We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tania Long. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tania below.

Alright, Tania thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The story behind my mission is that I want to be who I needed growing up. During my journey as a dancer, I encountered some mean and nasty words that crushed and altered my path of pursuing dance for years. Their words stole my passion, in the moments, and still stick with my to this day. But, I was able to learn that I needed to be better. Words matter. This experience happened to me so that I could hold this lesson near to my heart and choose to teach in a way that is better than what I had. So, my goal is that all my dancers that enter my space, even if I am not their teacher, will feel that they matter and are loved.

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

I was a dancer for most of my life. Started at the age of 3 and danced up unitl 9 when I was met with a teacher who should not have been teaching. She was nasty with her words, tone and demeanor which broke my spirit of wanting to dance. A few years later, I saw another group, which happened to be a Christian Performing Arts Company and knew that I wanted to dance again and I wanted to dance like that! I joined their company and danced with them from high school though most of college. In college, my interest peaked as I was introduced to new styles and genres and wanted to know and learn more about them. There, I was told that Ballet does not look good on Black girls. Time passed and I was asked to teach at some workshops and a very close mentor told me that I was not ready when all around I was getting asked to teach. So, if we talk about where I started, I started as a dancer who was discouraged and told that they were not good enough! I turned that into being a teacher who knows that words are powerful and I will be mindful of how I speak to them while teaching them the art of dance.

I would want everyone to know that when a dancer comes to me, they will feel my love! They will be encouraged to do their best and learn quality dance technique. It is important to me that my staff feels.and understands this as well. So, when they come into the studio, that experience is felt! Once you’re in, you’re family! I am proud that those students who have been with my studio for awhile understand this concept as well. If I can encourage and see my mission, shine through them, I am doing something right! At Dimensions Dance Center, we love, encourage, support and educate our dancers!

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Commuication! Communication is major when managing a team. From some tough experiences, I began a small chat with potential employees before moving towards an interview. In the work that we do, it is important to have a connection with each other. We will be with each other often while experiencing many different emotions. From excitement to stress and frustration, it is important to have a connection with each other. Another way that I begin my interview process is to answer a series of “this or that” questions. Now, the answers have nothing to do with getting the job or not…it literally serves as a way to break the ice in the moment and allow us both to let our guards down slightly. They range from Netflix or Hulu and end up with Socks or No Socks! Just somethign quick to get us talking to each other. I’ve learned that because we may communicate through email or text often that tone can be misunderstood easily so I create opportunites for us to be in person at least one a month all together to meet, dicsuss new events and get to know each other. This helps! I also let my team know in many ways that I am there for them and support them. It is important to me that they know I support them and their professional development. WIth these things in place, I have the honor to work with a great team!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A time when I have had to pivot in business was COVID! I think at this time, all business owners, are tired of even saying the word. That was tough, like really tough to deal with. Of course, our businesses were shut down completely and in 2020, it was absolutely difficult to wrap my mind about how we were going to continue to operate. With some other studio owners advice and insight, I was able to adjust to offering classes online and creating a virtual recital for that year. I was literally pivoting every day as it was new to us teaching, our clients trying to get little dancers to pay attention to a screen, sound issues and more. Between quick conference calls, text threads and tears, WE made it through. It was tough while I was going through it and the overwhelming emotions that also took place during that time, but I was able to learn a lot. I feel extremely blessed that we made it through.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dimensions-dancecenter.com
• Instagram: @dancewithddc
• Facebook: Dimensions Dance Center
• Other: 3709 Pulaski Highway, Suite 5 Abingdon, MD 21009 443-515-7130

Image Credits
Vanessa L Knight Photography Is That Me Photography