Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Hatch.
Hi Brooke, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been a dancer since before I was anything else. My first teacher used to tell my mom that I taught my class something new every week. Lol, so I guess I always wanted to lead a classroom. I spent my formative years at dance all the time, every day, no question and I always knew I wanted to own a studio. I have been at Dancentre South since the doors opened 30 seasons ago and it’s always been my home. After I graduated, I tried college…it wasn’t for me, but I pursued my higher education, in my field, in other ways. I trained under my idols, traveled, performed and absorbed all the knowledge I could to be the best I could be…..I continue that still.
I became the assistant director of the studio I now own just before having my 3rd child…then in May of 2018 bought the school. First-year was intense and a complete blur. 2 locations, almost 500 students, 14 staff members…….and me finding my footing. Year 2 started the same…..but by March ‘20 lots had changed. We closed location 2, went virtual….and were first to reopen once we were allowed. We were the only school in our area to have live shows that summer and the following fall and weve been doing so ever since. There’s no quit in me and I hope, if nothing else, I’m passing that on to all my students.
It’s my goal to maintain an environment that is multi-faceted. I want to teach tiny dancers to play, imagine and have fun with dance. I want to nurture my students, teach them to love the craft but also love the hard work. I want to help them create, dream and execute their visions. I want to continue to train kids that want to achieve at high levels and, through my industry connections, help them into the next leg of their collegiate or pro careers. I want to pass along the virtues I think dance teaches….group dynamics, self-reliance, responsibility, strong work ethic, respect, and so much more….and finally, I want my studio to remain a place that parents know their kids are safe, being well cared for, challenged mentally and physically, and part of a strong community/dance family.
I’ve been a dancer for 36 years. Teaching for 20….and I wouldn’t trade a single second. It’s been a life very well spent and I’ll never stop. 💙
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Noooooooo……… My first year of ownership was nuts….I had no idea how to be an owner…..and when you buy an established business any shortcomings are VERY public….so I had to learn fast and not always gracefully.
Then there was the pandemic. Virtual dancing is t fun. Or simple. We were one of the first places that people cut costs so hanging on was a war of attrition. We received government assistance, but really, that helped my staff….not my family, so I didn’t take a paycheck for over 16 months…..I also had to give up my house and my second location…..it simply wasn’t possible as a new owner to hold on with what we were allotted as “assistance”. It was important to me to maintain my staff…..they did pretty well through it all….and that brings me no small measure of joy.
In 2021 a tree fell through our roof…..cutting our studio space down by 1/4 for over half the season…..CoVid slowed everything down sooooo much and that was an enormous hurdle….literally and figuratively.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Oh gosh……in my heart, I’m a humble dance teacher and choreographer. But currently, I wear the owner and creative director hats of Dancentre South studio, Dancentre South Company, The Nutcracker of Cherokee County and the creator and co-founder of The Collide dance festival (that’s a story all its own).
I hold many certifications that put my Expertise above many around me…..but it’s a little less common to have a director that’s in the classroom like I am every single day. From ages 3-80+. I’m still knee-deep in the trenches….and I love it that way.
I’m also a wife of almost 19 years and a proud mother of 3. Those are awesome titles all on their own. 💙
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I wish I knew to let the opinions others have about what I’m capable of affecting me less. People will tell you what can and can’t be done…..but so often, that’s based on what they themselves can or can’t do. That’s not fair advice……I waited longer than I would like because I was afraid….but that fear was t mine….it was given to me. And now, I know through experience that if I say something is going to get done….it will. That’s just who and how I am. Like I said…no quit in me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dancentresouth.com
- Instagram: Dancentresouth
- Facebook: @dancentresouth
Image Credits
Urban Rump Photography
