Today, I’m so excited to introduce to you Michelle Rogers! Many of us have seen the ballet shoes magnet displayed on cars all around the south Charlotte area – if you haven’t noticed you will now! Miller Street Dance Academy proudly owns those ballet shoes AND Michelle Rogers proudly owns Miller Street Dance Academy! I’m always in awe of MOMpreneurs in how they balance it all and Michelle has found the sweet spot! With two growing studios off Providence and Baxter Village while balancing her family life, Michelle has this figured out! She has found a way to make her studios more than just about dance, but about working together to give back to our community and to those less fortunate around the world. What more could you ask for?! I feel very fortunate my oldest daughter (almost 4) has been dancing at Miller Street for about a year now and LOVES it!! We couldn’t be happier! I’m privileged to bring you some ‘behind the scenes’ on why Miller Street Dance Academy is so successful while getting to know more about the fabulous owner, Michelle Rogers! Enjoy!!
Michelle Rogers’ Smarty Mom Stats:
Married to: David Rogers, 20 years
Mom of: Natalie Rogers, 14 years old
Years in Charlotte: Since 1988
Occupation: Owner, Miller Street Dance Academy
Alma Mater: UNC-Charlotte
When did you start dancing?
Age 3
What do you love about teaching dance?
I get to see children at their best moments. Most of the students are at their happiest when they are dancing, and I get to share that with them.
What inspired you to start Miller Street Dance Academy?
I needed to have a place to teach where the children had a fun and safe place that offered discipline and a love for dance.
How have you been able to balance your family life while owning/running such successful dance studios?
When I first had Natalie, I kept the studio small enough to have plenty of “Mommy time” with her. As she got older she wanted to be at the studio constantly, so I knew I could expand and be able to spend lots of time with Natalie.
What makes MSDA different from other studios? What do you feel is the secret to your success?
I feel like I have been able to keep Miller Street current yet conservative. We are very involved in the community and reward and encourage good grades. The world is full of negative media that influences our children and I feel it is important to offer them a conservative place that celebrates smart and educated young ladies and young men.
What are some ways parents can encourage (but not force) a love of dance in their children?
Let them lead the way. They will only be good dancers if they love it. Everyday is not easy as a dancer. Let them work through the tough days and just be supportive. Never let them quit in the middle of a season. Once you allow a child to quit anything, they develop a pattern of quitting once something gets hard. Self esteem comes from being good at what you do, not being told you are good. Children know the difference.
At what age do you recommend parents expose their children to organized dance classes?
Around age 3 is a good age.
Transitioning here a bit…
Favorite professional dancer?
Albert Cattafi. He is a performer and choreographer. He is masculine when he dances and is an amazing person.
Book:
Safe Haven
What’s the best part of living in Charlotte?
A clean and safe place to raise a family
Your family’s favorite home-cooked meal?
Spaghetti
Favorite place to shop for yourself in Charlotte?
Marshalls
What’s your idea of a perfect day?
Spending the day watching movies with Natalie
Fun pics of Michelle’s daughter, Natalie!
You can find MSDA at two convenient studio locations:
MSDA – Providence
11532 Providence Road, Suite O
Charlotte, NC 28277
(704)889-8637
MSDA – Baxter Village
967 Market Street, Suite 100
Fort Mill, SC 29708
(803) 396-5299
You can also find MSDA on facebook and check out their super cool app in iTunes!
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