During Rachel Cantor’s performing career in musical theater, she would often teach dance at a children’s play space in between shows. She realized that teaching was not only something she enjoyed and was good at, it also provided more stability. “I thought, Instead of doing this for someone else, I could do it for myself,” Cantor tells Dance Teacher. Hence, Dance with Miss Rachel was born in 2012.
Now, the popular studio has locations across Manhattan—in Tribeca, the Upper West Side, and the Upper East Side—and, on Long Island, summer classes in the Hamptons. Dance with Miss Rachel engages kids ages 10 weeks and up through storytelling, imaginative song, and movement, teaching them skills in ballet, voice, musical theater, and more.
Cantor spoke with Dance Teacher about what she’s learned as a studio owner over the years and what’s made her business a New York staple.
What aspect of your business has been most challenging?
People always ask, “Did you go to school for business?” and the truth is, no. I went to a conservatory for musical theater. I had no business background other than having my parents, who are businesspeople, answer all of my questions. My mom is a banker and my dad is a certified public accountant, so they were able to help me on those things I truly had no experience with.
What has been the best advice you’ve been given?
I am really working on staying in my own lane. That’s really challenging for me. When I first started, I was one of the only names in the game and as the years have gone on, children’s programming has become more and more popular. There’s a class for everything and there’s many more dance and performing arts studios here. It can be challenging to see other businesses pop up, but I just try to keep my head down and keep my mind on our business only. I also truly believe that what we do is the best. The proof is in the pudding.
When you are hiring teachers, what type of qualities do you look for in them?
I always say that within one second, I can know if someone has the sparkle or not. I don’t think that sparkle is something you can teach. You innately have that ability to connect with children and grown-ups. The bulk of the people that work here are musical theater performers or have a similar background to me. We like to hire friends of friends, so our teachers will usually bring in people they know who would be a good fit here.
What top tip would you share with other studio owners on running a successful business?
In the beginning, we tried all things. We would have boys-only classes or run classes for 15-year-olds because I wanted to please everyone and offer everything. Then I realized over the years that you don’t need to be the best at everything, you just have to be the best at what you do. We identified that we are the very best at teaching students age 12 and under. Boys are welcome in all of our classes. Focus on what you can bring to the market that is lacking or that is unique to you and your background, because that is what ultimately will make you successful.
Is there anything that keeps you up at night these days?
The screensaver on my phone says: “Say yes, and figure it out afterwards.” That’s kind of how I operate. I don’t like to turn down opportunities or say no to things that are within the realm of what we do. So making sure that we can follow through on all of those things is something that I think about all the time. I also constantly think about ways to expand and stay fresh. We don’t want to continue doing the same things we’ve been doing, but be innovative.
Since you work primarily with young children, what’s the biggest lesson you hope to impart on your students no matter how they continue in the arts as they grow older?
I think anyone can dance and anyone can perform. We don’t have a dress code here, and I think that’s something that also sets us apart from other studios. If a child comes and parents say, “She won’t put on a dress,” we say, “That’s absolutely no problem. She can come in sweats and bare feet.” Anyone is welcome and everyone can dance. Everyone deserves that chance. I have two little girls myself and I have watched certain parts of their personalities come alive when they are here or when a teacher says to them, “You got this. You don’t have to have it perfect or know every single step.” It’s most important that students are having fun, gaining confidence, and understanding that anyone can be a dancer.
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