We had the good fortune of connecting with Elizabeth DeRusha and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elizabeth, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
Hard work and the ability to overcome obstacles. Owning a business is a constant challenge and you have to be willing to face the challenges head-on and continue moving forward. Sometimes it’s easy to do, but other times it can feel really difficult.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We have two studios. Edge Dance & Performing Arts Center offers dance, theatre, and vocal training to students ages 2yrs & up. It was opened in 2012 and is on the East side of Plano. In 2022, we opened Twinkle Star Dance Academy of Plano (TSDA) which is on the West side of Plano. TSDA offers dance training to students 2yrs and up.

I think what sets us apart from other studios is our commitment to training students right from the start. Our classes are the perfect balance of structure and fun. Our students begin learning proper terminology and technique from their very first class. We feel great about our students getting a great education and the students feel like they are just having fun.

I had a love of dance growing up and volunteered in my community for many years before opening my first studio. I definitely wouldn’t say it was easy, but I love what I do and I feel grateful every day for the opportunity.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Definitely a shout-out to my family. Our business is successful because of the sacrifices my family has been willing to make. I would also shout out to other studio owners in the community. During Covid when no one was sure what was going to happen, I was able to build great relationships with other studio owners and those relationships continue to be amazing.

Website: www.twinklestardancers.com/plano and www.edgedance.com

Instagram: @tsdaplano and @edgedanceplano

Facebook: @tsdaplano and @edgedanceplano

Youtube: @edgedanceplano

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.