We were lucky to catch up with Diana Geiger recently and have shared our conversation below.
Diana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Discovering the Rhythm of Life: The Inception of vLA Dancefit
The genesis of LA Dancefit is a tale of passion, self-discovery, and the relentless pursuit of happiness. Join me as we dive into the captivating narrative that gave birth to this extraordinary dance fitness venture.
As the founder and driving force behind LA Dancefit, life had always revolved around the tranquility of yoga. It was a familiar and cherished practice that had accompanied her throughout her journey. However, on an ordinary day, a desire for something different ignited within her, urging her to explore uncharted territories beyond her usual routine.
Amidst the bustling city, I found myself dropping off my children at preschool ready for my tie for self care. I glanced at the schedule of activities at my local fitness center, the Sports Club LA and among the array of options, a class titled “Zumba with Wil” caught my attention. Curiosity piqued, and I decided to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the unknown.
Entering the Zumba class, I was filled with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. The music started, and Wil, the instructor, radiated an infectious energy that permeated the room. “Just follow me,” he beckoned, and the magic began. In that moment, time seemed to stand still as the exhilarating rhythms transported meto a realm of pure joy and liberation.
Though initially plagued by self-doubt, I soon discovered that dancing was not just about perfect technique or coordination—it was an expression of the soul, an avenue to unleash one’s inner passions. This transformative experience infused my life with renewed vigor and an insatiable appetite for more.
For six captivating years, I eagerly pursued dance under Wil’s tutelage, traversing various studios and gyms in search of growth and inspiration. Each session became an odyssey of self-improvement, accompanied by a inspiring playlist. The allure of dance proved irresistible, constantly pushing me to excel and learn, fueling an addiction I could no longer ignore.
During a heartfelt conversation after one class, Wil casually mentioned his lifelong dream of owning a dance studio. The mere mention ignited a fire within me. That night, sleep eluded as I meticulously crafted a vision for a dance studio.
As an entrepreneur by nature, I recognized the potential for a unique and transformative dance fitness venture. This was more than just a personal endeavor—it was an opportunity to solve a problem that no one else seemed to address adequately. I envisaged a space where individuals of all backgrounds could come together to experience the profound joy and fulfillment that dance offers, unencumbered by self-doubt or judgment.
Armed with a solid business plan and unwavering determination,Diana & Wil’s connection was instantaneous, and our dreams aligned effortlessly. Together, we embarked on an arduous yet thrilling journey, exploring potential locations, meticulously scrutinizing details, and refining our approach to create something truly exceptional.
Serendipity struck when we stumbled upon a captivating space on Santa Monica Blvd—an ideal location that would blend seamlessly into the tapestry of our target demographic’s daily lives. It was a resounding affirmation that our venture was meant to materialize, inspiring excitement and confidence in their endeavor.
LA Dancefit emerged as the culmination of a personal transformation, an untapped market opportunity, and a shared vision to offer a dance fitness experience like no other. Diana recognized that dance transcends mere exercise—it is a gateway to self-expression, healing, and profound happiness.
As the doors of LA Dancefit swing open, a vibrant and inclusive community awaits, ready to embark on a transformative journey of rhythm, movement, and personal growth. This entrepreneurial endeavor is more than just a business—it is an invitation to discover the rhythm of life, embracing the power of dance to unlock one’s fullest potential.
About vLA Dancefit:
LA Dancefit is a dance fitness studio that offers a unique and transformative experience for individuals seeking joy, self-expression, and personal growth. With a focus on inclusivity and a passion for dance, LA Dancefit aims to create a vibrant community where all can thrive.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am delighted to introduce myself and share the essence of my brand with your readers. My name is Diana, and I am the founder and driving force behind LA Dancefit. Dance, for me, is not just a passion; it is a way of life—an enchanting journey that has shaped my identity and purpose.
My foray into the world of dance began as a personal exploration of self-expression, joy, and mental well-being. Over time, I realized that dance had the power to transform lives, heal hearts, and ignite the spirit. It was this profound realization that led me to establish LA Dancefit—a dance fitness studio that offers a transformative experience like no other, where the benefits extend beyond physical fitness to encompass mental wellness.
At LA Dancefit, our mission is to provide a space where individuals can unlock their fullest potential through the magic of dance while nurturing their mental well-being. We offer a range of dance fitness classes that cater to all levels, from beginners seeking to find their rhythm to seasoned dancers looking to elevate their skills. Our expert instructors guide and inspire, creating an inclusive and supportive environment that encourages personal growth, self-confidence, and exploration.
One of the core problems we aim to solve at LA Dancefit is the often-felt disconnect between fitness and joy, particularly in relation to mental wellness. We believe that exercise should not be a chore but a celebration of the body, mind, and spirit. Through our classes, we bridge the gap between traditional fitness routines and the sheer pleasure of dancing, helping our clients find a deeper connection with their bodies while experiencing the exhilaration of movement that positively impacts their mental well-being.
What sets us apart from others is our unwavering belief in the transformative power of dance and its significant contribution to mental wellness. We celebrate diversity, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities to join our vibrant community. Our classes are designed to be accessible and engaging, ensuring that everyone can participate and benefit from the joys of dance, fostering not only physical fitness but also emotional well-being.
