Dancer Christina Dadamo graduated from Ramapo College a few years ago with a focus on law and criminal justice studies. So, how did this path lead to becoming a successful female business owner with her own dance studio?
Let’s backtrack a bit.
Dance has always been an integral part of Christina’s life. She extensively studied dance as a child and as a young adult. Dance is her passion, and it shows. She shares her impressive dance skills online on websites like Instagram where she has a huge social media following with over 100K followers.
Growing up, dance was in her soul. She always knew, “someday I’d have my own studio”.
Christina Dadamo Dance Academy beginnings
While going to law school and also teaching dance classes, Christina had an unexpected business opportunity fall into her lap. Like, kismet.
Rather unexpectedly, Christina and her mom discovered a perfect gem of a space to create the future Christina Dadamo Dance Academy.
“It was the perfect opportunity. It would have been crazy for me to say no to it. When I was a little younger I would always say that when I'm 22, I want to have my own studio,” Christina continues, “I don't know why I was so specific about it, but this definitely was something that just kind of fell into my hands.”
This perfect spot for her studio is in Mahwah, NJ. A former yoga studio serves as a fabulous space for sharing her love of dance with students of all ages.
A growing business
Right now, Christina is not only a business owner, she is also almost a one-woman business. Between her competition team, creating choreography, her social media presence, and growing class schedule, she is very busy!
Christina has a wonderful support system which certainly helps her studio run like clockwork. She’s especially grateful to her parents, and wants to thank them for their unending support. They assist her with competitions, concerts, moral support, and more.
Another dance teacher named Olivia is a wonderful asset, for which she is also very grateful.
Though, the majority of classes are taught by Christina.
“I choreograph all of the routines and I'm teaching the majority of the classes. Olivia and I used to dance together. We just, you know, worked really well together. So, it's just us right now.”
The Christina Dadamo Dance Studio offers about three or four classes a day, typically six days a week. Christina teaches many private lessons, as well.
Her business is quickly growing!
“There's always a private lesson going on. Most of the time I'm double booked, too.”
Christina has about 60 students of all ages, with the largest age bracket being the 12 to 17 age group. She enjoys teaching all ages and all styles of dance but does have a favorite.
“I enjoy our leaps and turns class because I love teaching turns.”
The importance of dance
Christina stresses how important dance has been in her life, and the lives of so many.
“Growing up, my mom put me in dance. Through school and life, sometimes there are different challenges that life throws at you. It's really nice to express yourself through movement. It was like a form of therapy for me, personally.”
Beyond that joy and freedom, Christina shares that dance can be a wonderful social outlet, too. Some of her best friends were made through dance. She often still studies to keep her skills fresh and to learn new things - when she can fit it into her busy schedule!
A young female business owner
At only 22 years of age, Christina is a real “do-er”, a creator, and a hard worker. She’s building a wonderful business for herself at an incredibly young age.
When asked if she has any advice for other future female business owners, Christina shared that she encourages women at any age to get out there and make their dreams a reality.
“I want to say, just go for it! That would be my biggest advice. I was really uncertain when I originally saw that this was going to happen. This was the first decision I made that I really just threw myself into,” she continues, “It just works out if you work hard. So, I say just go for it!”
For further information on the studio, classes, and Christina herself, visit: christinadadamodanceacademy.com
