Today we’d like to introduce you to Pamela Dionne.
Pamela, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In November of 1998, I carried a boombox into the North Highland YWCA and began teaching Adult Ballet classes under the name, Northeast Atlanta YWCA Ballet Program. Three years later our growing program required a dedicated space of our own. We moved and built our own small school in Inman Park and became Studio Dionne. After four and half years growth again required an expansion. In 2006 we moved to our current 8800 square foot space, added a music program and went from one dance studio to three large dance studios, two dedicated music rooms, a costume shop and a generous lobby. Last year in recognition of all the dedicated teachers, staff and students that create our school we changed our name to Atlanta Dance & Music Academy.
Has it been a smooth road?
Very few, if any endeavors of love will be smooth. A big struggle was learning the necessary business aspects to support the art and education that was our mission. In many ways fully addressing the adult beginner interested in true arts education was a pioneering idea. Being one of the first at anything often brings secondary adopters who can take your momentum stalling growth at certain junctures. But as they say, “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” We stay true to our mission and our students/clients respect and value that and our stability.
Have you ever felt like giving up?
There have been many difficult moments but I like to reframe them as difficult opportunities. These difficult opportunities often will lead me into a direction not considered before and lead to much better outcomes than anticipated. Of course, we all get a case of the “I don’t wanna” sometimes. When that happens I take some time to care for myself and turn to what inspires me – beauty, expression.
Let’s change gears – is there any advice you’d like to give?
Start with the love. Do what you love in anyway that is possible no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. Begin with something real and authentic and build from there. Do not confuse the symbol – expensive facilities, latest technology etc., with the reality – sharing the joy, inspiring students, enhancing their lives and giving people something of lasting value for their time and money.
What are you looking forward to?
I am excited to see our school continue to grow and evolve as we approach our milestone 20th season in a couple of years. It seems remarkable to me to even say that. And this longevity gives me the confidence to imagine how ADMA can continue to share the joys of dance and music into the future.
Pricing:
- Adult Class Dance Fitness Card – $120, Adult Dance Class Card $150, Also monthly programs starting at $52
- Children’s monthly tuition starts at $65.
- Music monthly tuition is $128.
Contact Info:
- Website: atlantadanceandmusic.com
- Phone: 404-877-0005
- Email: info@atlantadanceandmusic.com
- Instagram: instagram: atlantadanceandmusicacademy
- Facebook: facebook: @atlantadancemusicacademy
- Other: twitter: @altdancemusic
Image Credit:
Eric Zhang
