Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Pearson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was 18 when I moved from Los Angeles to attend San Diego State University. I was looking for a job and I was hired by two local dance studios to teach children right away.
Not everyone likes teaching the littlest dancers, but I found that to be my greatest joy! I am a 3rd generation dance teacher and ballet is in the blood (my mom owned a successful dance studio for 23 years in Los Angeles and my grandma was owner/teacher of her own ballet/ballroom studio in Chicago, ILL for more than 50 years).
As I graduated from SDSU, I was looking for a new studio to teach dance that would be closer to my Rancho Bernardo home. A dirt sign in an empty lot said “Dance Studio Coming” in a brand new community of 4S Ranch. I applied and after 6 months of Danceology being open, they finally hired me. I have been with Danceology studio for 16 years. I have had the privilege of creating the children’s dance program as well as Special Needs dance and leadership program for Mentorship Students.
I have been a dance teacher for the past 19 years specializing in working with children. Born and raised in Los Angeles, I relocated to San Diego in 2000 to attend San Diego State University. Danceology has been my home for the past 16 years and I have the privilege of creating and directing multiple programs.
Currently, I direct Tiny Tot & Children’s Curriculum, Father-Daughter Dances, Adaptive Class for children with special needs, Birthday Parties, Summer Dance Camps, and the competitive Diva Division for 3-8yr olds. We are launching BOYS ONLY dance company this year and we also are entering our 2nd season with a leadership arm called Mentorship Students, geared at giving jr/sr high school student volunteer opportunities and leadership experience. For the last 12 years, I have directed Danceology’s youngest competitive dancers.
This all comes from being a student of ballet my whole life! I am a 3rd generation dance teacher (my mom and grandma both owned ballet studios for more than 50 years!). I was trained in ballet, jazz, and tap since I could walk & began student teaching for pre-ballet at age 13. From my own experiences as an Assistant Teacher, I have recently developed the Mentorship Program at DPAC, creating a leadership pathway for the junior high and high school students that desire to assist in dance classes.
My goal is to balance discipline with love in all her classes and to cultivate a warm and inviting learning atmosphere for young ones while providing the structure to teach true technique.
Personal Life:
I met my husband at our local church, City Church where we both attended Bible College in 2001. We were licensed as pastors in 2006 and we continue to serve the community as Marriage Pastors. Giving back is a huge part of our purpose in life.
We have 2 beautiful daughters, ages 8 and 10 who are the light of our lives! Both are competitive dancers, following in the family business.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Danceology has been a dream company, with incredible growth year after year. Our owner, Ms. Niki Lucia, is a true visionary and that changes EVERYTHING! I have been empowered since day one to dream a dream and make it a reality! There have been a few years where finances were tight and not every customer was happy.
We have lost students that went to new studios, let teachers go who had different visions or even wrong intentions, and had to restructure programs that were not working. The schedule of a dance studio is HARD! Long hours late into the evenings are not easy on family life, especially when competition season rolls in. Friday through Sunday will be 12 hour days all weekend long during 12-14 weeks of Spring.
Personally, I went through the most difficult years of my life in 2010-2011 when I battled Ulcerative Colitis. I had a severe situation where my digestive system failed and I fell into a coma. After 3 life-saving surgeries, and 16 months of medical treatment, I defeated the disease and have resumed life to it’s fullest! The emergency surgeries, brilliant doctors, and just the best support system from my family, church, and dance studio sustained me. All glory goes to God for giving me life!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the DPAC story. Tell us more about the business.
Danceology is not just another dance studio. We are world renown for providing dance education for recreational and professional dancers. Danceology Performing Arts Campus provides a nurturing, well-balanced and family oriented environment where education and creativity co-exist while inspiring our students to pursue their own dreams through the arts.
We offer dance classes in almost every genre, providing an opportunity to learn the fundamentals in a fun and friendly environment without the commitment of a competitive program. Dancers can learn a variety of styles from a compassionate faculty who will foster a passion for the arts. Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Acro, Pointe, Hip Hop, Boys Classes, Musical Theater, Technique, Stretch, and now Ballroom!
Danceology proudly offers a wide range of competitive programs to suit your dancers’ needs. Experience the difference of training at one of Southern California’s leading competitive dance studios by joining our award-winning competitive team. We offer teams for every age 3-18yrs and every skill level.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck. I trust a great God who has provided me with incredible opportunities. I have been a dedicated Christian for more than 30 years. I believe the Bible when it says “God works all things together for those who love Him,” God has worked incredible miracles in my life.
Prayer is my secret weapon. I pray about everything! I also am a firm believer in positive thinking and positive speaking! Word are powerful and you are living the life today that you talked about a year ago. So I am speaking life into my future daily!
I work with children every day. I am their role model. My goal is to be a light for them to follow.
Contact Info:
- Address: 10750 Thornmint Road Set.102
- Website: Danceology.biz
- Phone: 858-613-1155
- Email: jpearson@danceology.biz
- Instagram: @juliapearson
- Facebook: DPAC
- Twitter: @juliapearson
- Yelp: DPAC
- Other: DPAC
Image Credit:
Lenore Reese @lenorablemomentsphotography, Break the Floor Productions @ The Dance Awards
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