Throughout the years, our readers have consistently inquired of us: "Can you recommend a dance studio for my child?" In-Step Dance Center (located at 449 Sawdust Rd. in The Woodlands) is always one of our top recommendations. They've been a staple in The Woodlands community for over two decades, and we LOVE and admire owner, Dana Sparks, for her creativity, her passion, community support, and relatability. It's our honor to spotlight this local business!
Tell us about your business:
We offer More than just dance classes! Yes, ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, drill team prep, technique are all important but we offer something from the heart that they can take with them for the rest of their lives! We inspire, We show passion, and through perseverance we continue to educate the Community about the Art of Dance.
How did you get started?I have been dancing since I was 3 years old. After traveling and graduating SHSU with a BFA in Dance, I went off to study dance in NYC and LA. Once back in Houston, I knew that I wanted to own my own studio and inspire dancers the way I was inspired. I was able to purchase the studio I was teaching at and am forever grateful for the opportunity. I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoy going into work daily and watching all of my dancers grow!
How much time do you spend each week working your business?
Do you have any special tips for balancing family life and work?What motivates you?
My dancers. Watching my dancers learn and grow always motivates.
What do you consider to be your biggest strength?
I would consider my biggest strength to be my dedication to my business and always finding a way to give back to my community that inspires me.
For better or for worse, it what ways has the current pandemic affected your business?
Unfortunately, like all small businesses, COVID has impacted our growth quite a bit this year. I am hopeful that in the weeks to come as the dance season opens we will see our dancers back at the studio doing what they love. In an effort to keep our families safe we have implemented stringent COVID 19 policies and procedures. We are also one of the only studios offering zoom classes for ALL of our class options - this is a great way for those students who do not feel comfortable attending in-studio to get the instruction needed to continue dance.
What would you like to be doing five years from now?
I would like to see continued growth in my business. I would also love to see In-Step go into their own building with a black box to stage musicals.
I pride myself on being one of the most established studios in The Woodlands. We have been in business for 22 years. I attribute my success in part to my experience in the industry but also to the culture of our studio. We are an extremely family-oriented studio. We work hard to know all of our students and their families personally. We also provide a wide variety of different genres of the performing arts. 
What's your advice to other moms who want to start their own business?
My business websites:
http://www.instepdancecenter.com
