Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Champion.
Hi Rachel , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started dancing because I was looking for a competitive outlet after college cheerleading ended for me. Dancing was a great creative outlet and I was able to meet people from all over the country while working as an Environmental Health and Safety Program manager and traveling to compete..
After working as an EHS professional, for 10 years my company moved overseas and I took my severance package and started really training in dance with my partner and we began traveling and competing full time. We won the World Championship in Country Dance 7 months after my job ended. It was a great deal of work. I begain teaching and realized that it was my calling. The ability to touch so many lives and help them find joy, confidence, or an escape was addictive for me. I began traveling around the US, Asia, and Europe teaching.
My partner and I decided to start a new venture and compete in American Rhythm and open our own studio. Then came the bad news. I was experiencing some unique health issues and was later diagnosed with late stage Lyme disease. Staying active was difficult, but I believed that I had to keep moving.
After a very public divorce, I took a break from dancing and took a marketing job in Tennessee. I began to coach and teach. Then I became a certified judge and was diagnosed with RA. Again I knew I needed to keep dancing and the opportunity to own my studio fell in my lap during Covid. Was it a risk? Sure! Did I feel like I could do it. Maybe? I remodeled the space along with some dear friends and then I went to work.
I feel blessed to own a studio where I could create a culture that feels like family. While working for others or co-owning a studio with my ex, I never got to really see if my vision would work, but now I do. I have been the Top Teacher at the World Championships 4 times and the Points Top Teacher twice, the real victory comes from watching people transform through dance. Maybe it’s healing after a divorce, finding a hobby to do with a spouse when they become empty nesters, or maybe they need to feed their competitive nature. We’ve got you covered. We travel to competitions and try to make time for sightseeing and fun. We have fun parties with the best snacks almost every Friday night.
We are know as the friendlies ballroom in town. We invite everyone to stop by for a party on a Friday night and meet our group or join us for a group class.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Late Stage Lyme Disease -I hide it from everyone as long as I could but it was becoming obvious as my hands would function or my legs would buckle. I am lucky to be able to dance.
After owning my studio for five years, we had plumbing problems that the landlord wound’t fix and a gym moved into our shopping center and took all of the evening parking, so we had to relocate and were closed for 6 months due to finding asbestos in the new space, which had to be abated. I decide to take partners in my studio as I am newly remarried to a wonderful man and have two adorable godchildren, I am working on a work /life balance
Being diagnosed with RA was a shock and finding medication to help control it while needing to work was stressful. But running my studio forced me to get up everyday.
I owned a studio with my ex husband and when we parted was I could not imagine ever dancing again or running a studio. basically had to start over at 40. 10 years later I own 2 dance competitions, serve on the eduction committee, judge, co-own a music streaming service called Ballroom Beats and my studio.
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?
I love building a community. That’s what Atlanta Dance is about. We teach Ballroom, Country, Swing and Latin dancing.
I am proud of my students and staff and the dancers we create and the relationships we formed
I was a student and competed as an amateur, I understand that people are making financial and time commitments and how valuable those can be.. Me and my staff try to give them the kind of service and consideration I wished I had when I was learning to dance.
What does success mean to you?
Student Retention. When students stay for 5 or more years. You know they value and trust in your business. Also watching people gain confidence and accomplish their goals. There isn’t a better feeling.
And of course smiling faces.
Pricing:
- Into special is $75 (2) 30 minute lessons a group class and a party.
- $15 group classes and parties
- $318 for a starter pack. (4) private lessons 6 groups or parties
Contact Info:
- Website: https://atlantadance.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlantadanceballroom
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AtlantaDanceStudio
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/atlanta-dance-marietta
Image Credits
Doug Snipes
Mallory Bernard
