We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sanda Lungu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sanda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I conceived the idea of opening my own studio when I began teaching ballet at the age of 19, followed by ballroom. Initially, it remained a distant dream, with no clear path to realization. I poured my heart into both my professional dancing and my role as a dance instructor for other studios, never truly seeing the opportunity to launch my own venture. It wasn’t until I found myself in a situation where I had lost everything… That is when I realized that I can either commit to another job or commit to my dream.

I believed that starting my own dance studio was valuable due to the unique contributions I could bring. You see, I am deeply passionate about dancing, and I have invested a great deal of discipline, hard work, time, and sacrifice to become truly proficient.

I am a highly skilled dancer and dance teacher, which means I have a lot to offer. I can share my experiences and knowledge with others who can greatly benefit from it. This applies to those who want to pursue it as a hobby, have fun, improve their physical shape, and stay active, as well as those who aspire to become skilled dancers and take it to a higher level. This, in itself, comes with a multitude of other benefits:
-Unlocking your full potential
-Cultivating self-discipline
-Achieving fitness and flexibility for a healthier lifestyle
-Building self-esteem
-Inspiring others
-Ultimately, passing on this knowledge by teaching and empowering others…

The most exciting thing about starting my own dance studio was the opportunity to deliver my reasons for why people should take dance lessons. It was a chance to share my experiences, knowledge, and beliefs in my own unique way. While I’m incredibly grateful for all I’ve learned working for both corporation and independent studios, I never felt entirely aligned with their procedures, values, and beliefs.

It’s only been a year since I established SouL Dance Studio, and I’m still developing the best way to articulate what dancing has done for me and what it can potentially offer my students. Yet, we’ve already built a vibrant community, comprising talented and dedicated dancers. Our schedule is diverse, featuring an array of group lessons and events, and there’s progress, joy, and fulfillment every day.

I believe we’re destined for even greater growth, strength, and happiness from this point forward.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

“Hello! I’m Sanda, and I appreciate you taking the time to get to know me and my studio.”

I’d like to begin my story with my origin. I was born in Chisinau, Moldova, into a loving and beautiful family. At the tender age of 5, I took my first steps into the world of dance, and I haven’t stopped since. I graduated from the professional ballet academy, ‘Colegiul National de Choregrafie.’ By the age of 16, I was already a member of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet, ‘Teatrul National de Opera si Balet Maria Biesu.’ 

As the years went by, I had the privilege of dancing with renowned companies like the Moscow Ballet Great Russian Nutcracker, State Ballet Theatre of Russia USA Touring Company, Crown of Russian Ballet, and St. Petersburg Festival Ballet Euro Touring Company. Eventually, I made my way to the United States, where I continued to tour with some of these esteemed ballet companies for another three years. Parallel to that, I had the pleasure of dancing with the ‘Dimensional Dance Company’ and teaching at the ‘Massachusetts Ballet Academy.’ 

In 2018, I earned my certification as a qualified ballroom dance instructor, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my dance journey. Through practice, patience, and dedication, I transformed into a professional competitive ballroom dancer, achieving finalist status in numerous Ballroom dance competitions, notably in the Rising Star/Open American Rhythm, International Latin, and Standard divisions.” 

Since founding SouL Dance Studio, I’ve had the opportunity to integrate my ballet and ballroom background, offering both individual and group lessons in both styles. Striving for the highest level of dance proficiency, I’ve learned the steps necessary to achieve results and fully appreciate the benefits of the process, enabling me to effectively guide my students on this journey. I provide a wide range of styles and ability levels for all ages, tailoring each path independently based on the student’s unique goals and dreams. 

I take immense pride in the community and the vibrant spirit that WE have fostered at SouL Dance Studio. My greatest source of pride, however, lies in my students. They embody my values through their dance, unwavering loyalty, love, respect, support, and the infectious joy they radiate. Every time they embrace the movement with their body and soul, they inspire me and everyone around them.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Referrals have proven to be the most impactful method for growing my clientele. I’m deeply appreciative of Voyage Magazine for affording me another chance to introduce my story and the SouL Dance Studio family to you. I genuinely hope you’ll think of us when seeking dance lessons, or when assisting others in discovering a studio that fulfills their expectations!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Choosing the right story to illustrate my resilience took time. Through numerous career and personal challenges, the process of building SouL Dance stands out as the most empowering. I owe this strength to the incredible support of my students, fellow dance instructors, studio owners, and the unwavering belief from family and friends. Their shared experiences, guidance, and support have been the pillars of SouL Dance’s journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sldance.studio/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sl.dancestudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sl.dancestudio1
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sl.dancestudio?sub_confirmation=1