Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Quandt.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Dance has been in my life since the day I was born. My mother owned a dance studio (which still exists today and has been around for 48 years) and I was fortunate enough to have her as my mentor and dance teacher. I started dancing at the age of three and it has always remained a huge part of my life.
When I was young, I remember preparing dance shows with my sisters and who each own dance studios by the names of Fusion Dance as well! We would go and tell the whole neighborhood about it. We would dance in the garage and when the garage opened, that would be our curtain and stage! We always spent our free time making up dances and enjoying all things related to dance. I guess you could say it was in our blood. I also played many sports growing up and dance really helped me with balance, agility, and athleticism.
I decided to further my education by going to the University of Arizona to become a dance major. This top-notch program made me realize I wanted to dance professionally and make this my life! After college, I pursued my professional career by dancing with many different companies and shows all around the world.
I lived in Paris dancing professionally for 5 years and then moved to Sydney, Australia where I found my love of teaching and judging dance competitions for over 2 years. This love then moved me to San Diego roughly 4 years ago. I had retired from performing and wanted to focus more on teaching and judging dance competitions. This let me travel around North America which I loved and also teach in San Diego and guest teach throughout the USA! All of this led me to the best and most passionate decision I have made in my life to this date. To co-own Fusion Dance in Solana Beach with my husband Anthony!
Dance has shaped me into the person I am today, and I know how important it is in people’s lives. My mission is to deliver as much knowledge to my students, and guide them along on their journey in life. Just as my teachers did for me. I am also a big believer in being accepting and welcoming towards everyone, which I feel is a big focus at Fusion Dance. This philosophy is very important and I want my students to feel loved and accepted and know how important they are!
Please tell us about your art.
I let students feel through movement. I let them express. I let them emote. I make them work hard, and always doing this through a positive fun, happy, healthy, environment.
Self-expression through movement is vital! I always hope people take away self-confidence through my classes, and also believing in themselves. This is something everyone can do,
I also feel that it is important my students know I am there for them and care for each and every one of them! My dance teachers did this for me, and I realize what a great impact it can make on a student’s life!
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
My advice is to follow your passion and do what you love. There are many different outlets in life, but I feel being an artist is just so beautiful and important. We are all our own artists. Everyone can be a dancer…and… Smile…It makes life more FUN!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
We have our very first annual show on June 16th, at the Escondidio Center for the Arts.
Contact Info:
- Address: Fusion Dance 140 S. Solana Hills Dr
Solana Beach, CA 92075 - Website: www.FusionDanceSolanaBeach.com
- Phone: (858) 369-0071
- Email: Justin@FusionDanceSolanaBeach.com
- Instagram: @FusionDanceSolanaBeach
- Facebook: @FusionDanceSolanaBeachCA
Image Credit:
Justin Quandt
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Jerry
January 2, 2019 at 3:45 pm
Great success Justin ! Very proud of what you’ve done n become
Your students depend on you for that shining lite that will guide them on the right path
Congrats Jerry