Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Megan Ellison. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Megan, thanks for joining us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?
impactful: the COVID-19 pandemic and a recent issue with my studio’s building that forced us to close temporarily.
When COVID-19 hit, it was a shock to the entire world, and like so many small businesses, we had to adapt overnight. Our dance studio thrives on in-person connection and community, and suddenly, those were no longer possible. We pivoted to virtual classes, which allowed us to maintain some level of engagement and revenue, but it was far from ideal. Navigating this period required creativity, patience, and constant communication with our families to keep the business afloat.
Just as we began to recover and rebuild, another unexpected setback arose this past year. Our building suffered significant water damage, which the landlord failed to address properly. Over time, this led to black mold—an issue that directly impacted the health and safety of everyone in the space. The decision to close our doors for two months while we moved to a new location was heartbreaking, but necessary.
These moments of crisis tested every aspect of my resilience as a business owner. During COVID, it felt like the world was shifting beneath us daily. With the mold issue, I felt a deep frustration and sense of helplessness, as the situation was beyond my control but affected everything I had worked so hard to build.
In both cases, the key to moving forward was communication, honesty, adaptability, and trust in our community. During the mold crisis, I made it a priority to keep our families informed while working tirelessly behind the scenes to secure a safe, temporary solution and prepare for our new, improved location.
Each challenge has been a lesson in perseverance. They’ve reminded me that setbacks are inevitable but how we respond defines us. Despite these struggles, the unwavering support from our community has reaffirmed why I started this journey in the first place—to create a space where dancers and their families feel valued and inspired.
Megan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m Megan Ellison, the proud owner of Evolve Dance Studio. My journey into the dance industry began as a young dancer with a deep love for the art. I was fortunate to have a dance instructor growing up who truly inspired me—not by focusing solely on competition and pressure, but by making dance fun, supportive, and empowering. That experience allowed me to shine as a dancer and fostered my lifelong love for dance.
When I founded Evolve Dance Studio, my goal was to bring that same joy and positivity to other kids. I wanted to create a fun, nurturing environment where dancers could explore their love for dance without the weight of excessive pressure. At Evolve, we focus on allowing kids to be kids while pushing their training and helping them grow—all in a way that feels positive, uplifting, and exciting.
We offer a variety of classes for dancers of all ages and abilities, from recreational programs to competitive teams. Our approach prioritizes individual growth and fostering confidence, creativity, and teamwork. Recently, we’ve expanded our offerings to include sensory-friendly programs, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can experience the joy of dance.
One of the biggest problems we solve for families is creating a space where their children can build not only their technical skills but also life skills like discipline, resilience, and teamwork. For parents, we offer the assurance that their children are in a safe, encouraging environment that emphasizes personal growth over perfection.
What sets us apart is our strong focus on community and making dance accessible to everyone. Our instructors are deeply committed to nurturing each dancer’s unique potential, and our family-like atmosphere ensures that every dancer feels supported, valued, and celebrated.
I am most proud of how Evolve Dance Studio has grown into more than just a dance studio—it’s a second home for many. From weathering challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and building setbacks to expanding our programs to meet the diverse needs of our community, we remain committed to creating a space where our dancers can thrive.
At Evolve Dance Studio, we’re passionate about helping dancers discover their love for movement in a positive and fun environment. Whether they’re just beginning their journey or striving for competitive success, we aim to give every dancer a place to shine, grow, and belong.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
One of the most profound pivots in my life happened when I went through a divorce and suddenly found myself as a single mother of four. It was a challenging time filled with uncertainty and a deep need to redefine my life—not just for myself but for my children.
In the midst of this upheaval, I realized that the best way I could support my kids was by first healing myself. I needed to rediscover who I was outside of my roles as a wife and mother. That journey of self-healing led me back to something I had loved deeply my entire life: dance.
Out of that realization, I opened my first dance studio, Cedar Springs Dance Company. It wasn’t just about building a business—it was about reclaiming my passion and finding a renewed sense of purpose. Creating a space where dancers could thrive in a positive and encouraging environment mirrored the transformation I was undergoing in my own life.
Building the studio gave me a confidence I hadn’t felt in years. It reminded me of my strength, creativity, and resilience. Over time, that confidence spilled over into every area of my life, helping me grow into the mother, friend, and woman I wanted to be.
That experience not only transformed my personal life but also set the foundation for the values I bring to my work every day. I learned that even in our most challenging moments, there’s an opportunity to rebuild and thrive. Today, I’m proud to use my passion for dance to inspire others and help them find their own confidence and purpose.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
Building and managing a strong, motivated team is one of my top priorities. I firmly believe that my employees are the backbone of my business—without them, there would be no Evolve Dance Studio. That’s why I focus on supporting my team first and foremost.
One of the key ways I maintain high morale is by being open and honest with my employees, no matter the circumstances. Whether we’re celebrating successes or facing challenges behind the scenes, I make it a point to communicate transparently. I want my team to feel informed, valued, and included in the journey of the business.
As a mother of four, I also deeply understand the demands of balancing work and family life. I encourage my instructors to put their families first because I know how important it is to have that time and space to focus on loved ones. When my employees feel supported in their personal lives, they come to work happier, less stressed, and more engaged.
This approach has created a culture of trust and mutual respect at Evolve Dance Studio. By valuing my employees not just as professionals but as whole individuals with families and responsibilities, we’ve built a team that is both committed and compassionate. A happy, balanced team translates into a positive experience for our dancers and families, which is the ultimate goal.
For me, it’s not just about managing a team—it’s about nurturing a community where everyone feels supported, appreciated, and inspired to do their best work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.evolvedancestudio.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolvedancestudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Evolvedancerockford
- Linkedin: htt
