Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Tablada.
Hi Monique, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Motiv8 Dance Movement began as something beautifully simple, a summer project to help six dancers who had unexpectedly lost their studio space finish out their competition season. As a veteran dance mom, they turned to me for help. I stepped in and found a space to rent so they could continue training. At the time, it was meant to be temporary. Little did I know that small act of stepping up to help fellow dancers would become the movement it is today.
What started with six dancers has grown in just 2.5 years to 80+ registered students, with over 120 dancers walking through our doors to train at various capacities, including recreational, competitive, and master class levels. That unexpected summer project is now a permanent commitment and a thriving hub for supplemental dance training in Miami.
Miami is home to many strong studios offering great programs. However, from personal experience, I knew there were dancers and dance moms searching for more, supplemental and 1:1 training outside the regular curriculum, a positive and drama-free environment, and a space where dancers could “pop-in” and continue to grow while being part of the creative process in their own journey. Motiv8 was built to fill that gap.
It fills my heart to watch dancers thrive both at The Hive and on stage through the opportunities we are able to offer them, opportunities they may not have had elsewhere. Seeing their growth, confidence, and artistry develop is the greatest reward.
Our vision is simple. Believe in every dancer that walks through our doors. Guide them. Motiv8 them. Build their self-confidence and help them unleash their full potential. Our coaches provide more than just dance training. They provide mentorship, guidance, love, and support, helping shape the next generation of dancers through their passion and heart. Our ultimate goal is to help our dancers become the best version of themselves, not just strong performers, but amazing humans and responsible citizens.
Our culture continues to be at the forefront of everything we do. We believe technical excellence must be paired with integrity, teamwork, and a positive mindset. We focus intentionally on supporting dance moms, uplifting dedicated and passionate coaches, and creating a studio culture rooted in respect, accountability, and collaboration. We are relentless in our pursuit of growth, not just in trophies, but in character.
Motiv8 has made a meaningful impact in the competitive dance world, earning multiple choreography awards, high adjudications, top overall placements, and Excellence in Customer Service Studio Awards. Those recognitions reflect not only our performance standards, but the care and professionalism we extend to every family we serve.
In addition to our recreational and competitive programs, Motiv8 has become known as a master class hub. We rotate bringing in master choreographers and coaches from across the United States on a regular basis, offering dancers new challenges and exposure to diverse styles. Our master classes are open to all dancers, not just our studio members, because we truly believe in making dance training accessible to the broader community.
The competitive market in Miami can present challenges, particularly with restrictions around outside training. While our perspective may not always align with established norms, that has never stopped us. We remain committed to advocating for inclusive training opportunities and ensuring dancers have access to the styles and mentorship they seek.
Beyond dance, my professional background spans a 22-year career in higher education, with a degree in Business and Higher Education Management. Mentorship and leadership have always been at the heart of my work. I am passionate about helping others achieve their educational and training goals, and I bring that same structure, vision, and dedication into Motiv8.
What began as six dancers needing a temporary space has evolved into a movement centered on culture, opportunity, and impact. Motiv8 Dance Movement trains with purpose, competes with integrity, and leads with heart. And we are just getting started.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a completely smooth road, and I say that with gratitude. Every challenge has shaped who we are today.
I am learning new things daily. One of the biggest personal shifts has been moving from a dance mom perspective to a true studio owner mindset. That transition required me to make decisions not based solely on emotion, but on alignment with our long-term goals, mission, and vision. It has been challenging at times, but incredibly rewarding. Growth rarely happens in comfort.
We started with zero financial backing. There was no capital investment waiting in the wings. It was built from the ground up with pure vision, commitment, and belief in my dancers. Financially, that was one of the most difficult parts. It forced me to be strategic, disciplined, and resilient. Every class, every master session, every opportunity was created intentionally and reinvested back into the movement.
We also faced adversity within a competitive dance market. Many dancers were hesitant to train outside of their home studios out of concern for creating conflict. Some families were unsure about stepping beyond what was considered the norm. Encouraging dancers to seek supplemental training, while still respecting the local studio community, took balance, confidence, and a lot of consistency on our part.
Finding the right coaches was another pivotal challenge. I was not looking for just talent. I was looking for mentors who believed in the vision and were willing to take our dancers under their wing with care, integrity, and heart. That mattered the most to me. The right team makes all the difference, and I couldn’t do it without my amazing and dedicated team. A huge shout out to Coaches Amanda, Angie, Ciara, Eli, Lucia, Vanessa and Donovyn who are fully committed to the development of our dancers and train them with so much heart and passion.
Another huge shout out to the moms and families who understand my role and truly trust the process. Their support, patience, and belief in the bigger picture have been instrumental. Having families who recognize that decisions are made with intention and long-term vision makes the journey that much stronger.
One of the firmest decisions we made early on was committing to a no-drama culture. Protecting the environment we were building meant making hard calls at times. We stayed consistent in choosing peace, professionalism, and positivity, even when it would have been easier to compromise. Culture is not something you talk about. It is something you protect.
Looking back, every obstacle strengthened our foundation. Today, our culture speaks for itself. We are incredibly proud of what we have overcome, and even more proud that we did it without losing sight of who we are and why we started.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I bring over 22 years of experience in higher education management and leadership, where I’ve had the privilege of guiding students and families as they navigate their educational journeys. My work has always centered around helping people create a clear path forward. I specialize in leadership development, mentorship, and strategic growth, inspiring others, motivating them, showing them how, and constantly reminding them of their why.
What truly sets me apart as a boss and business owner is that I lead as a servant leader. I have always believed leadership starts with service. My mindset is simple. How can I serve you? How can I support you? Whether it’s students, families, dancers, or coaches, I put people first. I strive to be the mentor they can lean on while also leading by example. I am not afraid to roll up my sleeves and show them how it’s done. I teach by doing.
I’m known most for my positive mindset and my ability to truly listen. I believe in assuming positive intent. Staying curious instead of reactive. Providing effective feedback that builds rather than breaks. I am very solutions based. My mentality is always, “Okay, we’ve got this. Let’s get it done.”
What I am most proud of is the impact. Watching people grow in confidence, clarity, and capability. Seeing them step into their potential because someone believed in them and showed them the way. That, to me, is real leadership.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the Miami Vibes! The energy, the passion! The weather! I can definitely do without the heavy traffic and rush!
Pricing:
- Plans that fit any budget
- affordable supplemental training with Top Tier Coaches
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.motiv8dancemovement.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motiv8dancemovement/
Image Credits
Chris Henrickson Photographer, Donovyn Diaz- Master Choreographer
