Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Leah Groover. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Leah, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned while working at a prior job?
I have received wonderful exposure, experience, and training from many opportunities from the past. If I am reflecting honestly, I believe on the whole that each and every experience we have shapes us for the future. But my previous employment with a franchise ballroom studio taught me a great deal that inspired me to create my own approaches with my own studio, Get Up And Dance. Prior to becoming an independent instructor and ultimately a business/studio owner, I worked for an established ballroom dance studio in Atlanta for approximately 4 years. Like many businesses, this studio had its own system for both employees and clients. The dance curriculum followed a nationally recognized syllabus, and as teachers, we kept our students regulated in their training through this syllabus. Part of my whole career and personal dance training was to understand movement, so I learned this syllabus very quickly. Having this syllabus kept everyone on the same page, but as an employee, anytime I wanted to add a slight variation for a student outside the syllabus, or make a suggestion for a different course of action for one of my students, I had to ask permission from management before doing so. From the system’s perspective, I understand even to this day why I needed to constantly check with my “superiors” before choosing a different teaching course of action, but as a fully educated dancer and instructor of 25+ years, it was very difficult for me to have to be monitored in this way. In its own surprising way, through self awareness and reflection, I realized that I didn’t need to ask permission on the macro sense- I had my entire life’s training and passion to trust in, and I simply knew that my visions and intentions for my students were of good value.
Though it wasn’t anything anyone in particular taught me, this was, in fact, one of the most important lessons I could have learned about myself at my previous job; I didn’t want to ask permission for my artistic and educational choices, and deep within, I knew that I didn’t need to. From these persistent feelings, I eventually decided to leave that work space and become my own business, allowing me to structure lessons and dance journeys for students however I wanted, and that freedom was absolutely invaluable to me. Now, at my very own studio, Get Up And Dance, I am still reminding myself to trust my instincts and believe in what I have to give to the wonderful students around me in guiding them through their dance journeys.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Leah Groover, and at my core, I am a dancer. My love for dance and training in it for over 30 years led me to become an ever passionate dance instructor and choreographer. I am proud to say that I just finished my first year as a dance studio owner with my very own adult dance studio, Get Up And Dance!
I got into dance at a young age- deciding in the 3rd grade that I was going to try to do it forever. I studied ballet very intensely, wanting to be a professional ballet dancer. But a severe injury at a young age led me to explore other dance genres. Over the years in late high school and college and beyond, I was further falling in love with other styles like contemporary dance, ballroom dance, Latin dance, musical theatre, and more. And thus, my brand as a “multi genre dancer” was created, and that is exactly what my studio is all about.
Get Up And Dance (GUAD) is a multi genre dance studio for adults, and being a multi genre dance studio is exactly what sets it apart from other open adult dance studios. Many studios may have “dance fitness” classes, as well as some core classes that are very popular among the masses, such as hip hop, and commercial dance. But I really believe that any adult, regardless of age, background, lifestyle, etc, CAN learn to dance any genre they want to, so long as they have the desire to do so. Get Up And Dance provides an intimate and comfortable learning atmosphere for anyone, no matter the dance style of interest. Plus, GUAD also provides advanced/pro level classes for the training dancer who is more intermediate/advanced level, so it really can be a place for everyone.
GUAD offers private lessons, group lessons, and social events for everyone. Private lessons are of course a great way to get custom tailored lessons to your individual needs for the fastest and more personal advancement of your dance goals. Group classes allow social networking and being inspired by peers and building a community, and styles rotate every month across genres such as swing dance, ballet, Latin dance, ballroom dance, tap, jazz, contemporary, musical theatre, hip hop, heels, and more.
More than anything, GUAD helps people realize that dance is there for them, in whatever capacity they need. Whether that be exercise, a social community, aspiring towards a competition or a performance, GUAD is a studio meant for the people. I am most proud of the studio in its ability to connect with people, and give them the gift of dance, no matter who they are and what they are looking for by training in dance. After all, we simply would rather be dancing (:
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
This question is such a common question for artists, because in choosing a life in the arts, where unfortunately there isn’t always a ton of funding or financial stability, we almost always have one, if not many “side hustles.” I always knew I would at least try teaching dance, because it has always been the only thing I have ever known and loved. I thought maybe I eventually would find another avenue to use my dance passion. But I immediately realized after teaching my first adult ballet class after college that I really DO love teaching, genuinely, from my heart.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Dance, I needed to make some initial money. I was fortunate enough to be hired by DanceFX Atlanta in their opening of a new studio- I was going to teach adult ballet. And after one class, I felt so happy! I loved connecting with the people in class, and helping them learn and love what I knew and loved so much. It was after that first year of teaching that I knew I wanted to stay teaching, not only for my career, but also to balance my life while still performing and choreographing. I started to explore other studios, even travelled internationally and lived in Israel, where I was trained to teach ballroom dance, too. I got a great deal of training after moving back to the USA in being a full time teacher in a full service dance industry, and then I knew that I had my own visions and purpose, and decided to become an independent instructor, forming my own business, Leah Boresow Dance. I would rent space from already existing studios for my lessons, and my schedule was always happily full. I even hosted my very own first showcase in 2019, inviting my students and dancers from the Atlanta Dance community to perform together- That was one of many first big milestones.
Within 3 years of Leah Boresow Dance, I grew so much, learning how to structure lessons and events, such as workshops, private lessons, and dance showcases! There was no question that I wanted to open my very own studio as well. Opening Get Up And Dance was a huge milestone for me, and at the same time, felt like the only next step that I knew I wanted. From here, I only hope to continue growing and spreading the love of dance by providing a central place for everyone to come together, and yes- get up and dance!
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I know myself and stay true to my beliefs. One of those beliefs is genuinely wanting what’s best for my dance students, and that is really what has helped build my reputation. It is completely authentic, every lesson, every event, I remain open and transparent in order to really connect with my clients. In other words, even though I am “just” a dance teacher, I am constantly building and fostering relationships with my students, as both a mentor and a colleague, and each student means so much to me. I think that those connections are a natural part of building a reputation. I absolutely care about who I am working with, and I feel as much value in my students as I hope they feel about me.
Contact Info:
- Website: getupanddanceatlanta.com
- Instagram: @getupanddanceatlanta | @leahboresowdance
- Facebook: facebook.com/getupanddanceatlanta
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@getupanddanceatlanta
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/get-up-and-dance-atlanta
Image Credits
Nova Star Media Sarah Htun Photo