Describe your business in one sentence.

The Children's Dance Conservatory and Island Youth Ballet are dedicated to providing the highest standards for teaching classical ballet to the children and youth of Mercer Island.

Are you an Islander? How did you decide to open a business on Mercer Island?

I am not an Islander. Decades ago, I responded to an ad found in the Mercer Island Reporter advertising a vacancy for a qualified dance instructor in a local dance school. That was more than 30 years ago, and the rest is history. There are very few days when I am not on Mercer Island teaching in the ballet school.

Do you remember the moment or time when you told yourself, “I have to do this”?

When I turned 5 years old, I knew I wanted to be a "teacher." At the time, I didn't dream this journey of a lifetime would contribute to becoming an accomplished supporter of the arts or even as a teacher in the dazzling world of classical ballet. The years of dancing and training and, more significantly, accreditation with the Royal Academy of Dance have allowed me to realize my dreams and accomplishments.

What makes your business so unique?

My business is unique with its personalized approach to teaching. Every student is nurtured to be intellectually, athletically, and artistically present. Every student is expected to contribute with recognition to this quality training, understanding its privilege and unforeseen gifts for many years to come.

What was your experience adapting to the new COVID reality?

COVID has become the school emblem for adaptation, creativity, sustainability, and empathy in the school. Learning to teach virtually and to understand the specific developmental needs of each training level was at first daunting. There were successes and failures within each setting. The more technically evolved students actually improved in their virtual isolation. For the younger students, it was responding to their loneliness and the changes COVID imposed. For these students, it was important to regularly remind them that the world remains still a magical place.

We often say innovation comes from questioning the status quo. Have you uncovered new ways of doing business or launched new products or services that you would not have thought of before? How did it work out?

Following the virtual cycle of lessons, on-site classes were scheduled during the month of August. Class size was limited to no more than four students per session. Adequate time was allowed for disinfecting and staggering entrances & exits to keep [students in different dance] levels from interacting. The two tenants in the premises split business hours of operation in order to enforce social distancing.

If there was a single product, service, expertise, etc., your business should be known for, what is it?

Excellence and community.

Tell us something about your business that would surprise us.

I never imagined the school's production of The Nutcracker would become the life of the school! Students live for this holiday event from the minute it ends to the minutes it comes around again. Rehearsals are lively, and students bond in a way they would not otherwise. They relish the glamor of the ballet stage.

What is your favorite Mercer Island spot?

The little red school house on the corner of SE 68th Street and Island Crest way

Since you've been in business on Mercer Island, what have you discovered about Islanders or the Island community in general?

The Mercer Island community is warm and engaging while caring deeply that their children are well-educated, well-rounded, and safe. The parent volunteers in the school are so generous with their time and gifts. Without these volunteers, productions such as The Nutcracker would not be possible.

When you aren't working, what's your favorite pastime?

I love eating well, gardening, being out of doors, and enjoying the company of family and good friends. I love books, movies, and adventures.

If you had to convince a non-Islander to come discover Mercer Island, what would you tell them?

Drive through it and see! The parks, the waterfront beaches. You will be enchanted with Mercer Island's beauty and opportunities. You will notice evidence of community involvement and outreach. The walkers, the runners, children riding their bikes, and the old forest tress of Pioneer Park, to name a few.

Learn more about the Children’s Dance Conservatory and Island Youth Ballet at www.childrensdance.org.