Darlene Myers: Dance Studio & Ballet School

Small Business Spotlight

As we move forward in the building of our community, we are excited to continue to uplift the small businesses in our network.

Join us as we continue to celebrate these small business owners in our communities.

Today we are celebrating, Darlene Myers, Founder & Artistic Director of Myers Dance Studio & Ballet School

Can you tell us a bit more about your company?

I founded my school in Schenectady , NY 1985, following a professional career with Penn Ballet Co.

My return to the area found me teaching at Union college and SUNY @ Albany prior to the opening of the Myers Dance School. During my ten years at Union, I was honing my teaching skills and teaching children’s classes. This became the focus of my life’s work, which lead to the founding of the school. We then created the Northeast Ballet Company, resident company of Proctors.

What’s something your company has worked on that you’re most proud of? Why does this part of the work resonate with you the most?

I am proud of many of my dancers who are now in professional companies and on Broadway — one just opened in a new Broadway show this past May.

What was your first job? What did you love most about it?

I grew up in the country, and am an only child. In ballet class… although many people think it is a social thing, for me it was about finding solidarity and empowerment in myself. It was my meditation. It made my childhood work.

I always wanted to be a dancer and achieved it at 17 with a contract with Pennsylvania Ballet in Philadelphia.

What is the most important piece of advice you have been given about money and/or owning a business? Who gave it to you?

Right now ! I wish I’d been given more advice about money and mentored by more people. When Covid hit, I was no where prepared financially, spiritually or emotionally ready .

Having a School and managing it for over 30 some years, one would think, I would have been more prepared. This was not the case. As an artist first and a business owner second, this has left me devastated on all levels — mostly financially.

Best piece of advice: choose the people you work with well. Be selective. Beware of Their motives. Who gave this advice to me? One of my first students .

How would you say your company/organization positively impacts the community?

I hope we have given young people a place to express themselves through the art form of dance and performance — to be able to grow up through the school and to contribute to the entertainment force of the community while doing so.

How has the funding that you received through the Berkshire Bank Foundation helped you and your company during these times?

We are so thankful for this grant . It has allowed us to offer students to train on zoom during these difficult time. It has been a so needed pure for them. Most of our students train 5 or 6 days a week (when things are normal) . So to be able to at least have their teachers 2 or 3 times a week has been wonderful for them. It has given them some sense of normalcy. Ballet is a huge part of their routine.

Be encouraged to connect with Darlene and her studio & school at:

www.myersballetschool.org or www.northeastballetco.org & on Linkedin

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