GETTING FIT FOR DANCE: A Dancefit class in action. Picture by Zara Staples
Dancefit Studios in Gisborne is a busy family business with a focus on community.
Fresh out of university 15 years ago after studying exercise science, Tessa Beattie — a little undecided about her future career but with a love of music and dance — took out a three-year lease on a building.
“Mum introduced me to the world of dance as a little one,” Tessa says.
“Both my grandfathers were well known pianists, so music is definitely in my blood.”
As a school student she started teaching dance after school and her focus gradually shifted that way, with a goal of opening her own studio. Her tertiary studies gave her a good base knowledge of the human body and how it moves.
Tessa felt there was a niche market in Gisborne and a need for commercial dance here.
“We started in 2008 with about 70 enrolled, from a leased building in Palmerston Road,” she says.
“The beauty of Gisborne is word of mouth, so as class sizes and the variety of genres offered expanded, it soon became apparent that we needed larger premises.
“After scouting various leasehold properties on the market we finally decided to try to buy our own building outright. This meant it could be customised to suit our business model and function as we needed it to.
“The current building now accommodates more than 500 students on rotation twice weekly. We can cater for these numbers seamlessly.”
Tessa was the sole operator for 10 years but five years ago was joined by her sister Anna, who has become an equal partner in the studio.
They now have a small faculty of teachers and a student support team who love dance and music just as much as Tessa and Anna.
“The beauty of our industry is the collective creative minds,” Tessa says.
“What we cultivate in each other is then passed on in classes and to our community. I am a huge advocate of music being so good for the soul. Music is uplifting and healing — it's a universal language that brings people together.
“Dancefit represents a sense of belonging. We hope all our dancers feel valued and part of a safe network.”
Every business strives to better themselves and tighten the cogs of the wheel, she says.
“We know our formula is stable but we continue upskilling ourselves and finding solutions when problems arise.
“The pandemic definitely hit the entertainment industry and it will take time to resurface. We have been so humbled by our loyal clients who have continued to support us through these times.
“Our drive is to continue to embrace our local community and keep their love of dance and musicality alive.”
The studio caters to pre-schoolers through to adults, with a range of commercial dance as well as fitness classes.
While Covid-19 has slowed down events and competitions over the past two years, the school has had plenty of successes with their students competing and taking national titles over the years. And twice a year Dancefit stages performances at the War Memorial Theatre.
“We are really lucky those events are so well supported and give us the opportunity to showcase all our hard work,” Tessa says.
The school has lately redefined its classes and is stronger than ever. She says there is always the desire to expand, but maintaining stable numbers is sufficiently gratifying considering the pandemic impacts of the past few years.
“Our instructors complement each other and we always reach our end goal as a company,” Tessa says.
“I'm really grateful for the unconditional support from my family that has allowed me to give the business venture a good nudge, and trust in its growth and development.
“Growing up in a small city like Gisborne has let us connect with a vast variety of people. Every day is different, which is exciting.
“Nothing beats the feeling of seeing your vision come to life.”