Q&A with a Dance School Owner

Alex Dunlop is the owner of ADA Dance School in Helensburgh. She opened her business this year, yet has been teaching all styles of dance for the past 11 years to students as young as six months in Tots classes to pre-professionals. Alex is also a busy mum of two children, aged one and three. She has taken the time to answer a few questions about her passion for dancing, teaching and little humans.

Tell us about your business.

ADA Dance is an incredibly inclusive dance studio that nurtures all artists of all ages. We pride ourselves on high-quality training by industry leaders and thrive on being a home away from home and a safe place for our dance family. Teaching not only dance but immense kindness and support of all your peers. The community spirit is very strong in Helensburgh and we are lucky to be located right in the heart of it.

We are also the home to babyballet Helensburgh, our beautiful pre-school dance syllabus. Our babyballet classes give toddlers, tots, young children and pre-schoolers the chance to learn to dance, gain confidence and shine.

What made you want to start this business?

I have danced my whole life – I started at the age of two and have been in love with it ever since. I performed professionally for many years and still do professional gigs here and there but when I started teaching, I felt like I truly found my calling.

After I became a mother, I really wanted to do something that would make my children proud of me – I chased my dream and made it a reality. It is hard work and a big juggle as a mother of two toddlers but I am lucky to have a solid support system around me. My husband has been my rock in my first year of business and my number one supporter. He has been by my side through all the highs and lows and keeps me level-headed, always making sure I stop to look at just how far I have come.

What do you love about your job?

I love watching my students grow. They have become like family to me and I get so proud to see them not only grow in age but in confidence, ability and strength. It’s an honour to be a part of their life journey and help shape their young minds, guiding them to believe in themselves. There is nothing more rewarding than teaching. They inspire me each and every day.

What's the best advice you've been given as a parent?

TO ROLL WITH IT! Ride the waves – all the ups and the downs and the emotional roller-coaster that is motherhood. There will be hard days, amazing days and everything in between. It can feel like your heart is walking around outside of your body and can be emotionally overwhelming. So I breathe through it and just “roll with it”. It helps me to stay calm and to stay present.

Take each day as it comes and celebrate all the wins – big and small.

ADA Dance is at 87 Parkes St, Helensburgh, visit the website for information on classes.