Highlighting Howard Co. business
Encouraging a love of dancing - Dance Lab
Get up and Dance … or tumble … or Cheer … or go and compete. Either way, whichever is your choice … head on over to Dance Lab and start training.
Seeing the interest and the desire to learn the art of dance that existed in the community, Jessica Rutledge and her team decided to embark on a journey a few years ago and have watched it grow since.
“There are children in this community with a love and interest for dance, cheerleading, and tumbling, and all of our coaches, including myself are blessed with the opportunity to coach and instruct them in these areas, which we love as well,” Jessica Rutledge, owner of Dance Lab, said. “I have chosen to pour into this business because it is an amazing opportunity to bless many people, especially children, and have a wonderful time in the process.”
While the passion and love of dance serve as the foundation on which each of the instructors stand on, the business overall is much like any other in the community. The desire to pour into the community and be part of the growth is another sustaining pillar.
“Like many other businesses we love our community and have a desire to thrive and a desire to see other local businesses thrive as well,” she said. “However, if I had to pick anything that sets us apart it would be the level of excellence that my coaches and instructors bring to the table.”
Rutledge is supported by her head coaches and instructors: Keelee Allen, Megan Wilson, Kellie Hungerford, Jessica Rutledge. The Assistant Coaches and instructors are Anissa Arguello, Chloe Bustamante, Avery Allen, Justin Morrison, Jalynn Wagner.
“I pray all the families and especially the children who come to Dance Lab are blessed to be there. Any kids wanting to learn new skills, increase in their talents, compete, and grow in their skills can benefit from becoming part of our team,” she said.
The need is evident, but it’s not a need that can be met with just one dance studio. While there are many kids who would benefit from instruction in dance and many more who have a desire to improve their talent, Dance Lab is looking at ways to expand to further meet that need. At this time, according to Rutledge, the process has started to find a suitable building to own that would allow for expansion.
“My most pressing goal is to have our own building so that we don’t have to rely on leasing, and so we can increase our programs and classes,” she said. “We are at our limit right now and aren’t able to add one how we would like to add.”
Dance Lab is still on the uphill climb, as many small businesses are, from the pandemic that swept across the nation. With in-person classes being stopped for several months revenue went down. The recovery from that is still happening as classes begin to come back online and families begin to look at activities for the summer.
“Many people were afraid and nervous to bring their children around other children, and I don’t blame them. But now that reports and e-mails are coming out revealing the true nature and agenda behind the virus, as well as the efficacy of treatments available, I can confidently say that we are not afraid of the virus, nor will we allow such a pandemic, or the government to shut us down,” Rutledge said.
She continued, “We have had many opportunities. I am thankful to the community, and places like Howard College, and events like the Howard County Fair and Funtastic Fourth, for giving us opportunities to perform, and to my wonderful husband and family who have supported me so much and are helping me right now to get into a new building.”
As Rutledge continues to navigate her small business journey, she encourages others who are looking to venture out in their own endeavour to first look to God.
“‘Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans’ Proverbs 16:3. Also, seek wise counsel. Get advice. I cannot express this enough. Do not try to figure everything out on your own,” she said. “As smart as you are, you do not know everything. Also, pray for your business and pray for the people who work for you. Do not badmouth any competing business. Stay in your lane, and be willing to do the hard work that produces results, builds character, and sets an example.”
Another key point that Rutledge encourages to those who are able: invest in your company. While it’s understandable to need the income, her advice is to avoid paying yourself as long as you can and instead roll that revenue over into the business to help it grow and progress. She stresses the importance of this because this is what helped sustain Dance Lab through the pandemic.
“The support of the community encourages us greatly. I want to extend a heartfelt ‘Thank you’ to everyone who has supported us. I have recently received such great encouragement and support from so many people, and I believe that support helped save our business in a moment of unexpected uncertainty,” Rutledge said. “So thank you, thank you very much, Big Spring, Texas.”
Dance Lab is located at 1512 Birdwell Lane. Classes take place Sunday through Saturday. For more information, contact the instructors through Facebook on the Dance Lab page or e-mail dancelab19@ gmail.com. Also, visit www.dancelabbigspring. com to find out more.