Daily Inspiration: Meet Michelle Marzejon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Marzejon.

Hi Michelle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started dancing at the young age of 4. My mom soon figured out that I loved performing. I continued to dance and perform and eventually started to be an assistant teacher. I fell in love with teaching and choreographing. I remember around 12 years old I said I wanted to move to LA or New York to dance and if that didn’t work out I wanted to open my own studio. I did start teaching on my own once I was 17 and eventually moved out to LA when I was 20. After a couple years doing some minor shows and performances I ended up getting a 6 month dance contract in Japan. After performing there I ended up working and traveling with the Auto Shows and continuously going to Japan for shorter performances a few years to follow. During all the traveling I began a competitive dance program at a studio in Ann Arbor, Mi. While teaching there for several years there I was offered a position to teach at a new studio opening up in Brighton Mi. After a year there I was offered a position to be the dancer director and part owner. I took that position and after several years there it no longer worked for me. After many studio parents and some other people in my life continuously expressing that I should open my own studio, I finally decided to do so. With lots of help from some amazing people Mind you I never went to college (except for one semester) and have no experience with running a business. In 2004 I took the leap and was able to get a small business loan and opened MADPAC Michelle’s Academy of Dance and Performing Arts Center. And now 21 years later I am still going strong and better than ever. Of course it has not been easy! The recession in 2009, covid 2020, lots of ups and downs for sure. But I am still going and happier than ever.

There are more details and things to this story however there is too much to go into.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, may speed bumps. I came from a single mom, dad passed away when I was 6 years old mom went to waiting tables for a living after not working, My older siblings were all out of the house by the time I was 9yrs old. I had to grow up fast and take care of myself at a very young age. I have worked since I was 11 years old and had no college education (only 1 semester) or experience of any kind in running a business. The business went through some very hard times during 2009 recession and of course surviving through covid.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I love working the kids, watching them fall in love with dance, building confidence in themselves and become passionate about something.

As for a specializing in something I do not thing there is one thing I can say, I do love to choreograph and create pieces that dancers enjoy performing and help to make the audience feel something.

I am proud of where I am today. I came from a not so great or easy childhood and had dreamed of this but honestly never really predicated this could happen to me. Proud that I can do something I love to do, work with some incredible humans and to be able to work for myself.

I am a loving passionate person and I believe my students can see that. My studio is very warm and welcoming. We are helping to raise good, strong, confident human beings. There is a positive energy and vibe to our studio the minute you walk in the doors.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Do not rush into opening your own business. Do your research. Make sure this is something you really want to do. It’s a lot of work owning a business, be prepared to work around the clock, especially the first few years.

Find a location that you are known and not to close to another business similar to yours.

Have a good business plan and accountant.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, reach out to others and get as much information as you can.

If you are thinking of opening a dance studio be prepared to work with kids of all ages, levels and behaviors.

Be prepared to work with all different types of people and personalities.

Pricing:

• Monthly Tuition $54 & Up
• Costumes $65 & Up

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.madpacdance.com
• Instagram: madpacdance
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MADPACDANCE/
• Youtube: @madpacvideos