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

Hi Kevin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
During the Covid-19 shut down, ZOOM became a great way to stay connected to people. I decided to create an Instagram page and start promoting low priced dance, vocal and acting lessons to kids on ZOOM. My Instagram following is a wide spectrum of my hometown friends and family, people I have met out on the road or at sea and also friends here in NYC. I figured I could reach a ton of people and keep the arts alive at even the most depressing times. It started off slow with only a couple of students per week and then, a few weeks into the shut down, I had dozens of kids per week taking private lessons with me out of the comfort of their homes.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I was 23 and first took the plunge to move to NYC full time, I had no idea what I was going to do to survive financially. I moved with $800 and a dream and lived with a friend I had met doing a show. I lived in his studio apartment on a futon for many months. One day, I was down to about $100 and decided that I needed to find work. I went from restaurant to restaurant and bar to bar applying as a server or bartender. My very first stop was a restaurant called Market Cafe. They interviewed me on the spot and offered me a position. I worked there for seven years until they closed their doors in 2018 and the two owners are still some of my dearest friends! After they closed, I had no idea what I was going to do but, I knew I didn’t want to serve or bartend anymore. I had been teaching dance for many years and absolutely loved it so I decided to apply to more dance studios in the Tri-state area and make teaching my full time job. I am now celebrating my 7th season with one of those studios and have also started worked at the collegiate level!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have been in NYC now for 12 years. I have lived in Hells Kitchen, Harlem, Chelsea, Queens etc so, I have experienced many amazing bars and restaurants in my neighborhoods. If it was a week long trip I would make sure we hit the big stuff. Central Park, Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, 9/11 Memorial, Statue Of Liberty, The Edge at Hudson Yards, Shopping on 5th Ave. But, I would also bring them to some of my favorite restaurants and bars. Harlem Public, Red Rooster, Rosa Mexicana, Blue, Empanada Mama, Daltons, Tao Downtown, Catch. We would definitely be full after the visit! Along with food there are so many amazing Broadway and Off Broadway shows we could go to. Immersive Theatre is my favorite so, Comedy Clubs and Concerts would be at the top of my list for them to enjoy.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To my family for their support, to my friends for continuing to believe in me and to my employers for giving me opportunities to grow and excel in the arts!

Instagram: RaponeyDanceAndTheatre

Image Credits
@Eps_photo EPS- Entertainment Photography

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