We ask our members to share a few thoughts: to introduce themselves to fellow members, and those who are interested in our community.
In this instalment, we interview Anacia Weiskittel of Degas International Dance Academy
Tell us about your business:
Degas International Dance Academy is dedicated to instructing, educating and inspiring children to advanced pre-professional performers in the ART of DANCE.
Our Delft Netherlands is our newest location which opened September of 2021 when I moved to the Netherlands with my family. My first location was founded in 2010 in Los Angeles, CA on Ventura Blvd in Encino.
Degas International Dance Academy is a training and performance oriented studio. Our focus in on technique and artistry from the ground up. We offer the highest level of instruction for recreational students Ages 3 to 18 and an accelerated training program for our team selection students that want a pre-professional training program. We also offer a variety of fitness and dance classes for adults.
Degas (pronounced Dey-Ga) was named after the French famous painter Edgar Degas who was known for painting dancers. We felt the name closely related to our philosophy and mission to teach children through advanced pre-professionals the ART of DANCE
Classes are taught in ENGLISH. Our community is filled with Dutch and international families and our students speak many languages.
Degas Dance Studio in Los Angeles has produced unprecedented talent from the ground up. Our Alumni students have been recipients winners of National Young Arts, Spotlight honorable mention, YAGP 1st Place awards. Scholarship recipients and acceptances to top summer programs including Royal Ballet School, SAB, ABT, San Francisco Ballet, Bolshoi, Houston Ballet, Jacobs Pillow, Orsolina 28, European School of Ballet, Alvin Ailey, Harid Conservatory, Bodytraffic, Hubbard Street and tons more. Our students are currently dancing all over the world in top college conservatory programs including Codarts Rotterdam, Copenhagen Contemporary Dance Conservatory, Ailey Fordham, USC University Southern California, Boston Conservatory, Columbia, NYU Tisch, University of Michigan, Vasser, Peabody at Johns Hopkins and many are working professionally in the industry.
Our students that continued with us through graduation also have gone on to use their skills to help them be successful in whatever they set their minds to achieve including doctors, lawyers, business executives, finance, education, marketing, psychology, journalism and other industries. They will all say that dance helped them tremendously to build life skills including time management, work ethic, discipline, creativity, confidence, goal setting and strong character values.
Through years of experience we have created a recipe for success. It is with that in mind that we have just begun our Degas Dance Franchise group. To give the next generation of dance studio owners the tools and skills they need to own their own studios. Locations are available worldwide with extensive mentorship and guidance.
What 5 words would you choose to describe your business?
Community, Experience, Creativity, Guidance, Fun
What are your most popular products or services?
Dance lessons for kids, teens and adults including classical ballet, modern/contemporary, acrobatics, jazz turns/Leaps, Musical theatre/tap, hip hop, Improv flow and more.
Our ballet students participate in our annual full length Nutcracker Production. Featuring professional and pre-professional students, beautiful costumes, props and magical digital backdrops.
What do you like best about owning a business?
Watching my students grow as dancers and as people, while making an impact in their lives.
What or who inspired you to start your business?
I have always wanted to have my own studio. I started teaching dance at the age of 15 and asked the owner if I could create my own performing group. I’ve always been a self starter and extremely passionate.
What makes your products/services special?
There are very few programs that offer the level of training that we provide without an audition and even fewer that have classes in English. We want to train anyone who is passionate about learning the art of dance, regardless of their previous training or natural facility. We truly care about each individual student and want to see each of them reach their full potential. Our community is supportive and inviting our students work hard and have a lot of fun.
What motivates you on a daily basis?
Seeing the difference dance makes in our students lives. Watching our students gain motivation that extends in school and at home. Having a community of people that support each other and of course the students smiling faces brighten my day.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
Having 3 kids, owning two studios in two different countries, starting a franchise business this is a bit of a juggling act. I work late at night so it’s important to me to spend the morning and afternoon with my husband walking in the forest, taking a bike ride or going to a yoga or workout class. I like to spend quality time with my kids and husband, we always eat dinner at the table together. I do my best to truly be present with whoever I’m with. This is an active and ongoing life practice.
Are you running any offers or promotions that you would like us to mention?
We are moving into our own NEW facility. During the next few months of April, May, June 2023 we will be offering an UNLIMITED FREE WEEK Trial of classes for kids, teens and adults. This is a great opportunity to try out a variety of our classes.
Thank you, Anacia!
For more information about Anacia Weiskittel visit Degas International Dance Academy