Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanie Moreland.
Jeanie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
We are celebrating our 50th year in business this year. I studied theatre and dance at Butler University and graduated from Eastern Ky University with a teaching degree in Speech & Drama. I opened my dance studio in 1976 and taught in the public schools for over 20 years in the areas of English, Speech, & Drama.
As my studio grew, my students went on to perform and compete all over the United States, including Hawaii.
I am very proud of my dancers who went to perform on college dance teams, and professionally with the Radio City Rockettes,
Broadway Shows, Ballet Companies, and with NBA Chicago Bulls Dancers.
Several of my former students now own and operate dance studios of their own. A select few went onto pursue professional dance and acting careers in Los Angels, performing in movies, videos and ABC television series.
I have been a member of Dance Masters of America, a professional teaching organization for dance teachers for over 40 years.
I have judged pageants, dance competitions, and taught 1000’s of dancers through my teaching career. I donated my time and talents to direct and choreograph the Junior Miss Scholarship Pageant in Butler & Warren counties and directed the Miss Miami Valley Scholarship Pageant in Montgomery County, a preliminary to the Miss Ohio/Miss America Pageant.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I opened my studio, there were only 3 dance teachers owning and operating their own studios in a 10 mile area.
Now, there are over 25 dance studios in a 10 mile area. There is much more competition in this teaching field of dance.
Although there are many more children who now enroll dance, there are many more dance studios and gyms to choose from.
Also, there are many more activities and sports for children to choose and to participate in school.
When I first opened my studio, I was also a full time English teacher at Carlisle Public Schools. I would teach allay and go to the studio to teach each day after school until 9 pm. I was a solo proprietor and the sole teacher in the studio.
Now I have a teaching staff of over 10 teachers, front desk manager, competition director, and set and lighting directors for our shows.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a dance teacher, choreographer and owner of a dance studio I have worked with 1000’s of dancers ages 3-18.
Many have studied at my studio for over 10 and 15 years.
I have several students who remain with me to teach while they are studying in college, and have gone on to open their own studios.
My dancers have won top national dance awards, performing in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, Orlando, and Hawaii.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Our dancers perform in local festivals and parades, giving them experience, serving their community and promoting our dance studio.
Word of mouth is the best recommendation.
I am now teaching 3rd generation of dancers of my former students.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.JeanieMorelandDanceTheatre.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeaniemorelanddancetheatre
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558051799000
