Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Conforto.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When I was a young mom with three daughters, I longed to put them in ballet classes. I had danced ballet for 12 years growing up, and I imagined my little ones in tutus and toe shoes someday. I found a class: it was about 20 minutes away, and I could only afford for one of my daughters to attend. The studio was not upfront about the recital and costume fees, and I was dismayed to learn that I’d also have to buy a ticket to watch my child perform. Many of the dancers in the class were moving on to the competition teams, which required more time and expense.
While the performance was adorable and the dancers were skilled, I wanted something closer, less intense, and less expensive. I decided to teach my daughters myself from my own home. To make it more of a formal class, I invited some of my friends’ kids to join us. Several years later, I’ve built a full studio in the basement of my home. I continue to teach ballet, and my 3 daughters have all advanced to pointe shoes. I’ve hired other professionals to teach other genres including Hip-Hop, Jazz, and Contemporary, which my son participates in. I’ve just hired a friend to teach our new adult Irish Dancing class—a style I’ve always wanted to learn. We offer classes for ages 3-99. My husband, a second-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate, turns the dance studio into a dojo twice a week to teach karate classes as well.
I’ve maintained my vision of providing low-cost dance instruction for our neighborhood in West Jordan. We keep prices low by avoiding competition and never charging admission for our performances. My studio mission statement is: “Sunset Dancers is a non-competition dance studio dedicated to technique and artistry through clean and classy costumes, music, and movement.”
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have been growing pains. Because I run a recreational rather than a competition studio, my students are not compelled by contracts to stay with me for a year. My students might try out dance for a 4-month session, then have time to try soccer or basketball for the rest of the year.
Most of my parents allow only one activity for their children, and sports are my main competitor! But I love this for the kids–childhood is the time to try out many different hobbies and find their passions. So I am always advertising and trying to find new students. The good thing is that I live in a rapidly growing area, so there is no shortage of future dancers nearby.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve found great creative joy in choreographing. It feels like painting, but with moving parts that are only on your canvas for a few seconds before it changes. As my dancers have grown and progressed, I’ve been able to create a Pointe Company with my teens. It has been a blast to create pieces for them to perform to some of my favorite music from ballet classics like Nutcracker and Swan Lake to Broadway favorites like Phantom of the Opera and Dear Evan Hansen, to rock ballads by Queen.
While teaching dance began as a way to bond with my daughters (and now son!), it has expanded to become a personally fulfilling journey in creativity. I’ve enjoyed helping my teens bond and develop leadership skills by adding a Dance Council to my Pointe Company.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
With the help of social media, I found one of my old ballet instructors. She was thrilled to learn I was passing down what she had taught me! I’ve also connected with other dance teachers in Facebook groups, where we share ideas from teaching techniques to advertising strategies.
Pricing:
- 55-minute, once-weekly Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop or (new!) Irish Dancing class $42/month
- 90-minute, once-weekly Teen Contemporary class $48/month
- 60-minute, twice weekly karate class $50/month
- 3.5-4.5 hours weekly Pointe Company $90-$100/month
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sunsetdancers.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunsetdancerswestjordan
Image Credits
Mandie Kay Photography
