Today we’d like to introduce you to Summer Williams.
Summer, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have had a passion for dance ever since I was a little girl, putting on shows for my family while standing on our brick fire place. My first major performance was at the age of 4 in my church’s talent show. My grandmother sewed my pink tutu and my mom tried to help me practice as I told her “No” I was the choreographer. That passion has grown with me, and my friends and family have supported me throughout the years. I grew up in Perris, Ca taking dance classes at various dance studios, and then in 2006 I moved to San Diego to attend San Diego State University as a Dance Major and Business Minor.
After graduating college in 2010, I moved to Washington DC for a year to pursue my career as a dancer, and during that time my interest in opening a dance studio was ignited. I returned home to San Diego where I worked as a Dance Director for several years, and finally in 2015 I opened Rap A Tap Center For The Arts. In the past 4 years my family has grown to include all of the students, teachers, and families that are now a part of my Rap A Tap Family. My husband, Michael Williams and our 1 year old son Kadeem have been my biggest supporters on this journey and continue to bring me joy though all of life’s ups and downs.
I currently run my dance studio, work as a dance teacher at CPMA Middle School, and have the roles of mom, and wife. I have a very busy life with not a lot of free time, but I know that all the lives I impact and every precious moment I spend with the people I love and care about is so valuable and worth it. I am looking forward to 2020 and all it has in store.
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?
I always say, “Nothing worth having comes easy.” This life is full of challenges. Sometimes you will be the only person who believes in you. Sometimes all the odds seem against you; there’s not enough money, enough time, enough help, enough courage, but you have to push through.
If you are the only person who sees your vision, that is enough!
My advice would be, don’t say no, because of fear. But be ok with saying no if it does not line up with your vision.
There have been people who really hurt me, nights I cried myself to sleep, days I did not have enough money to buy food, but you can give up or step up. STEP UP!
We’d love to hear more about Rap A Tap Center For The Arts.
I love sharing something that I am so passionate about with others. Seeing students love dance the way I do, grow in their maturity, and confidence, and just smile. I have been teaching dance classes since I was 18 years old, and I have taught everything from Ballet to African dance. My passion is Tap Dance! I love the sound of the rhythms and the endless possibilities of combinations of sounds. Throughout the years I have become known for my Tap dancing and teaching. I run a pre-professional Tap company at our dance studio, along with a Dance Team and recreational classes for all ages and levels. I also teach Dance classes at CPMA Middle School, and they have been gracious enough to partner with Rap A Tap so that our studio can hold classes on site.
I am also very excited that for the past 3 years our studio has hosted the National Tap Dance Day Festival in San Diego and this will be the first year expanding to a 3 day Tap Festival called SD Tap Fest. We are dedicated to spreading the awareness and appreciation of Tap dance and Tap History!
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
My biggest mentor has been my mother. I feel like she is so wise, and morally sound. I check in with her about almost everything, on the daily. I would also encourage young entrepreneurs to find someone in their area of interest and learn from them. There are a couple of other studio owners, and dance educators I know I can contact for advice or input, and it’s never competitive. They are so willing to share ideas, insight, and just listen. Don’t be afraid to ask people for help or insight. You would be surprised how willing people are to share from their experiences. There are also great small business organizations out there like SCORE that will connect you with mentors. Take advantage of those resources.
Contact Info:
- Address: Rap A Tap Center For The Arts
5050 Conrad Ave. 92117
(CPMA Middle School) - Website: www.rapataparts.com
- Phone: (619)500-7922
- Email: summer@rapataparts.com
- Instagram: @rapataparts
- Facebook: @rapataparts
- Twitter: @rapataparts
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_2yLLBxZaDMi0jx4Evuxcw
Image Credit:
Ralph Lovuolo Photography
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