Interview Question:

What drives your approach to running a dance and wellness studio, and how do you handle the challenges that come with maintaining ethical standards in such a competitive industry?

 

Myaja's Answer:

As the owner of Majestic Strength LLC, a dance and wellness company, my main focus is to elevate dancers through holistic education and mental health support. I know firsthand how cutthroat the dance industry can be, working as a professional dancer myself. The pressure to excel is immense, and dancers are often expected to perform at high levels, sometimes at the cost of their well-being. This creates a constant ethical challenge for me as a studio owner.

One of the toughest challenges I face is finding the balance between pushing my dancers to reach their full potential and ensuring their mental and physical health remains a priority. Dance requires discipline, but it’s equally important to know when a dancer needs rest or support. Striking that balance is difficult in an industry that often rewards those who push themselves to extremes.

Unfortunately, I’ve experienced the consequences of this firsthand. This only reinforces my belief that the well-being of dancers should never be sacrificed for the sake of performance. I actively work to create an environment where my dancers are challenged without compromising their health or self-worth.

Discrimination in terms of body type, race, and gender is also a prevalent issue, and I am committed to fostering a more inclusive environment. In everything I do, I aim to challenge the norms while ensuring that my dancers feel supported, not just as performers but as individuals. It's about balancing high standards with a responsibility to care for the people who are part of the studio, and I’m constantly navigating that line to create a space where my dancers can truly thrive.