Interview with Elizabeth Ashner, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I have been a tribal belly dancer for about 15 years. My gateway to this art form was rhythm and drumming. I opened a world import shop in Evergreen in 2001 and started teaching tribal belly dance in a small studio above the shop. Years later, I opened a second shop, Paprika, in downtown Golden (the Golden Himalaya is now in that location). I took a hiatus from teaching to develop my clothing line and devote more time to performing regionally and nationally. I recently returned to Golden and opened Studio Muse.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: I offer a comprehensive tribal belly dance curriculum, which I have refined over the past 12 years. My students gain a strong foundation of core postures and movements and learn how to weave them together for beautiful and powerful dance expression. As the director of the annual Elevation Belly Dance Festival, I bring in internationally known belly dance superstars so that my students and all members of the local and national belly dance community can benefit from taking their classes and seeing them perform. I offer classes on weeknights, and during the day Muse welcomes you to visit Mountain Gypsy, a retail shop that offers an eclectic array of fun, funky and fair-trade items. Mountain Gypsy also carries my clothing line: Ashner by Elizabeth.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: Guiding people who are new to dancing and seeing them grow in their confidence stand a little taller as they begin to feel more at home in their bodies, is without a doubt, the most rewarding thing I do. I also love meeting and working with people who are innovative and passionate about the art they’re creating. It’s an honor to be part of the belly dance community and have an opportunity to contribute to it.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Having been out of town a few years, the biggest challenge is becoming re-established as an area teacher. Thankfully, participating in Golden community events lets people know about us.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: For more than 10 years, I have been offering and coordinating one of the largest belly dance festivals in the country. The festival was born in Evergreen and moved to Golden seven years ago. The last week of April, downtown Golden is flooded by hundreds of belly dancers. In 2016, Elevation Belly Dance Extravaganza (April 28-May 1) will feature three big shows and dozens of workshops. I am also the creator and coordinator of a brand new event: Illumination Marketplace and Masquerade in Golden, Nov. 13-15. Zoe Jakes, belly dance superstar and member of band Beats Antique, will be teaching workshops and performing at our masquerade ball Nov. 14.
Profile
Business: Studio Muse
Address: 1111 Washington Ave., Suite 100, Golden
Hours: 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday
Founded: 2014
Contact: 303-748-7689,
Employees: 1
