Founding partners Bethany Stutsman Stimson and Jessica Pool are embarking on an ambitious journey with the opening of the Dallas Dance Collective (DDC) in the vibrant The Hill shopping center at the intersection of Lake Highlands, Preston Hollow, and University Park.
As the duo prepared to launch the new dance studio, they voiced their initial concerns about attracting enough dancers to occupy two studios.
However, in a promising turn of events, the prospect of filled classes is already unfolding even before the official opening.
Jessica Pool navigates the business side of DDC while managing a remarkably busy life as the wife of Dr. Mark Pool, a heart surgeon, and mother to ten children.
Amidst these responsibilities, she also owns the Bahama Buck’s located at Skillman and Audelia.
Her background includes experience as a high school teacher and marriage educator, including coaching teen mothers.
In her eyes, running a dance studio transcends mere business; it’s a form of ministry.
“I see this as a ministry because we’re teaching these kids skills to be successful in life,” Pool explains.
Although dance isn’t her forte, Pool emphasizes the importance of teaching communication, time management, and other life skills that children can carry into their futures.
On the other hand, Stimson brings a wealth of experience and accolades as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer.
Yet, her journey in dance has faced hurdles.
Stimson experienced disappointment after being cut from an elite competition squad when schedules conflicted with her commitment to the Highlandette drill team during her time at Lake Highlands High School.
These setbacks initially crushed her spirit, especially when she wasn’t named captain of the drill team, despite being a junior officer.
“I needed to hear that ‘no’ so that I could reassure my students when they face rejection that it doesn’t diminish their worth as dancers,” she reflects on her past challenges.
Following these experiences, Stimson had the opportunity to join the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders but chose to attend Texas A&M University instead, even though it lacked a dance major at the time.
Significantly, during her time at A&M, she signed up for a ballet class, leading to a pivotal moment when faculty recognized her training and invited her into the university’s new dance program.
Stimson thrived in this environment, ultimately refining her craft through extensive training and choreographic experiences.
After years of teaching and choreographing at various local studios, Stimson felt the time had come to embark on the adventure of studio ownership.
With Pool’s assistance, they found an ideal location in The Hill.
The studio’s design features floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook a sunny courtyard, a perfect backdrop for their dance classes.
During the Nutcracker season, Pool envisions hosting themed teas and breakfasts in the inviting courtyard space.
Stimson emphasizes the importance of light in the dance studio.
Having ample natural light creates an inspiring environment for the dancers, helping them appreciate the beauty of their surroundings as they work on their craft.
The studio will be equipped with mirrors on one wall and windows on the opposite side, giving teachers the flexibility to orient classes in different ways during instruction.
A core mission at DDC is to foster a positive body image among students.
Stimson believes that when dancers focus less on their appearance and more on their performance, they can achieve greater success.
“We want to ensure that the dancers see their bodies as instruments of their art, rather than objects to be scrutinized,” she explains.
While waiting for certification of occupancy to open the new studio, the DDC team has been meeting at Sway Dance Center in Richardson.
They conducted auditions and successfully assembled a company of 70 dancers, while also filling most of their recreational dance classes.
Opportunities are still available for preschool-aged dancers, and they’re expanding their offerings to include classes designed for young boys, known as the little Wranglers.
Company dancers will actively perform at community events, competitions, and seasonal shows, albeit with a fresh approach to traditional dance recitals.
Rather than adhering strictly to the end-of-year recital model, the DDC aims to provide a year-long training program for recreational dancers.
Pool highlights the significance of catering to the individual needs of their dancers.
Each child has unique aspirations, and the DDC wants to nurture those aspirations and guide them along personalized paths within the dance world.
While they aim for excellence, Pool emphasizes the studio’s commitment to preventing stress and burnout among their students.
Stimson envisions DDC as a pre-professional studio, yet wants to support students who balance dance with school activities.
In a world where young dancers often feel pressure to excel, they strive to create an environment that allows for involvement in academics and extracurricular activities like drill teams or future dance careers.
Pool underscores the value of high expectations coupled with a culture of grace and understanding.
“Our dancers prioritize us, but we also recognize they have other commitments,” she says, indicating an emphasis on balance.
For Stimson, taking on the role of a studio owner represents a new chapter in her career, one she has contemplated for some time.
Dance, teaching, and choreography are well-practiced passions for her.
Performing continues to hold a special place in Stimson’s heart, and she notes that every time she demonstrates her choreography for her students, it reignites that spark.
“It’s electrifying. Nothing can beat that,” Stimson shares, capturing the essence of her passion for dance.
As she delights in her students’ successes, Stimson describes her obsession with teaching as a powerful means to connect with the art form.
“I have absolutely become a better dancer and technician because I’ve had to teach it,” she reflects on the interplay between learning and teaching.
Pool praises Stimson’s outstanding talents as a choreographer and mentor, noting how rare it is to find someone with such dual capability.
In light of their evolving success, both founders are actively planning to expand within The Hill location, potentially adding 3-5 more studios, a black box theatre, and a dance retail area.
They have formed a ‘parent collective’ to foster parental involvement in the studio, and additionally, a nonprofit foundation aims to provide scholarships to aspiring dancers in need.
With anticipation building, they await final approvals from the city and are excited to celebrate Dallas Dance Collective’s grand opening set for August 17.
For anyone interested in classes or additional information, inquiries can be sent via email at [email protected] or through text/call at 972-583-6671.
In a related note, Johnny Stimson, Bethany’s husband, is preparing to embark on his world tour starting September 24 in Atlanta.
Dallas Dance Collective is located at 9840 N. Central Expressway, Suite D300, right behind WokStar.
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