Lucinda Walsh School of Dance is a local dance school in Surrey that offers a wide variety of top quality dance that provides a warm environment whilst giving opportunities to take part in exams, shows and other performing experiences. I decided to speak to the principal, Lucinda Walsh to discuss her experiences of opening up a buisness and find out about the challenges of running a dance school but most importantly, how rewarding it can be. 

When did you decide to start the dance school and why?

"I always dreamed of having my own dance school, it was always in the pipeline. Upon graduating from university with a degree in dance I quickly started to gain experience volunteering for local dance companies. After taking on more responsibilities at other dance schools, I decided to put the hard work into practice for my own dance school, which I opened aged 21."

What was your biggest goal for the dance school?

"I wanted to create a safe and friendly environment in which dance was accessible for children from all walks of life, where opportunities were inclusive to all. I believe this to be true of Lucinda Walsh School of Dance. My biggest dream is to have a full time dance training establishment with companies such as Laine Theatre Arts and Italia Conti so that I can spend all day sharing my passion of dance, training students."

What is your favourite part about owning and teaching at a dance school?

Watching students flourish and accomplish things they didn't think were possible. Helping students overcome fears and gain confidence. Seeing friendships form and seeing the dance family pull together and support each other as part of our very own community."

What are the main challenges of being a buisness owner?

"The inability to switch off and find a balance between work and personal life. Having to always have a layer of extra authority as principal, meaning that sometimes you have to take a step back and watch students and teachers from the sidelines. Ensuring that there is enough income to enable the company to pay rents, staff and stay afloat."

How would you describe your company's workplace atmosphere?

"A fun, friendly, supportive and positive atmosphere. A company that allows lots of personal development, creates lots of oppurtunities for staff and support staff in all that they do."

Personally, being able to have a close realtionship with Lucinda from training with her through the dance school for many years, I have experienced first hand the amount of hard work, effort and determination she has put into creating an incredibly accomplished dance school and how grateful the students and staff are for creating such a wonderful team, all of which she should be tremendously proud of.