"In order for a child to be able to feel confident, they need to feel safe," Shana explains. Whether it's a two-year-old in a recreational class or an 18-year-old competitive dancer, the goal is to make the studio feel like a second home. When dancers feel supported by their teachers and peers, they are more willing to take risks, fail, and try again.

"A lot of people think you just love dance, and that's it. But owning a studio is 20% dance and 80% maintenance."