Interview with Jen Emken, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: A group of teachers and dancers from several local dance studios came together with the common goal of creating an environment where dancers from all levels and abilities could shine, without the emphasis on being a competition studio. We took the knowledge and positive experiences from other local studios and turned these elements into a workable model.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: Dance Scene Studios truly believes that every dancer should be given an opportunity to excel, shine and learn to dance from their hearts. We do not put a heavy emphasis on competitions, but rather on creating opportunities for our dancers to perform regularly. Our company dancers perform at many local community events, as well as several nursing homes, local hospitals and rehabilitation centers in Aurora.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: I love watching budding ballerinas turn into accomplished dancers. These kids come to us and, within a short time, they are learning to enjoy dancing and refine their techniques.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Our biggest challenge is trying to find and encourage male dancers to take classes. There is always a need for more male dancers in the dance world. We hope that by increasing the number of boys classes, we will draw more boys into classes.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: Dance Scene Studios is the one dance studio who treats ALL of our dancers as treasures, and I personally know each dancer who walks through the door by name. I don’t ever want to lose sight of how each dancer is important to the studio.
Profile
Business: Dance Scene Studios
Address: 15161 E. Hampden Ave.
Hours: 4-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
Founded: 2010
Contact: 303-680-9536,
Employees: 15
