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

Sylvie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Our mission is to help individuals unlock their confidence through dance!

Dance has been a kind of North Star for me, no matter what I’m facing in life it has been my therapy, my safe space to self express… basically my happy place! Why I created Certified Baddie is because I want others to experience all that dance has given me over the years — joy, freedom, creativity, healing, and confidence!

As dancers immerse themselves in our dance community, they find a supportive network of like-minded individuals who uplift and inspire one another. Through shared experiences, they build connections, celebrate diversity, and learn from each other’s journeys. This collective support fosters an environment where self-confidence flourishes, where every dancer is encouraged to shine brightly and be unapologetically themselves.

It’s dance classes for every BADDIE!

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

At Certified Baddie, every BADDIE is welcome here! Our classes are perfect for all levels of adult dancers, from absolute beginners to advanced. With experienced instructors and a friendly community of fellow dancers, we guarantee a fun and energetic experience. It is never too late to start your dance journey. Whether you’re looking to express yourself or just strut your stuff these classes will always have you feeling like a
Certified Baddie!

Our weekly classes range from hip-hop, stretch, acro, dance cardio, bollywood heels, heels, jazz funk, and contemporary styles. No experience or heels are required!

Every three months, we host a dance intensive called Baddie Bootcamp: a 5 week heels focused dance project where students will work on technique and performance quality. Their end project is a dance concept video in LA + a individual photoshoot. This is a great way to dip your toes into the pro dance world!

Additionally, we have first dance wedding services. As well as Bachelorette & special occasion group privates!

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

EWOM (electronic word of mouth), during every class we give our students the opportunity to perform in front of a camera (basically their own little music video). These videos are not posted on our social channels without a students expressed permission. But, majority of our students post their own videos to social media and we gain a lot of new clientele through these videos. You can hear our students cheering for those dancing in the videos and I believe people can see how encouraging our environment is through this! Our students also post their experiences on their stories and encourage their friends to join them. This has helped our little community flourish and bring in students who are eager to learn and grow!

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

When I first started teaching heels dance, I was teaching class at my University while I was going through school. After I graduated, I was working a full time job as I didn’t think it was the right time for me to go all in on my business nor did I think I could support myself by just teaching dance. I didn’t want to fail…. But while I was working in my other job all I could think about was dance and how to grow my dance business. I was so unhappy working my 9-5. I wasn’t excited in my day job, but I was excited for my side hustle. My partner kept urging me to quit and focus on Certified Baddie but I had doubts. He told me he supported my decision to quit my job and that ill never know unless I tried it. So I decided to focus fully on Certified Baddie. Once I quit and put all my energy into building my business within 6 months my class numbers sky rocketed. We were voted Top Rated on Class Pass and Best Wedding Dance School on The Knot. Furthermore, I was able to bring on a team of new instructors as well as sign a lease on my very first location. If it wasn’t for my partner, friends and students. I’d still probably be working at a desk and for that, I’m forever grateful!

Contact Info:

• Website: Certifiedbaddieheels.com
• Instagram: @Certifiedbaddiestudio
• Youtube: @certifiedbaddie
• Tiktok: @certifiedbaddiestudio

Image Credits
Lexa Nicole Leah Michelle Brinn Brandon Borerro