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

Hillary, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

Southeastern Professional School of the Arts (SPSA) is a 501c(3) non-profit organization that provides a professional and disciplined study of high-quality dance to low- to moderate-income families and at-risk youth in the State of South Carolina. Established in 2009, SPSA works in partnership with the Southeastern School of Ballet to offer after-school introduction programs, multiple levels, and styles of dance training, workshops, seminars, and annual performances. All programs are structured around 6 fundamental goals: 1) Develop an appreciation of the Arts; 2) Develop self-expression; 3) Improve self-esteem and self-respect; 4) Establish work ethic; 5) Develop awareness of physical well–being; and 6) Develop sensitivity and empathy. SPSA services are offered FREE to all participants through corporate and individual funding.

Hillary, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Hillary Krieger-Toth and I am the Executive Director of Southeastern Professional School of the Arts, a non-profit organization, and the Co-Owner/Co-Artistic Director of Southeastern School of Ballet, LLC.

My love for the arts began at the age of 4 after attending the Ballet, Swan Lake, performed by ABT at Lincoln Center. I have had the privilege of training in prestigious programs across the United States from the age of 9 through college. I received a BFA in Pedagogy from the University of Utah and had the opportunity to dance professionally for multiple companies.

Following my professional career, I pursued the avenue of dance education. I feel that is our responsibility to preserve the arts and provide our youth with every opportunity to succeed. My husband and I opened Southeastern School of Ballet, LLC in 2006 with the intent to provide a higher level of training within our community. We not only focus on the training element of Classical Ballet, Modern, and Jazz, but we also provide a nurturing and encouraging environment while instilling life skills within the students training.

My husband and I then founded Southeastern Professional School of the Arts, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. I have been so fortunate to receive such amazing training throughout my childhood, that I feel as though it is time to give back. Southeastern Professional School of the Arts provides a professional and disciplined study of high-quality dance to low- to moderate-income families and at-risk youth in the State of South Carolina. Established in 2009, SPSA works in partnership with the Southeastern School of Ballet to offer after-school introduction programs, multiple levels, and styles of dance training, workshops, seminars, and annual performances. All programs are structured around 6 fundamental goals: 1) Develop an appreciation of the Arts; 2) Develop self-expression; 3) Improve self-esteem and self-respect; 4) Establish work ethic; 5) Develop awareness of physical well–being; and 6) Develop sensitivity and empathy. SPSA services are offered FREE to all participants through corporate and individual funding. We believe that the arts transcend individual differences in culture, educational background and ability, bring every subject to life and turn abstractions into concrete reality. Additionally, learning through the arts often results in greater academic achievement, higher test scores, and greater self and community awareness.

I am so proud of our progress with both organizations. Southeastern School of Ballet has had students accepted into prestigious schools, arts training programs, and professional companies throughout the U.S and across the globe. Such programs include Paris Opera Ballet School in Paris, San Francisco Ballet, Alonzo King’s Lines, The Royal Ballet School in London, Nevada Ballet Theatre, and many more. Several of our students have received partial to full scholarships to these training institutions. Southeastern School of Ballet has also developed a very strong relationship with many prestigious artists throughout the world, providing our students with the opportunities to network and develop a more versatile understanding of dance. Southeastern Professional School of the Arts is currently offering an After School Introduction Program to underserved youth in our community. The program is free to the participants.

Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?

We almost lost Southeastern School of Ballet approximately seven years ago. My husband had just lost his father and was struggling with depression and guilt. We also had a lot of clients experiencing unemployment during that time. On my own, I chose to give away $50,000.00 worth of scholarships. How could I not allow their child to continue to receive the opportunity to train. These were dedicated and amazing students. Money is not everything, and yes, I almost lost my business, but I can honestly say, I have no regrets with my choice.

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

I had to learn the hardship of separating my love for the arts from business. I have learned the importance of surrounding yourself with honest and good-hearted people. Knowing that you can’t do it all and finding the resources to fill in the gaps has been the major lesson that I have learned throughout my many years in business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thespsa.org
• Instagram: southeastern_pschoolofthearts
• Facebook: Southeastern Professional School of the Arts

Image Credits
Cam North Photography for pictures 1, 2, 3, and 4