We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Denise “dancelegz” Wesley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Denise “DanceLegz” , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

I was an 80’s baby (90’s kid), so shows such as MTV, and magazines such as Ebony, Essence, and even Seventeen allowed me to desire an image for myself. My mother and grandmother allowed me to turn our home into a movie / music video set from as early as I can remember. From dancing to the music videos I gleamed at, or VHS films with scenes I could recreate. My parents monitored what I was influenced by, however there was no genre of dance or music I was not allowed to mimic.

When it was discovered that I could pick up choreography, my mother (and grandmother) would move a chair out the way, or adjust a table so I could move freely in the house. Radios, or cassette players were introduced in all rooms of the house (in case I had the urge to dance or shake).

I was not spoiled in the manner of a typical only child, more over I was given access to experiences, such as sports camps, dance lessons, karate dojos, art & history museums, and festivals. I remember my mother saying once, if you are unable to do something, it will not be because of lack of exposure, more so because you simply didn’t give it your best try.

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.

I was born Denise Ella Wesley, in the city of Chicago, Illinois. My parents met each other ironically discovering they attended the same high school, located on the “South Side”. This “south side”, city girl upbringing would be the foundation of my introduction into the movement arts and the psychology behind “what makes people move”. I learned quickly that it was not cockiness that drove most people to move, but feeling, and even appearing confident that was key. I decided to base my teaching on “moving confidently”.

I noticed it was difficult for me to pick up choreography without moving. I would later learn that my learning style is visual and kinesthetic. The older I became, the more I learned that there were many many adults who learned in a similar pattern. While teaching as a paraprofessional for the public school system, I discovered that adults do not learn the same as children. Adults have certain experiences that have been pre-woven into their upbringing. I realized the adult age groups became a passion for me. I realized that adults need coaches, teachers, and guidance too. I wanted to add to the adult movement experience . I decide to use my love of rollerskating as the conduit for getting adults to move again.

Rollerskating was an outlet for me from the time I was a preteen moving forward to my college days, and present day. Learning how the adult mind and body changes has always been my driving force behind my own active adult lifestyle, however these factors always came in handy when other adults (friends or associates) would ask for guidance on “surviving the rink” (insert tiny chuckle here).
1) Move where you are (be yourself and your body will join you).
2) Avoid the words “I can’t do this…” (your mind believes you and eventually relays the message to your body).
3) Have fun (Adults need to enjoy what they are doing in order to become more relaxed).
4) BEND YOUR KNEES (bending your knees helps with posture, helps prevent injuries, adds mobility, and increase power in most moves).

I’m proud to say when clients leave at the end of every lesson, they feel confident about what they accomplished, they are provided with visual proof of their growth, and knowing their lesson is geared to their personal needs and wants as a skater.

I try my best to provide an experience, The DanceLegz Experience!

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Training and knowledge can take people places that (sometimes) raw talent cannot, however, I have come to learn that consistency remains such a heavy tool in the success and growth of my business.

Being consistent is not always the easiest skill for many business owners. One can never assume people know whom you are or what service you provide . The audience must constantly be reminded, and guided towards “pushing the start button”. Keeping in mind your business purpose, vision, and mission verbiage while maintaining constant presence is key.

Even when what you have seems recycled, your audience comes to rely on the stability of your presence. They are looking for YOU!

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

One of the most difficult lessons I had to learn is “self image”. Your self image is what you present and what your brand represents when seen. Rollerskating can be seen as a saturated industry, however there is plenty of “bread for us all to eat”. My self image becomes tainted the moment I present as another roller-skater or instructor. From bookings, to showcases, podcast invites, interviews, performances , and especially teaching opportunities. How I present, sets the tone and leaves an imprint that is almost permanent.

Having to learn that people book with my brand, not because I was “second best”, quite often it is because my fit aligns with said person, or their brand. To be the most effective, I have to be confident in ME. Clients never forget an experience ! My strategy is to provide an experience from the basis of who I am, no one else.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://denisedancelegz.glossgenius.com
• Instagram: @denisedancelegz
• Facebook: Denise “DanceLegz” Wesley
• Youtube: The_Dancelegz_Experience

Image Credits

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