Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda White.
Linda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When I was a toddler, my older sisters studied ballet in Palm Beach, I was introduced to a magical world of music, costumes, pointe shoes, and spinning bodies – I LOVED IT! I started MY training in Lake Park, FL with Joan Miller. She was 100% devoted to the world of dance. She continued her own dance education while inspiring students to excel and join national dance companies. I studied ballet and jazz, I was introduced to tap, flamenco, acrobatics, hip hop, modern, and middle eastern. I eventually had a short professional career dancing with Disney on Parade, David Wright Dance Company and Rafael and Juliana Productions.
I taught at Jill’s Dance Center for over a decade before opening my own studio in 1990. ArtStage was the first studio to offer triple threat training: dance, acting and voice. My goal was to offer good quality techniques to give the foundation for success in all areas of life. My students are as diverse as the classes we offer. We have something for everyone – toddlers to adults. My studio is also home to Jazzercise, Zumba, Irish Step Dancing, and Tai Kwon Do.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The same week I originally opened my doors was declared the beginning of a long recession. A large business that employed hundreds from our local town transferred most of them to another state. My business partner walked out three weeks after classes started. I had two young children and no business experience. To say it was a challenge would be an understatement.
But I listened everyday to positive advice on a local radio station. One that I remember was the idea of being “willing” to do whatever it takes to make the business work. You might not have to do everything, but you needed to be willing. My training as a dancer also helped with perseverance, steadfastness, and courage.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the business owner which allows me complete freedom of creativity… (This is the BEST reason for owning a studio!) I have choreographed award-winning dances, written three musicals, and trained students that have gone on to spectacular careers. With triple threat classes available, my students have gone in many directions including: dance, acting, singing, costuming, technical, writing and more.
At ArtStage, we are aware of each student as a whole person. We are a family. I am as proud of the students that went on to become doctors, lawyers and rocket scientists as I am of those on Broadway. I feel we contributed to the success of ALL of them. Offering a foundation of quality training while being keenly aware of the emotional needs of our students is of the utmost importance to us. We give as much attention and care to those students that will never have a professional career in the arts as we do the ones with the most potential.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I wanted to be a math teacher when I graduated high school. I am intuitively sensitive.
Pricing:
- 1 class a week is $79 a month.
- Unlimited classes are $250 a month.
Contact Info:
- Email: ArtStage@ArtStagePerformingArts.com
- Website: ArtStagePerformingArts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artstageperformingarts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtStage
Image Credits
Lindsay White
