted I would continue after I made $0 profit in the first year. But I keep at it every day because I knew what my end goal/vision is, and I refuse to give up! My biggest accomplishment to date was when I received anonymous surveys from my students’ parents letting me know their true opinion of the studio. This overwhelmed me with joy because I knew I was doing something right in the community and couldn’t give up on our youth. They need a positive role model who looks like them as well as an outlet to let off steam or use their energy in a positive way!
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was always a fun child to be around. I was super funny and loved to make people laugh. If I had an audience, I would perform. In school teachers and administrators loved having me in class. My family also knew I would be a performer and often encouraged it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bbdancecompany.com
- Instagram: @bridgetbaileydancecompany
- Facebook: Bridget Bailey Dance Company
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClT5rjXdZ5rbN5cDu4UAPJw
Image Credits
Slimshots Photography
