Meet Elya Coleman | Owner of A Time to Dance Studio

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

Hi Elya, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Our Culture is the most important factor in the business. We believe that every child has God-given worth and that when they walk through our doors we want each child to feel how important, special and loved that they are. We believe that our dancers are made for so much more than just great dancing, they were made to be incredible human beings with purpose. The reason this is so important is because it truly impacts how we do everything that we do and how make decisions. We want to make choices that are best for these kids. We believe in a staff that is educated and fully trained yet teachable and humble. Our staff teach dance because they want to make a positive impact on the next generation and because they truly care of these kids! This is why I am doing what I am doing, because I started dancing at the studio at 6 years old and my teachers poured, love, purpose and truth into me during every class. Now that I have the honor of being the leader of the same studio I grew up at, I know that we must continue the legacy and culture that A Time to Dance has had for the past 33 years.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I began dancing at 6 years old at A Time to Dance Studio. It was there that I fell in love with dance, I began dancing more because I realized that when I dance, is when I feel closest to God, I realized that God created me to worship Him through dance and it become part of who I am, not just movements. After high school I moved to Houston to dance with a dance company for a year and then I moved back to the area and joined a training program and from there joined their company for 4 years. During that time I began teaching at A Time to Dance Studio as well as taking on admin work. I started A Time to Dance’s Oaks Dance Company, the first performing group for our studio and began to fall in loving with pouring into kids what had been poured into me. Dance is so much more than just dance, it’s communication, expression, vulnerability, release and worship. Dance lessons teach life lessons.

In 2016 We were offered the opportunity to buy A Time to Dance Studio, I had a 2 year old and was pregnant with my second child. But we knew without a doubt this is what we were called to do so we said our “YES”

Stepping into a business that has already been in action for 25 years has its ups and downs. Making changes that fit my vision as an owner while keeping the legacy that has been built from many years can be difficult. We chose to honor all that had been done while still slowly shifting the studio into what it is today. One of the most challenging things has been learning balance, making sure that I am giving everything I need to the business while also giving all that I need to my family. The first few years I did not handle that well but slowly, I was able to build an amazing team at the studio so that I was able to delegate many of the things I use to do.

Let me tell you something, most people who start a dance studio do not do it because the want to own/run a business, they do it because they love dance! This was the case for me, but after a few years of ownership I realized I needed to step out of the classroom so that I could efficiently and confidently run the business. I joined a group of Dance Studio owners from all across the nation called More than Just Great Dancing” where I have been able to be mentored, encouraged and held to a high standard by some of the industries leading professionals. I never use to think of myself as a “Business women” but I began to eat up all the business seminars, trainings and classes I took. I began to love accounts, marketing, KRAS, networking and more, and the more I learn, the more I love it. I am still learning so much everyday and that is very important at A Time to Dance, that we are always teachable and always learning.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Great Question! I would have to take them to the Denton Square and eat at Barley and Board. I enjoy the small town feel and how you can’t go there without running into someone you know! We would also have get some good BBQ and find some productions in the area to go see.

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?
2 people… Pam McCurley, the founder of A Time to Dance Studio and my first dance teacher and mentor. A Time to Dance Studio would exist without her “YES” and without her belief in who I was called to be I would not have been able to step in and do what I am doing now.

Also

Clint Coleman, my husband and silent part owner of A Time to Dance. He does all the behind the scenes things to keep the studio running but more than that He encourages me every day to dream big, supports me and loves me through it all as well as making sure our 4 kids are taken care of when I’m not home, he does al of this while running his own business as well!

Website: www.attds.com

Instagram: @atimetodancestudio

Facebook: www.facebook.com/atimeto.dance.3