Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erin Ryan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Erin, thanks for joining us today. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

It seems to me that everyone has a notion that only certain types of bodies were made to dance. Growing up in the dance industry, I have personally experienced some of these toxic behaviors and sentiments towards body shape. Somewhere, someone at some point told you that you can’t dance, or you’re to “fill in the blank” to dance. But that is simply not the case. In my 10 years in the dance shoe industry I have had of all genders, all body shapes and all experience levels walk through the door looking to have fun and embrace dance. Maybe we see all of the tik-toks, movies, and commercials with high kicks and funky hard-to-replicate rhythms, and think – that- is what dance is. However, dancing for yourself, because you enjoy it, is some of the most fun you’ll have. We all deserve to try to make ourselves more joyous. Dance in your living room! Start ballet on youtube! Sign up for a tap class in your area! Everyone might not feel like they can, but every body can dance.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Erin Ryan and I recently took over Arena Dance located in Hamilton, NJ.
I wanted to be a ballerina when I grew up. I wanted to dance in pretty pink tutus and pointe shoes. I wanted the glitz, the glam, and the glory. I got my first pair of ballet slippers at Arena, the local dance store. When I FINALLY reached the right age, I got my first pair of pointe shoes here as well. As I trained for the stage I got my first job here, helping stock all the pretty skirts and leotards. My training went along until I started to realize that home was no longer the studio, but the small shop on the corner that inspired me to continue dancing. The company was started by Kathy Homyak 35 years ago on and since then she has allowed me to continue on her beautiful legacy. My heart swells with pride when I have a little dancer trying on taps shoes for time and then see another older dancer trying on pointe shoes. The awe, amazement, passion, and hope in their eyes is why I want to grow and spread the love of dance.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Our little shop is exactly that. Little. Situated on the corner of a strip mall, our neighbors are a quaint coffee house and barber shop with the red, white and blue pole outside. A passerby on the street will be able to see most of the store filled with tulle, ribbons, and glitter from the large front window. We only have a few dancers that work here for a few hours and many days I am here alone. What is amazing about working for yourself is that you set you can set your schedule. What that really means is that your working more often than not. As a newer business owner it was hard to come to terms with a certain type of loneliness that the constant work and stress bring. At first I almost resented that I had to work twice as hard and three times as long as my peers. But since I have learned to let go of those frustrations because they bring me an environment that creates joy and peace to myself and others. Hard work’s pay off is not always a nice vacation or fancy jewelry, but the feeling of contentment in ones life’s pursuits.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I wanted to be a ballerina when I grew up. I felt I was born to dance – spent my childhood and young adult life training vigorously to become a prima ballerina. When I graduated college there was an in-between period where I no longer felt the drive and passion I once had to become a professional dancer. My old boss at the local dance shop had given me a call in a panic one day saying her manager has quit and she needed to find a replacement quickly. Once feeling lost, slowly relief settled into me as I fell back into the familiar rhythm of the shop. Ms. Kathy slowly taught me everything she knew, the ins- the outs- the ups- the downs. When Ms. Kathy was thinking of retiring, I researched a way for me to get a loan to continue her legacy. Arena had given me a chance to build a career in the dance industry that aids and inspires everyone to dance!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://arenadancenj.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arena.danceshop/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090296966310