One of the aspects I am most proud of is the sense of belonging and empowerment that we foster at LA Dancefit. Witnessing the transformation in our clients, as they gain confidence, discover their inner rhythm, and find joy in movement while enhancing their mental well-being, is incredibly rewarding. We have created a safe space where individuals can freely express themselves, shed inhibitions, and connect with like-minded people who share their passion for dance, forming a supportive community that uplifts and nourishes their overall well-being.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that LA Dancefit is more than just a studio—it is a movement. We believe in the power of dance to transcend physical boundaries and tap into the limitless potential within each of us, promoting mental wellness and self-discovery. We invite you to join us on this transformative journey, to experience the joy, liberation, and personal growth that dance offers while nurturing your mental well-being. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or a curious beginner, we have a place for you in our vibrant community.
At LA Dancefit, we are committed to providing a supportive and empowering environment where you can explore your creativity, nurture your body, ignite your passion for dance, and enhance your mental well-being. Come and discover the rhythm of life with us, and embark on a transformative journey that will leave you feeling uplifted, inspired, and connected on all levels.
Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?
Allow me to share the story of how I built Dance Teams—a program that was born out of my desire to improve and level up my dance skills. For the past eight years, I have been a loyal and committed dance fitness student, attending multiple classes in various styles every day. It was a fun and exhilarating experience, but I wanted more. I wanted to go beyond just taking classes and learn how to excel in one specific dance style. Thus, the idea of creating an environment where I could truly master a dance form began to take shape.
The problem I faced was clear: How could I effectively dedicate myself to mastering one dance style rather than just attending classes and forgetting what I learned the next hour? I needed a solution that would allow me to consistently train and improve. That’s when the concept of a dance team emerged.
I envisioned a dance team where I could dance with fellow passionate individuals and train under the guidance of an experienced instructor. The team would focus on learning a specific routine, rehearsing it meticulously, and eventually performing it for friends and family. This would provide me with the opportunity to not only become proficient in one dance but also showcase my progress and share the joy of dance with others.
Now, the challenge was figuring out how to turn this vision into a reality. I began by reaching out to partner Wil and expressing my idea of forming dance teams. His enthusiasm and support encouraged me us move forward. We brainstormed, discussed logistics, and crafted a plan to establish the dance teams. We came up with this 8 weeks. 10+ rehearsal hours. Voila dancer.
We took action by creating flyers and extending invitations to students, inviting them to dance and train with their favorite instructors in their preferred dance styles for an intensive 8-week program. With excitement and uncertainty in the air, we organized an open house event to showcase the talented instructors, provide an opportunity for students to sign up for a team, and officially kickstart the program. Despite not knowing what to expect, we had a handful of instructors and a couple dozen interested students who eagerly embraced the opportunity. A nominal fee was charged, and we dove right into the journey.
As the years went by, the Dance Teams program experienced significant growth and transformation. It has now become an integral part of our dance studio, attracting individuals who crave a focused and immersive dance experience. Witnessing the incredible progress of numerous dancers who transitioned from beginners to skilled performers through their participation in the dance teams has been truly awe-inspiring.
To add to the remarkable journey, last year marked the realization of another dream: the creation of a documentary capturing the Dance Teams experience. The documentary serves as a testament to the power and impact of the program, showcasing the dedication, growth, and joy that dancers have experienced throughout their involvement.
The Dance Teams program continues to evolve, driven by our commitment to providing a supportive and transformative dance experience.
Looking back, I am proud of the journey I embarked on to build the Dance Teams program. It started as a personal aspiration to improve my own dance skills, and it has blossomed into a platform for others to pursue their dance dreams. The commitment, dedication, and passion of everyone involved have made the Dance Teams an integral and cherished part of our dance community.
If you share the same desire to level up your dance skills and immerse yourself in a supportive and focused environment, I invite you to join our Dance Teams. Together, we can push boundaries, achieve new heights, and experience the transformative power of dance.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
The story of LA Dancefit’s resilience during the challenging times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic is a testament to the unwavering determination and adaptability of our community. When the world came to a standstill, and dance studios faced unprecedented closures and restrictions, we refused to let our passion fade. Instead, we swiftly pivoted our operations to a virtual platform, ensuring that our dancers could continue their journey from the safety of their homes. We transformed living rooms and bedrooms into dance floors, connecting through screens while maintaining the energy and camaraderie that defines LA Dancefit. Despite the obstacles, we persevered, delivering high-quality virtual classes, fostering a sense of togetherness, and providing a much-needed source of joy and inspiration. The resilience of our dancers and the unwavering support of our community allowed LA Dancefit to survive during these challenging times, reminding us all that the power of dance transcends physical spaces and unites us even in the face of adversity.
Although we carried forward a significant amount of debt from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we remain hopeful that the resilience and determination we displayed during those trying times will guide us through the aftermath. We understand that the road to recovery may not be easy, but we are committed to facing our financial obligations head-on and finding innovative solutions to overcome them. Our belief in the transformative power of dance and the unwavering support of our community continue to fuel our optimism and drive us forward. With each step we take, we are confident that the futile years will serve as a foundation for our future success, ensuring that LA Dancefit not only survives but thrives once again.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ladancefit.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladancefit/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladancefit/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX5j6SSN-vMhH3E7l07I4_A
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/la-dancefit-studio-los-angeles?osq=Dance+Classes