Today we’d like to introduce you to CiCi Kelley.
CiCi, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Oh boy, where to start! My dance career officially started 15 years ago and soon blossomed into doing choreography and creative direction. I’ve had the honor to work with Beyonce, Outkast, Tina Turner, Toni Braxton, and our very own Georgia Lottery! 2003 is when I started my dance program DARE DREAM DANCE, and in 2016, I began a partnership with Darlene Scriven and Rae Coleman to open up our own space off of Metropolitan Pkwy. It has been one heck of a ride, however, I am so thankful to have come this far and plans to go even further!
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?
The road to owning my own dance studio has not been the smoothest, however, it has been what was needed in order to accomplish specific goals and be inspired by new ideas. The learning curves have been SO real, but I am incredibly thankful for what I have had to endure and I’m excited about my upcoming plans and the future.
My advice for any woman who would like to start their own business is to plan, however, understand that plans change! Be very aware of what your intentions are and what it is exactly that you want to do within your business statement. I would also say to stick to your mission even when the going gets tough! Your mission is your identity and reputation, you must protect it at all cost and focus all of your energies towards it. I would also say to make sure you have an incredible support group that not only loves you but also holds you accountable to ensure you stay on track.
Mandate that you give your self a day off! I tend to be a workaholic simply because I love what I do, however, the days of rest are also needed to stay inspired and fresh.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with DARE DREAM DANCE – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
This is a fun question! For whatever reason (I say this jokingly) my students say that I am so tough on them and Im a “drill sergeant,” guess what, I love it! It’s truly my passion and drives to see them succeed is what gets me through most days. Being able to observe them from a beginning state to watching the accomplish and be rewarded/recognized for their talents that I’ve assisted in nurturing is pure joy. They are so strong and so incredibly talented… I simply desire the best for them all.
As an organization, I am very proud of the many scholarships and professional opportunities my students have achieved through our training programs and relationships. Our students have been featured in national commercials for the FORD Born To Roll campaign and they are continuing to receive residual income from the opportunity. One of my youngest students has been featured in a Kellogs cereal commercial and a Rooms To Go commercial this past year. As of recent one of my oldest students just received a $20,000 scholarship to AMDA College in Los Angeles. They work me hard, but I love them dearly!
Our focus is on building a well-rounded individual through commercial dance education with a classical approach. Our students train every day of the week and have opportunities to work professionally with some of the best production companies that come to ATL. What sets us apart, is our drive, intention, and mission to provide not only quality training, however, to also be a conduit to professional work opportunities & performances!
Who have you been inspired by?
The women that have inspired me in my life would have to be Debbie Allen, Michelle Obama, and honestly strong single mothers. There is no greater task then to raise a child, and I’ve had the blessed opportunity to have some of the most AMAZING women in my life that are not only holding it down in their respective fields, but they are also incredible mothers. The strength that it takes is unfathomable yet the choice is always to preserve and provides no matter what. Your child becomes the fire that you need to battle the tough days you’re endure within your career or workplace. I know I’m not the only one, however, I have a picture of my little girl on my desk and whenever I have a heavy workload, I simply take a minute and look at there face and my whole day changes. I know that may be cliche but its the TRUTH! Debbie Allen inspires me because she is a living legend and pioneer in this industry. She has paved the way for so many women, and I am forever grateful. Michelle Obama inspires me because of her classic approach to obstacles life may through you. She’s truly a beautiful woman!
Pricing:
- First Time Students $8
- Drop In Rate $15
- 6 Class Card $75
- 10 Class Card $100
- Unlimited Membership $99 (monthly draft)
- Voyage Reader Drop-In Class Special $10 per class
Contact Info:
- Address: 1995 C Metropolitan Pkwy Atlanta, GA 30315
- Website: www.daredreamdance.com
- Phone: 1-404-620-6576
- Email: cicely@daredreamdance.com
- Instagram: @iamdaredreamdance
- Facebook: DAREDREAMDANCE
Image Credit:
Phazes Of Love, Ari Skin, Raiin Dance Theater, DARE DREAM DANCE
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
