Today we’d like to introduce you to Bailey Hendrix.
Bailey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my dance journey in 2002 at the age of 3. I loved dance from my very first class. As I got older, I participated in a variety of styles (Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop and Contemporary). I joined the competition team at the age of 8 which fueled my love for dance even more. I began teaching dance and choreographing at the age of 16 and this taught me a whole new aspect of dance. I continued to choreograph and teach through high school and college. My students were awarded at regional and national stages in the competition dance world. After graduating college, I wanted to continue teaching and grow in my dance career. In 2023 I was present some choreography opportunities I couldn’t pass up. I was asked to choreograph for musical productions in the Dayton area, a half time show in Indianapolis and several inquiries from dancers around the U.S. With all of these exciting offers I decided it was time for me to file my LLC as a way to help me keep my business separate. Within a few months of filing I had been offered a studio to rent and had 5 competitive routines I would be traveling with. From there I started offering other classes and creating our mission. We just celebrated 2 years since formation and we now have a competition team of 7, a soloist program of 9 dancer and recreational program with about 30 dancers.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road as there are bumps in every journey. I have moments of doubt where I don’t believe in myself especially in times where growth is slow. I did not a lot of resources starting this journey off so my growth has been slow but also steady. I have an amazing support system and community that continues to cheer me on. I have had to deal with a lot of grief in the beginning of my business and now recently, as one of my close friends passed away, she has believed in me since before day one.
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 am a dancer, educator, and healthcare professional. My goal when starting off was to bundle of this into one place, a safe haven. We are known for inclusivity, health centered dance, performance quality and our variety of programs that provide flexibility, affordability and fuel the artist within. I am most proud of my dancers. I have some who have been with me since day 1 and continue to welcome and care for every dancer who comes in after them. I have dancers who are new to dance who continue to grow. I have dancers who do everything in their power to have dance fit into their life. I have dancers who come from all different backgrounds and abilities. That is what sets us apart, our heart, our drive and our passion.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Historically I am not a risk taker, I always played it safe, stayed with what was known or carefully calculated any variance of the outcome. Creating this business was a huge risk! I had 4 students starting off, no building, no seed money. I was starting from scratch. There were parts of me that thought I was crazy and I’m sure people who know me also thought that too (maybe still do). Putting all my cards on myself was a scary risk but I had people who cheered me on, I builded and worked to build something out of nothing and my work is paying off. The work will never be finished but it amazing to reflect on the growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vibedancecomplex.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vibe_dancecomplex/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550994944515
