Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Van Note.
Hi Katie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My name is Katie, and I am a wedding dance choreographer in San Diego, California.
I happened into this passion and ultimately, career path through following my bliss and never giving up. I first got into partner dancing in my hometown of Golden, Colorado at weekly swing dance events at the Mercury Cafe. Swing dancing became one of my favorite hobbies which then led me to salsa and bachata, then came hip hop, samba, rumba, hustle, and west coast swing! I became a teacher at local scenes wherever I lived, including Baltimore, Glasgow, Scotland, and San Diego.
I moved to San Diego in the summer of 2018 to follow my dream of learning how to surf, but what I didn’t know was that I would fall into the most amazing career path of my life: teaching people how to dance for their weddings! Initially, I worked as a regular wedding dance teacher at The First Dance Place. I soaked up all of the expertise of the owner, her teaching curriculum, teaching technique, and lesson/project planning method. I was in a flow state teaching couples, I was SO STOKED to go to work, and I knew I had landed on something special.
Last year, the former owner of the company let me know she was looking to sell her business – she had moved to Connecticut and was ready to begin a new chapter in her life. So, I buckled up, took a deep breath in, and made a deal with her.
As of July 1st, 2022 – I became the new owner!
It has now been 7 months as the sole owner and dance teacher at The First Dance Place. I am more stoked than ever to be able to call myself a business owner of something that I love and cherish!!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not. And as business owners, we can NEVER expect it to be smooth – that’s why most people don’t go into business. One of the biggest struggles I’ve had along the way have been navigating dance studios and space requirements. When I bought the business last summer (2022), I was teaching in a not-ideal space. It wasn’t big enough or *pretty* enough for what I really wanted my clients to experience. After months of banging my head on a wall and wanting to give up, I found a random social media post that a local bridal alterations business owner (and former dance student) was opening up a new storefront in North Park! I swooped in and let her know I was looking for a new space (I mean, how perfect could it be!?), and since January 2023 we’ve operated out of the new and gorgeous studio in North Park!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Yes. I love this question!
In a nutshell, I help non-dancers and people with two left feet learn how to dance for their wedding. I offer lessons for the bride/groom, mother/son, father/daughter, group, and event choreography. Whether a couple wants to rock the house with a surprise medley or they want to keep it romantic and mellow with a slow dance – we do it all! I am known for being friendly, fun to learn from, and non-intimidating. My goal is to transform people from nervous, apprehensive, or scared about dance, to feeling confident & capable, walking away from lessons ready to receive loads of complements on their big day!
What sets me apart from other companies is my extensive experience in both leading and following and my training in a wide array of partnered dance styles. Most wedding dance choreographers only speak the language of either the follower or leader – which can hinder the couples’ progress and technique. I like the to think that my skills as a leader/follower and ease of communication with people allows them to learn faster and have more fun. But don’t take it from me – check out our Yelp Page!
What I am most proud of is being able to help couples, father/daughters, and mother/sons create a memory that will last a lifetime. I get to be a part of a really special moment with people. I am most proud when I get videos back from clients and I get to hear all the cheering and reactions from their guests and family. Every now and then, I actually get to see it in person! It is humbling and truly special to get to know my clients and help them create a lasting memory.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I learned that the economy can switch on a dime, and there is not true job security. Thanks, Covid!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thefirstdanceplace.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstdanceplace/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQP_oclAZuoUgTYgQa9oQKQ/videos
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-first-dance-place-san-diego
Image Credits
Jenny Thai
Copper Collective
Kami Olavarria
Chris Wojdak
Stockham Media
