Check Out Sylvie Gilbar’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sylvie Gilbar. 

Hi Sylvie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have been dancing on stage since the age of two. I have extensive knowledge in Ballet, Jazz, Hip-hop, Contemporary, Modern, Ballroom, Heels, and Bollywood dance. I started teaching dance classes at just 11 years old to kids around my neighborhood. At 15, I started my first volunteer teaching job at Everybody Dance Now! A non-profit dance organization.

When I went to college, I noticed there was barely any dance classes for adults. I decided to change that. In 2017, I reached out to the Recreation Center at Cal Poly SLO to bring dance cardio and Heels classes to the campus. I taught there for 3 years. During the pandemic, I moved back to my hometown, Santa Barbara. I rebranded my business and started teaching all over the county. It was amazing getting to give back to my community again. Once things started to normalize, I decided I wanted to try out “city life” and move to San Diego!

I had to start my business over completely once again. It was so scary. But it was the best decision I ever made. It has been a little over a year since I made the move to SD.

I absolutely fell in love with the city and the dance community. I just want my students to grow as individuals, feel confident, supported, and just have fun!

This is how the Certified Baddie Heels was born!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely been a bumpy road. Mentally and physically. Entrepreneurship is hard in any industry. I had to start over completely 3 times from moving around so much. I had to adjust to different community dynamics and cultures. There has been times where I wanted to quit. But when I teach a class, I’m reminded why I do what I do. I LOVE teaching with every fiber of my being. Watching how much these students support each other, their confidence, and how much they love this dance format is all the motivation I need. 

The physical aspect has been difficult as well. I was a professional dancer but had to retire super young. During rehearsal for a show, I felt this cold chill through my back, and all of a sudden, my neck was stuck at a 45-degree angle, and I couldn’t move. I was diagnosed with a rare condition that causes my muscles to spasm. I was told I would never dance again. It was one of the hardest adjustments I had to make. I knew I couldn’t stop dancing. Which is why I decided to start teaching rather than performing. I’ve learned to listen to my body and modify my movements to fit my body’s needs. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I own a dance brand called Certified Baddie Heels. We aim to make dance financially & physically accessible and fun for everyone. It is never too late to start your dance journey, especially as an adult. Dancing in heels creates a sense of power in oneself and is a crazy confidence booster! 

Additionally, we have a performance team and ambient dancers for events. We also host private Bachelorette classes and wedding dances. 

I am most proud of the community I’ve been able to cultivate within my classes. Everyone is so supportive of each other and strive to become the best dancer they can be. It is truly free of judgment and is a safe space for everyone wanting to experiment with dance. 

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
After my diagnosis, I knew I could no longer dance the way I used to or the styles I was used to (contemporary/ballet). I tried a heels class and instantly fell in love! I trained in the style for a few years and then was pushed by my mentor Paris Celeyne to teach classes. After that, I started my business and never looked back. Best decision I ever made! 

Pricing:

• Classes $18/each
• Private Group Party $35/pp

Contact Info:

• Website: Certifiedbaddieheels.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/certifiedxbaddie?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/certifiedxbaddie
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCzeeEqR8Qn-AHcpuK1J_RtA
• Other: www.tiktok.com/@certifiedxbaddies

Image Credits
Cesar Cartagena
Brin Starks
Jake Douglas