Meet Linda White | Dance Studio owner/teacher

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

Hi Linda, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
Parents, as well as teachers, have a profound impact on the lives of their children and students. In a dance studio. Students become like our own children and I have always taken my role very seriously with the responsibility and the influence that I have in their lives. Many times dance teachers spend as much or more time with students than their parents from a very early age until they are young adults. I approach my teaching with the same philosophies as I do my parenting.

First and foremost is allowing each individual child to become who they are … who their soul desires them to be. My own children were exposed to science, culture, literature, sports as well as the arts and entertainment. At my studio, we offer classes to include all children: dance, acting and voice. Not all bodies are designed to dance ballet, Most ballet dancers are not interested in Hip Hop. Not all dancers can sing. Acting can be pursued by many. This allows each student to explore the possibilities within the field of the performing arts.

Nurturing a child’s spirit can sometimes be a tricky pursuit. They may have the talent to be a ballet dancer but want to be a rocket scientist. On the other hand, they may desperately want to pursue dance, but their parents want them to be a doctor, lawyer or engineer. Luckily, I had parents who allowed the creative artist in me to supersede my scholastic abilities. I love my job and my life!

It’s much easier when a student or child has one singular goal or ability. It’s easier for the parent and the teacher to guide them in the direction of a one way street. More difficult are the children who are talented, creative, smart and could follow many avenues and be successful. But they will all be citizens of the world and my job whether as a parent or a teacher is to teach them integrity, responsibility, honesty, compassion, and the value of hard work. The best way to do this? Become the best model you can be and they will understand, learn and become the best human being their soul desired.

What should our readers know about your business?
I NEVER WANTED TO OWN A DANCE STUDIO! I was clear from an early age that it was a life that required sacrifices I didn’t want to make. I had a partner who said she would run the business and I only had to teach. This was the perfect scenario for me. BUT … she walked out 3 weeks after the studio opened. I was left with my own baby and a toddler, a 3-year lease agreement, a very generous, guaranteed salary for a teacher who was only willing to teach 2 classes a week and everything else that goes with owning your own business, I was overwhelmed and exhausted most of the time. But I felt obligated to fulfill my responsibilities. So I listened to positive self-talk and turned things around. (No, it was not that easy, but I don’t have time to write the book!)

I wish the world understood that we make a difference in the lives of the students we teach. As I was typing this, a mother of a senior student said to me, “My daughter will never be a dancer. But what she has learned at your studio is invaluable.” (She didn’t know I was writing about this subject.

Some do go on to careers in the performing arts, and I am so proud of them. Others become doctors or lawyers, and their parents are proud. But they all look back and acknowledge that “dance” made a difference in their life.

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?
Jupiter is rich with culture, history, and fun things to do! Food – too many great restaurants to choose just one – but I would recommend seafood wherever you go.
Entertainment – Maltz Jupiter Theatre
Animals – Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, newly located in Jupiter Farms; and Loggerhead Marine Life Center
Art – Lighthouse Art Center
History – The River Center and the Lighthouse
And of course, the BEACH! Sun and surf by the seaside.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Ms. Joan Miller was my dance teacher. Although I did not have the body to become a ballerina, I was given the same time, effort, encouragement and understanding as the classmates that went on to major ballet companies. I am eternally grateful for that,

I am grateful to my parents who paid for dance lessons and allowed me the freedom to explore life to its fullest.

To my husband who did not expect me to get a “regular” job but learned to be a marvelous cook because I was never home at dinnertime – Thank You!

Website: http://www.ArtStagePerformingArts.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artstageperformingarts/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ArtStage

Image Credits
Lindsay Carretero