At just three years old, I stepped into the world of dance. This art has changed my life in many ways, from learning true passion and work ethics to discovering that I want it to be a part of my life forever.
Check out my experiences, and see how I will take these experiences into my future through entrepreneurship.
Beginning my Dance Journey
After taking my first dance class at three years old, dance quickly became more than just an activity, it became a space where I learned discipline, resilience, and self-expression. As I continued training, I transitioned into a studio environment where I truly began to thrive. There, I discovered the balance between individuality and teamwork. Dance taught me how to focus deeply on my own growth while also contributing to a larger collective vision.
Choreography & Teaching
As my experience grew, I began teaching dance to students of all ages, which transformed my perspective on the art form. Teaching allowed me to step into a leadership role and see dance through new eyes, not just as a performer, but as a creator and mentor. Choreography became a powerful creative outlet where I could tell stories, inspire others, and help dancers discover confidence within themselves. Through teaching, I learned patience, adaptability, and the importance of meeting each dancer where they are while guiding them toward their potential.
Teaching Experiences
Project Intern
I provided dedicated support to the academy and managed various behind-the-scenes projects.
My responsibilities included managing student registrations, box office support, tracking attendance, organizing, creating advertisements, and handling communications with parents and students.
Dance Coach Intern
I had the opportunity to work closely with experienced coaches, where my primary focus was on in-practice instruction. This hands-on experience allowed me to observe coaching methods, learning how different approaches can be tailored to meet the needs of individual dancers. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of the importance of adaptive coaching.
Dance Instructor
In this role, I instructed dancers of various ages and taught multiple genres. My role involves implementing age-appropriate lesson plans that focused on technique, choreography, and performance skills. I’ve learn to foster and implement a positive and supportive learning environment, encouraging creativity, discipline, and a passion for dance.
Finding Mentorship
For the past eight years, I have been mentored by Liz Imperio, an industry professional who has played a significant role in my development.
My goal in seeking and maintaining this mentorship was to intentionally grow not only as a dancer, but as a confident instructor and future studio owner.
Through consistent guidance and feedback about both artistry and business, she has helped me refine my teaching style, strengthen my leadership skills, and think strategically about building a meaningful dance studio. As a result, I approach both dance and entrepreneurship with greater clarity and confidence. Her influence continues to shape the foundation of my career.
What’s Next for Devyn
I am pursuing the next chapter of my journey by opening my own dance studio in Tennessee after graduation. My goal is to create a space where dancers feel supported, empowered, and inspired to grow both artistically and personally. This studio represents more than a business; it is a vision rooted in community, creativity, and entrepreneurship. I aim to combine my lifelong passion for dance with strong leadership and innovative thinking to build an environment where every dancer can thrive.
Through the Starting Gate Student Business Accelerator Program at Western Michigan University, I was awarded funding to attend a professional dance teacher conference focused on educator development and studio leadership. My goal in pursuing this opportunity was to intentionally strengthen my skills as an instructor and prepare for the long-term success of my future studio.
By participating in workshops, industry panels, and conversations with experienced studio owners, I gained practical insight into class structure, curriculum design, leadership, and daily studio operations. As a result, I returned with greater confidence, a stronger professional network, and actionable strategies that continue to shape how I plan, teach, and build toward opening my own studio.