A conversation with Amy O’ Reilly, founder of Dance Concepts.
Tell us a bit about yourself & Dance Concepts.
I started Dance Concepts about 8 years ago because I had this huge passion for dance and wanted to share it with as many people as possible. I knew there was space in rural Ireland for creative dance classes that taught children new skills and provided them with a safe and supported environment to be creative, make friends and have fun! In the past 8 years we have expanded into new communities in Galway and Cork with many more openings in the next few months. I have stepped away from the teaching roll and more into the business management side of things which definitely has it's challenges.
Dance Concepts believes in inspiring confidence & creativity through movement. Can you tell us a bit more about this approach and the positive effect you’ve seen in your students as a result?
Our approach is child-centred. Everyone you meet will learn things a little differently but the majority of children will learn and gain confidence from praise. We focus on the good, we tell them when they are doing something well, we encourage them to push themselves and celebrate each and every win! We have had children who suffer from anxiety and won't attend school come to our classes and return to school within a couple of days, other children come to us so shy and self-conscious but within a couple of months are up on stage beaming!
Running a dance school that puts emphasis on a building a love of movement within it’s students must come from having a love of movement and dance yourself. Can you tell us about how your love of dance inspired you to start your own dance school?
I have loved dancing for as long as I can remember! I began classes at the age of 3, I have tried every style but my favourite has to be Musical Theatre. Something about being up on stage and performing always brings a certain buzz with it. I love the energy rush of the nerves and excitement that comes from putting something that you have created out into the world. The best way to do that was to share it with others, to have others experience that rush and to help them achieve that and put out their best selves into the world.
The community of business owners, especially female business owners, is a supportive & inspiring one. Can you think of a time when you felt this support?
Yes, a good friend of mine, Laura Bonner (owner of The Muff Liquor company). I met her at a time when I was struggling with the business and if I'm honest in my self-belief, imposter syndrome is the worst! I am a strong believer in everything happens for a reason so when this incredible woman sat down beside me and started chatting I knew it was the universe working in its wonderful way. Laura has been the biggest inspiration for me, she has created an incredible business and life for herself. Her 'for the better' attitude has helped me through the toughest of times.
Instilling confidence in your students is a big part of the Dance Concepts approach, what is your advice on gaining confidence as a business owner?
I think the most important thing is to gain self confidence in yourself too. It is something I struggle with and some days you feel like you are on top of the world, your vision is super clear, you can see you are on the right path and everything makes sense, other days you can feel like the world is against you, the smallest thing can knock you and nothing makes sense. I think if you can make your vision clear and lean into the powerful days, try to stay consistent with healthy habits (fresh air, drink water, exercise, meditate) hopefully the darker days will become less and less. When they do arrive, accept that it is going to be a slower day, set aside a few tasks and get them done and know that the stronger days will come.
What is your favourite part about running Dance Concepts?
My favourite part is when I see that what we do has made a difference in people's lives. When a child who struggles with anxiety gets up and performs for people, and feels amazing afterwards, when another child, who has had physical health struggles, masters that one step they've been focused on. When a community comes together to move and stays afterwards for the cup of tea and chats. When a group of teenagers works together to create a piece of art to put out into the world. Seeing the small changes in people from week to week within our classes. It is such a fulfilling job.
What would be your advice to someone wanting to start their own business?
Find your why and just do it! You are capable if you put your mind to it. You don't need to know everything to start, the learnings will come along the way. You will find people want to help so lean into that, you don't have to try to do it all on your own, so ask for help. Make sure to keep time for yourself away from the business, fill your cup first.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of Dance Concepts and the impact you hope to make on your students?
I want to reach as many people as possible through Dance Concepts, we want children all over Ireland to have access to creative dance classes so we can help them to love themselves and to be the most confident version of themselves. I want to ensure older generations have access to movement classes and communities. I want to keep growing and taking opportunities that come our way.
