We were lucky to catch up with Danielle McNeal recently and have shared our conversation below.

Danielle, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to live my life as a creative. In the past, I opted for a full-time job as a schoolteacher while raising my family, thinking it was the best choice. However, I soon realized that having a full-time job severely limited my ability to pursue creative endeavors.

When I moved to Sedona, I seized the chance to start my own business, Dynamic Dance Services, where I teach dance. Additionally, I established Sedona Dances LLC, a company that provides silent disco, sound, entertainment, and theatrical lighting to enhance any event. While owning a business can be a full-time job, it offers much more flexibility, allowing me to focus on activities that fuel my creativity.

A portion of my income supports my nonprofit, Sedona Dance Project, which allows me to continue nurturing the creative spirit in Sedona and advancing the art of dance.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I began my journey in NY being raised by a single mother. We did not have the income to fully support my dance dreams, with hard work and determination I was able to earn scholarships to train at Alvin Ailey American Dance Center and Luigi Jazz center. I then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Dance from Arizona State University. I danced professionally for over 25 years in Phoenix, which was a deeply enriching experience. However, my life took a significant turn when I found myself divorced with three children. As a single mom now myself, I needed a stable, full-time job and discovered my passion for education. I pursued a master’s degree in education, knowing that this field would allow me to make a substantial impact.
I spent ten fulfilling years teaching elementary school on the White Mountain Apache Reservation. This period of my life was transformative, both personally and professionally. During this time, I met my life partner, Brandon Strabala. I then moved to Sedona, where I combined my love for dance and education to start my own businesses.
I founded Dynamic Dance Services LLC and Sedona Dances LLC, as well as the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Sedona Dance Project. Through these ventures, I provide a range of services, including dance instruction, silent disco events, and enhanced event experiences. My work aims to foster a vibrant and creative community in Sedona.
What sets my businesses apart is the unique blend of creativity, professional dance experience, and a deep commitment to education. I believe in the transformative power of dance and strive to make it accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Whether it’s through dynamic dance classes, immersive silent disco events, or community-driven projects under the Sedona Dance Project, my goal is to inspire and uplift through the art of dance.
I am most proud of the impact my work has on the community and the joy it brings to people’s lives. I love creating collaborations with other artists and creating a platform for dancers to share the works.
I want potential clients, followers, and supporters to know that my work is driven by passion, creativity, and a genuine desire to make a positive difference. Through my businesses, I aim to create experiences that are not only entertaining but also enriching and transformative.
I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Growing up as a biracial child in the 70s and 80s was incredibly challenging, especially with limited financial resources. The societal prejudices and economic hardships I faced were daunting, but they also fueled my determination to succeed.
One pivotal moment in my journey was when I expressed my dream of becoming a professional dancer. I was told that it wasn’t possible, a sentiment that only made me more determined to prove them wrong. Despite our limited income, my mother believed in my passion for dance. At the age of 12, she enrolled me in private dance lessons, even though we couldn’t afford the extensive training that many other dancers received from an early age.
Starting at 12 put me far behind my peers, who had been dancing since they were three. I knew I had a lot of catching up to do, so I dedicated myself fully to my training. I worked tirelessly, practicing every day and pushing myself to improve. Within three years, I had caught up with my fellow students. My hard work and perseverance paid off, and within another two years, I was offered scholarships to train at some of the most prestigious dance schools.
This experience taught me the value of resilience and hard work. Despite the odds, I was able to achieve my dreams through determination and the unwavering support of my mother. It also instilled in me a deep appreciation for the transformative power of dance and the importance of providing opportunities for others, regardless of their background or financial situation.
This journey not only shaped my career but also my commitment to making dance accessible to everyone. It’s why I’m so passionate about my work with Dynamic Dance Services LLC, Sedona Dances LLC, and the Sedona Dance Project. I want to inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles they face, and to provide the support and opportunities that can make those dreams a reality.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Absolutely. Growing up in poverty, I inherited a scarcity mindset. My mother often reminded us of our financial limitations, which instilled a sense of constraint in me and made it difficult to envision financial growth or stability. This mindset held me back from pushing further and aspiring for more.
The pivotal resource that helped me shift my perspective was the book “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” written by Robert T. Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter in 1997. This book was a revelation. It taught me that financial stability was not only attainable but also essential for pursuing my artistic passions. It changed the way I viewed money and helped me understand that I, too, deserved financial security.
“Rich Dad Poor Dad” emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and how different mindsets towards money can influence one’s life. It encouraged me to think differently about earning, saving, and investing money. The concepts in the book empowered me to move beyond a scarcity mindset and embrace a more abundant outlook. At the age of 52, this shift was crucial in enabling me to start my own businesses and ensure their success.
This book didn’t just alter my financial thinking; it also impacted my management and entrepreneurial philosophy. It taught me the importance of taking calculated risks, investing in my education, and creating multiple streams of income. These principles have been integral in managing Dynamic Dance Services LLC, Sedona Dances LLC, and the Sedona Dance Project.
Overall, “Rich Dad Poor Dad” has been a cornerstone in my journey from overcoming poverty to becoming a successful entrepreneur and creative professional. It’s a resource I highly recommend to anyone looking to break free from limiting beliefs and achieve financial independence. Through financial independence, I now can be more creative.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Dynamicdanceservices.com
• Instagram: @sedonadanceproject.org
• Facebook: Sedonadanceproject
• Youtube: Dynamic dance services
• Other: Sedonadances.com
  Sedonadanceproject.org

Image Credits

Group Photo of Sedona Dance Project by Levi Holiman

Musicians from left to right
Danielle McNeal directing musicians. John Dumas, Gabriel Brown , Tim Nelson

Logo designs by Brandon Strabala

Class photos by Danielle McNeal